Intern - Peacebuilding and Prevention

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. It comprises 20 member countries across Western Asia and North Africa, providing a platform for dialogue, coordination, and the formulation of policies that address regional challenges. ESCWA's mission includes fostering inclusive societies, enhancing governance, and addressing the impacts of conflict and occupation through evidence-based analysis and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The intern position is situated within Cluster 6: 'Governance and Conflict Prevention' of ESCWA. This cluster focuses on supporting member states in building just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, particularly in contexts affected by conflict or occupation. The intern will work closely with the Peacebuilding and Prevention Team, contributing to research and analysis that informs policy recommendations and technical assistance aimed at mitigating the impacts of conflict and enhancing resilience. The role involves engaging with various socioeconomic, institutional, and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability in the region, and assisting in the preparation of materials that communicate research findings effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will assist the team in conducting comprehensive research and analysis on the vulnerabilities faced by Arab countries, especially those impacted by conflict. Responsibilities include identifying and analyzing factors that undermine resilience, researching transboundary challenges, and compiling data on conflict dynamics. The intern will support the assessment of long-term impacts of conflict on development, summarize relevant documents, and prepare background information for analytical papers and reports. Additionally, the intern will contribute to qualitative and quantitative analyses, prepare presentations and visualizations, and assist in drafting substantive inputs for ongoing workstreams related to peacebuilding and sustainable development. Other related tasks may be assigned by the supervisor as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in social sciences or related fields. To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or have recently graduated. Proficiency in standard software applications is essential, along with a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also required. Previous work experience is not necessary, but a strong interest in research related to peacebuilding and sustainable development is essential. Analytical and writing skills are important, as is familiarity with research methods and socioeconomic indicators.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in social sciences or a related field is required. Candidates must be either enrolled in a graduate program, in their final year of undergraduate studies, or have recently graduated with a relevant degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of governance, conflict prevention, and socioeconomic development in the context of the Arab region.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in research and analysis related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and sustainable development. The ability to conduct desk research, review literature, and summarize findings is essential, as is the capacity to engage with complex information and contribute to research outputs.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding both languages. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated. They are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.