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 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, environmental management, and regional cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern will be part of the Sustainable Urban Development Section, which is dedicated to advancing resilient and sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific. The intern will work under the supervision of a staff member and will be expected to contribute to various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing urban development practices. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of sustainable development, with a focus on intergovernmental processes, technical assistance, and knowledge dissemination. Interns will engage in a full-time, in-person role for a minimum of four months, with a preference for six months, during which they will work five days a week for a total of 35 hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and the assigned team within the Sustainable Urban Development Section. Key duties include:

• Assisting in the preparation of the Ninth Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-9) by providing organizational and logistical support, which involves coordinating with the team and the host city for the Forum and its flagship report (60% of the time).
• Supporting the organization and conduct of meetings relevant to the Section's work, including drafting concept notes, documents, and communication materials, preparing for intergovernmental meetings, and supporting follow-up activities (20% of the time).
• Conducting research and developing case studies on urban development policies and programs that contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development in the Asia-Pacific region (10% of the time).
• Assisting with day-to-day operational tasks of the Section, such as responding to information requests, preparing presentations, and updating webpages related to the Section's work (10% of the 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 school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) related to international development, sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, policy analysis, environmental management, social science, development practice, international relations, or related disciplines; or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent) in a related field. Additionally, special skills such as a good command of Microsoft Suite beyond Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, video-editing skills, graphic design or illustration skills related to urban design work, and familiarity with AI tools to improve work quality and efficiency are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background in fields related to sustainable development, urban planning, environmental management, or international relations. This includes either being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline. The focus should be on areas that contribute to understanding and addressing urban development challenges.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, any relevant experience in sustainable development, urban planning, or related fields will be beneficial. Interns are expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage with the tasks assigned to them, and any previous internships or volunteer work in similar areas will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Japanese is required for the internship. Additionally, knowledge of another language used in the Asia-Pacific region is considered an asset. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, so proficiency in these languages can enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

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 obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful 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 free from financial burdens.