Urban Climate Resilience Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Environment and Development Division’s Sustainable Urban Development Section is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The mission of this division is to promote sustainable urban development and resilience across Asia and the Pacific. Established to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change, the division collaborates with member states and stakeholders to implement effective policies and practices. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on enhancing urban resilience and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Urban Climate Resilience Intern position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in sustainable urban development and climate resilience initiatives. The intern will work closely with the Sustainable Urban Development Section, which is dedicated to advancing urban climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. The role involves supporting various projects aimed at addressing urban heat resilience, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to research and communication efforts. Interns will be expected to work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member, and will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the organization and implementation of meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities related to urban climate resilience, which involves drafting concept notes, agendas, and meeting summaries (35%).
• Assisting with program and project coordination tasks, such as maintaining project tracking tools, coordinating with consultants and partners, and monitoring timelines and deliverables (30%).
• Conducting research and supporting knowledge management activities, including preparing background materials and case studies on urban climate resilience and related policies (20%).
• Supporting communications and outreach tasks, which include drafting content for websites and social media, preparing visual materials, and organizing project documentation (15%).

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program related to international development, sustainable development, urban planning, or similar fields; or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a bachelor's degree program in a related discipline. Additionally, strong organizational and coordination skills, experience in supporting workshops or project coordination, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are desirable. Familiarity with climate change and sustainable urban development is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields such as international development, sustainable development, urban planning, environmental management, or related disciplines. This can include either a completed graduate degree or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program in these areas.

Experience:
The position is suitable for individuals who may not have extensive professional experience but possess relevant academic knowledge and skills. Experience in supporting workshops, events, or project coordination is desirable but not mandatory. The internship is an opportunity for practical learning and skill development in a professional environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of another language used in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Bengali, Nepali, Japanese, Urdu, Hindi, Sinhala, or Thai, is considered an asset. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is between four to six months, and it requires full-time, in-person attendance in Bangkok. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.