Administrative Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a significant intergovernmental platform established to promote 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 focuses on generating action-oriented knowledge and providing technical assistance and capacity-building services to support national development objectives and regional agreements. ESCAP plays a crucial role in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and offers support to partners at the national level, ensuring that its initiatives are aligned with global and regional intergovernmental frameworks and agreements.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Intern position is located within the Communications and Knowledge Management Section (CKMS) of the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support (ODESPS) 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 designed to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 37.5 hours per week, and will last for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months. The role is unpaid, and the duration can be adjusted based on the successful candidate's request. The intern will assist the Library and CKMS team with various tasks related to library, information, and knowledge management, aiming to enhance the visibility of library resources among staff and clients, as well as promote ESCAP's work to key stakeholders and the public. Daily responsibilities will vary depending on the intern's background and the internship period, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties may include, but are not limited to: assisting in reviewing document retention policies; participating in the Library’s filing and knowledge management tasks and initiatives; supporting collection management activities such as shelving and weeding; providing assistance in reference and circulation services; designing and publishing publicity and training materials on the Library's e-resources, services, and ESCAP publications, including online brochures, streaming video presentations, and curated email updates; engaging in information management, knowledge management, and digital asset management tasks; organizing the storage area; and performing other related work as required. This diverse set of responsibilities will allow the intern to develop a comprehensive understanding of library operations and knowledge management within a UN context.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (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 administration or knowledge management, which is desirable. While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Proof of meeting these criteria must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent. This ensures that candidates have a solid academic foundation relevant to the internship role, which is essential for effectively contributing to the tasks and responsibilities outlined.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the duties of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or projects related to library science, information management, or knowledge management, which would provide valuable context and skills applicable to the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the internship programme, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is also a working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages will enable the intern to effectively communicate and collaborate within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated 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 Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. It is advisable for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements 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, including application, interview, or training.