Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote cooperation among its 52 member States and 9 associate members. ESCAP focuses on addressing sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, making it the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in this area. The organization aims to support least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing States (SIDS) in their development pursuits. ESCAP coordinates various divisions to ensure effective collaboration and implementation of sustainable development initiatives across the region.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of economic and social development within the United Nations framework. The internship lasts between 4 to 6 months and is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 35 hours. Interns will be supervised by a staff member in the Section on Sustainable Development and Countries in Special Situations (SDCSS) of the Office of the Executive Secretary. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to significant research and coordination efforts that support ESCAP's mission. Interns will engage in background research for ESCAP publications, assist in organizing high-level intergovernmental meetings, and develop analytical and coordination skills through various tasks. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in sustainable development and international cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall objectives of the SDCSS. Key duties include:

• Conducting background research, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis, to draft inputs for the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report, 2027, and other policy reports.
• Supporting the development of analytical products that facilitate workshops and capacity development events.
• Assisting in the logistical and organizational coordination of intergovernmental meetings and events, such as the Expert Group Meeting on the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report and a trade-related capacity building workshop in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
• Collaborating with team members on daily activities and operational tasks, ensuring smooth workflow and communication.
• Performing additional duties as required to support the Section's objectives and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. Professional work experience is not required for participation in the Programme, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field closely related to the internship, such as economics, social sciences, international relations, or sustainable development. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by ESCAP and for contributing effectively to the team's work.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should demonstrate relevant experience in research and data analysis. This could include academic projects, internships, or volunteer work that showcases the ability to conduct thorough research and analyze data effectively. Concrete examples of such experiences should be provided in the application.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. This multilingual capability is beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and understanding various perspectives in international discussions.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are 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. The application process requires a completed online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates should clearly outline their desired start date, length of availability, interest in the UN internship programme, and any relevant experience in their motivation statement. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.