Intern - Digital Inclusion Policies and Practices

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 and is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to support the countries of the Arab region in achieving sustainable development through economic and social development initiatives. ESCWA operates in 17 member countries and has a diverse workforce of over 200 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors, including statistics, information society, and technology, to promote inclusive development in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is part of the Statistics, Information Society and Technology Cluster at ESCWA, specifically within the Arab Digital Inclusion Platform (ADIP) project. This project aims to foster inclusive digital transformation across the Arab region by assisting policymakers in developing and enhancing national policies and guidelines that promote digital inclusion and accessibility. Since its inception in 2020, the ADIP project has produced various tools, templates, and guidelines aimed at improving digital accessibility for all, particularly for marginalized groups such as older persons. The intern will gain hands-on experience in the substantive work of ESCWA and contribute to the ongoing activities of the ADIP project, which includes the development of a National Digital Inclusion Policy Template and organizing events focused on inclusivity in the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the ADIP project and ESCWA's broader objectives. Key responsibilities include conducting background research and compiling information relevant to digital inclusion policies, preparing statistical tables and graphs, and assisting in the preparation of presentations and background materials for project activities. The intern will also support the project team in reviewing documents and data to ensure accuracy and validity, assist in event preparations, and track work plans and milestones to ensure smooth implementation of project deliverables. Additionally, the intern will contribute to drafting reports, briefings, and correspondences, and may be involved in translating documents between English and Arabic. The role requires collaboration with the project team and may involve other related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations. Candidates should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Alternatively, applicants who have already graduated with a university degree are also eligible. Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and possess a strong interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also essential, highlighting the importance of tolerance and understanding differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. Candidates who have recently graduated with a relevant university degree are also eligible. The focus is on candidates who have pursued studies related to social sciences, international relations, public policy, or other fields relevant to the work of the United Nations and digital inclusion.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and an understanding of digital inclusion issues. Any previous experience in research, policy development, or project management, particularly in the context of social inclusion or technology, would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enable effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This internship is hybrid in nature, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.