Information Management/Library Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a prominent intergovernmental platform established to foster cooperation among its 52 member States and 9 associate members. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, dedicated to addressing sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization aims to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development by generating actionable knowledge and providing technical assistance and capacity-building services that align with national development objectives and regional agreements. ESCAP plays a crucial role in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that its initiatives are rooted in global and regional intergovernmental frameworks and agreements. The ESCAP secretariat is committed to supporting partners at the national level, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of development efforts across the region.

Job Overview:
The Information Management/Library Intern position is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience within the Communications and Knowledge Management Section (CKMS) at ESCAP. The intern will work under the direct supervision of library support staff and the overall supervision of the Chief Librarian. This internship is structured to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 5 days per week (37.5 hours per week), and is expected to last between 3 to 6 months. The intern will engage in various tasks related to library, information, and knowledge management, with the primary goal of enhancing the visibility of library resources among staff and clients, as well as promoting ESCAP's work to key stakeholders and the public. The specific daily responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background and the duration of the internship, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with the intern's academic and professional interests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a diverse range of duties that contribute to the effective functioning of the library and the CKMS team. Key responsibilities include: assisting in the library’s digitization efforts; participating in information management, knowledge management, and digital asset management tasks; supporting collection management activities such as shelving and weeding; providing assistance in reference and circulation services; cataloguing books, serials, and multimedia materials within the library’s integrated library system (ILS) and institutional repository; designing and publishing promotional and training materials related to the library’s e-resources, services, and ESCAP publications, which may include online brochures, streaming video presentations, and curated email updates; and performing any other related work as required. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in library operations and contribute to the advancement of ESCAP's mission.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent); or (c) have studied library science or information technology/management, which is desirable. It is important to note that applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed such programmes. Proof of eligibility must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate programme, or being in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme. A focus on library science or information technology/management is highly desirable, as it aligns closely with the responsibilities of the internship. Candidates must demonstrate their academic qualifications through appropriate documentation, ensuring that they meet the necessary criteria for participation in the UN Internship Programme.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the duties of the position. This may include involvement in library-related projects, coursework in information management, or participation in academic research that demonstrates familiarity with library systems and practices. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the field of information management.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with an additional ESCAP working language, such as Russian, is viewed as an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that they will be responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.