Sustainable Development Affairs Intern at Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific – Thailand
Recruiter: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
About Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. The largest intergovernmental platform in the region, ESCAP promotes cooperation among its 53 member states and 9 associate members to address the most pressing challenges facing the region, including sustainable development, trade, transport, technology, statistics, and social development.
Job Summary
This internship offers a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to gain hands-on experience in international development and international cooperation and sustainable development. Working with Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, you will contribute to meaningful projects that address global challenges and promote sustainable development. You will develop valuable professional skills while working in a multicultural, international environment alongside experienced professionals.
Full Job Description
Work Location
Bangkok, Thailand
Expected duration
4-6 months, and desired start date between April July 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. Setting and Reporting The Environment and Development Division, Sustainable Urban Development Section, is seeking 1-3 interns for a minimum period of four months (preferably six months, which is the maximum duration for internships). The internship is UNPAID and full-time in-person. 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. The Sustainable Urban Development Section works with ESCAP member States and key stakeholders to advance resilient and sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific. Its programme of work focuses on: (i) facilitating intergovernmental processes to strengthen regional cooperation and the implementation of global and regional frameworks; (ii) providing technical assistance and supporting capacity development; (iii) developing and disseminating knowledge products that enhance awareness and support evidence-based decision-making; and (iv) facilitating networking and partnerships to mobilize knowledge, resources, and innovation. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the assigned team within the section and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: 1. Provide support to organizing and conducting meetings relevant to the work of the Section, including drafting of concept notes, documents and communications materials, preparing for and backstopping intergovernmental meetings, and supporting follow-up activities (30%) 2. Assist with various tasks linked to organizational and substantive dimensions of programme and project implementation on sustainable and resilience urban development, including work on urban resilience, sinking cities, smart cities, equitable sanitation for low-income urban communities etc. (30%) 3. Conduct research and identify case studies on urban development, policies and programmes and their contribution to inclusive, sustainable and resilient development in the Asia-Pacific region (20%) 4. Support day-to-day operational tasks of the Section, including responding to requests for information, assisting in the preparation of presentations, and updating webpages related to the Sections work. (20%)
Qualifications/special skills
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:(a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (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 programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent related to sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, environmental management, development practice, international relations, or related disciplines. Special skills (a) Good command of Microsoft Suite beyond Word, Excel and PowerPoint is desirable. (b) Video-editing skills are desirable. (c) Graphic design or illustration skills related to urban design work are desirable. Familiarity with the responsible use of AI tools to improve work quality and efficiency, in line with UN guidelines, is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of another language used in Asia-Pacific is an asset (Laotian, Khmer, Bengali, Nepali, Japanese).
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS BANK ACCOUNTS.
Key Details
- Job Title: Sustainable Development Affairs Intern
- Grade: I-1
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Department: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
- Contract Type: Internship
- Salary: Unpaid
Qualifications
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of another language used in Asia-Pacific is an asset (Laotian, Khmer, Bengali, Nepali, Japanese).
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. UN internships are unpaid. Candidates for the UN Internship Programme are required to cover the cost of travel including Visa, accommodation, health insurance and other living expenses for the duration of the internship.