Internship in Economic Affairs to Support NCA Forum on SDGs and SPECA

Job Posting Organization:
The Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Established to enhance regional cooperation and integration for sustainable development, SONCA operates in nine member states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The office focuses on analytical and normative work, policy advisory services, and capacity-building activities, contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SONCA aims to address the unique challenges faced by economies in transition, particularly those that are landlocked, by promoting sustainable connectivity, economic transformation, social inclusion, and resilience. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration among member states to achieve shared development goals and enhance regional stability.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at SONCA is designed for individuals who are keen to gain practical experience in economic affairs, particularly in relation to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Interns will engage in a variety of research and analytical tasks, supporting the office's initiatives aimed at promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development. The role requires a proactive approach to research, documentation, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on developing policy recommendations and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues. Interns will work closely with experienced professionals, gaining insights into the workings of the United Nations and the specific challenges faced by the North and Central Asia region. The internship is expected to last between three to six months, providing a comprehensive learning experience in a dynamic international environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a range of responsibilities that include conducting research and analysis related to SPECA and SDGs, preparing documentation, and supporting outreach activities. Specific duties include:

• Assisting in research and analysis for SPECA-related initiatives, preparing relevant documentation, and engaging with stakeholders to promote the programme's objectives.
• Supporting the development of subregional perspectives and policy recommendations for accelerating progress towards the SDGs through research and documentation.
• Engaging in research on regional connectivity issues, including energy, transport, and ICT connectivity, to inform policy discussions and initiatives.
• Supporting the planning and organization of meetings, consultations, and collaborative initiatives focused on sustainable development and regional cooperation.
• Providing logistical and administrative support for conferences, workshops, and other events, ensuring smooth execution and effective communication.
• Assisting with day-to-day administrative tasks, drafting correspondence, maintaining records, and supporting other programme-related activities as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Relevant fields of study include macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, political economy, applied econometrics or statistics, finance, climate science, environmental and life sciences, business administration, public policy, social science, engineering, geology, mathematics, or related areas. No prior work experience is required for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience in the field of economic affairs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either enrollment in or completion of a graduate programme or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation in relevant fields such as economics, social sciences, or environmental studies, which will enable them to contribute effectively to the research and analytical tasks associated with the internship. A demonstrated interest in sustainable development and regional cooperation is also essential.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior work experience, making it accessible to students and recent graduates. However, candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Familiarity with the United Nations system and its operations, particularly in relation to sustainable development, will be advantageous but is not mandatory.

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

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with interns expected to work five days a week under the supervision of a staff member in SONCA. The internship may be conducted remotely or in person, depending on the rules of entry for Kazakhstan. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.