Sustainable Development Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges facing the region, including climate change, sustainable development, and social justice. The organization operates in 17 member countries and has a diverse workforce of over 200 employees, including experts in various fields such as economics, social development, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Intern will be part of Cluster 1: The Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability at ESCWA. This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of sustainable development, particularly in relation to climate change, water resources, energy, food systems, biodiversity, and the circular economy. The intern will engage in substantive research and contribute to various projects and activities that support the cluster's objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to learning and collaboration, as the intern will work closely with ESCWA staff and participate in meetings and workshops. The internship is expected to last for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis, with the possibility of extension for up to six months, depending on the needs of the organization and the intern's performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that support the work of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability cluster. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in substantive research and reviews related to climate change, water resources, energy, food systems, biodiversity, and circular economy.
• Contributing to the development of background notes, talking points, and policy briefs for cluster-related activities.
• Conducting data compilation, analysis, cleaning, visualization, cataloguing, and tabulation.
• Generating graphs and figures using online databases for publication purposes.
• Preparing literature reviews, research papers, and presentations.
• Researching, drafting, and updating documents and analytical summaries.
• Taking notes and drafting summary or verbatim reports.
• Capturing photographs during events.
• Attending and contributing to Young ESCWA activities. 1
• Organizing and contributing to the preparation and implementation of meetings and workshops. 1
• Supporting the cluster's activities both substantively and administratively. 1
• Creating and assisting in updating content on ESCWA's website, including initiative pages, events, and projects. 1
• Assisting in other ad-hoc activities as instructed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in 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 level), or have graduated with a university degree.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Exhibit the ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. No prior working experience is required, but knowledge in sustainable development or related issues is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or in the final year of their undergraduate studies, or have recently graduated with a relevant degree. This educational background ensures that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of sustainable development principles and practices, which are crucial for contributing effectively to the work of ESCWA.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development and related fields. This internship is particularly suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in an international organization and to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates should be able to demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated. 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 Lebanon 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. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.