Sustainable Development Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Environment and Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). ESCAP was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in 62 member states and territories, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, environmental management, and regional cooperation. ESCAP employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the region, and it engages with multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of experienced staff members. The internship is unpaid and has a minimum duration of four months, with a preference for six months. Interns will be involved in various aspects of the Sustainable Urban Development Section's work, which includes facilitating intergovernmental processes, providing technical assistance, developing knowledge products, and fostering partnerships. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant projects aimed at advancing sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific, while also enhancing the intern's understanding of the UN's operations and the complexities of urban development issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the specific team they are assigned to. Key duties include:

• Supporting the organization and execution of meetings such as Expert Group Meetings and the Ninth Asia Pacific Urban Forum, which involves drafting concept notes, preparing documents, and assisting with follow-up activities (30% of time).
• Assisting with program and project implementation tasks related to sustainable urban development, including work on SDG localization, urban resilience, and equitable sanitation for low-income communities (30% of time).
• Conducting research and developing case studies on urban development policies and their contributions to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region (20% of time).
• Supporting day-to-day operational tasks, including responding to information requests, preparing presentations, and updating relevant webpages (20% of time).

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program related to international development, sustainable development, urban planning, or similar fields; or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a bachelor's degree program in a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should possess special skills such as proficiency in Microsoft Suite beyond basic applications, video-editing capabilities, and graphic design skills relevant to urban design. Familiarity with AI tools to enhance work quality is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which can include either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in fields such as sustainable development, urban planning, environmental management, or international relations. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban development and the UN's role in promoting sustainable practices.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, any relevant experience in urban development, project management, or research will be beneficial. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced environment of the United Nations, as well as an interest in sustainable development issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages used in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Laotian, Khmer, Bengali, Nepali, or Japanese, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This 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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to financial exploitation.