Internship at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was established in 1947 and is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. It aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP has a mission to support countries in achieving sustainable development and enhancing regional cooperation. The organization operates in ten member states in South and South-West Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye. ESCAP employs a diverse workforce and engages in various initiatives to address socio-economic challenges in the region, focusing on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship opportunity at ESCAP-SSWA in New Delhi is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of sustainable development and regional cooperation. Interns will work full-time for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, under the supervision of ESCAP staff. The internship is unpaid, and interns are expected to contribute to research projects related to the implementation of the SDGs. This role provides a unique opportunity to understand the socio-economic challenges faced by the subregion and the workings of the United Nations in promoting policy advice and capacity building. Interns will engage in various tasks, including monitoring policy trends, collecting data, and assisting in content creation and media outreach, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge in international development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the work of ESCAP-SSWA. These include: (a) Regularly monitoring developments and policy trends related to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs in the subregion; (b) Collecting details on national policies concerning sustainable development issues of ESCAP-SSWA member States; (c) Analyzing data and generating figures and tables to support research and analytical work; (d) Attending conferences, seminars, and meetings, and providing written highlights and briefing notes; (e) Assisting in content creation and enhancing the UN's digital presence through social media; (f) Providing administrative and organizational support for ESCAP-SSWA events; (g) Engaging in other activities as directed by the supervisor. Interns are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork, and accountability in their responsibilities.

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). Additionally, candidates should possess good written and oral communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and a client-oriented approach. Familiarity with econometrics and empirical data analysis methods is desirable, along with proficiency in standard software applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, economics, international relations, or a related discipline. A strong academic background is essential, and applicants are encouraged to highlight their educational achievements in their application, including any relevant coursework or projects.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should be computer literate and familiar with standard software applications. Experience with econometrics, data analysis software (such as EViews, Stata, SPSS, R, and Python), and social media tools is considered an asset. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their skills in data handling and analysis during the application process.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for the internship. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The 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 India may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants are advised to follow all instructions carefully when applying. The application process includes submitting a complete online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.