Org. Setting and Reporting

The duration of an ESCWA internship is normally two months on a full time basis - this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months. It is awarded on the recommendation of the Director of the respective Division.Interns are not paid and are responsible for all expenses related to the internship.ESCWA accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service.Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. This internship is located within the Sustainable Development Policies Division (SDPD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The intern reports directly to the Director of SDPD, and/or to senior staff of the division with respective/delegated authority.

Responsibilities

The intern will be responsible for carrying out the following functions:

1 - Assist in substantive research and reviews related to the work of the SDPD, in the areas of Sustainable Development, Water, Energy, Environment, Food Security/Agriculture, and/or Green Technology;

2 - Contribute to background notes, talking points and policy briefs for activities related to the SDPD;

3 - Support all activities of the SDPD, both substantively and administratively;

4 - Assist in other ad-hoc activities in the SDPD, when necessary, as instructed by the supervisor.

Competencies

Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;-listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation - Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Creativity - Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

1.Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

(a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

(b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or

(c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation;

2.Be computer literate in standard software applications;

3.Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and

4.Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Arabic and French is desirable.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Special Notice

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?);

Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?);

List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;

List your top three areas of interest;

Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship;

Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=91851