Intern on Population and Social Development

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Social Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). This division focuses on various aspects of social development, including demographic transitions, socio-economic transformations, and gender equality. UNESCAP aims to promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and has been operational since its establishment in 194

• It works with member states to address pressing social issues and enhance the quality of life for people in the region. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, engaging in various initiatives to foster social progress and development.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in the field of population and social development. Interns will work full-time for a duration of 3 to 6 months under the supervision of experienced staff members in the Sustainable Demographic Transition Section. The role involves engaging with critical issues such as population dynamics, ageing, migration, and social protection. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to the analysis of demographic trends and their implications for sustainable development, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda. This position is ideal for those looking to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting while supporting the mission of the United Nations in addressing social development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake a variety of tasks that contribute to the work of the Sustainable Demographic Transition Section. Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews and compiling data from secondary sources on population trends and demographic changes, analyzing the implications of these trends on sustainable development, and focusing on issues such as international migration and population ageing. Interns will assist in organizing meetings, ensuring all preparations are made, and may be involved in reviewing working papers and reports for accuracy and clarity. They will also develop audio-visual materials, such as PowerPoint presentations and info charts, to effectively communicate policy messages to non-technical audiences. Additionally, interns will analyze data using Excel and other statistical tools, create substantive content for the section's website, and perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section or other professional staff.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Preferred fields of study include social studies with data studies, demography, international relations, statistics, or human rights law. While professional work experience is not required for this internship, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Skills in drafting news articles or social media posts, as well as designing surveys and polls, are considered desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as social studies, demography, international relations, statistics, or human rights law. Candidates should be currently enrolled in a program or have recently completed their studies, ensuring they have the theoretical knowledge necessary to engage with the topics addressed by the Sustainable Demographic Transition Section.

Experience:
This internship does not require prior professional work experience. However, candidates should have a strong academic background in a field related to the internship's focus. The emphasis is on the applicant's educational qualifications and their ability to apply their knowledge in a practical setting rather than on previous work experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, particularly Chinese or Russian, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are expected to work full-time, committing to five days a week for a total of 37.5 hours. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all candidates.