Work Location

UN-House ESCWA / Hybrid

Expected duration

2 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: In most Arab countries, a body responsible for setting national plans exists which often lacks strategy or policy tools to achieve stated targets. Other major obstacles identified are difficulties in collecting and producing information about the state of the economy, insufficient coherence within and across national priorities, or the lack of a broad national commitment to ensure implementation of reforms. Hence, several member states in the Arab region are requesting ESCWA technical support in identifying their national strengths and weaknesses in regional and international indicators as a way to improve policymaking effectiveness. ESCWA launched a project to simulate the main international indicators, used in several sectors, including technology and innovation indicators. This project builds on previously developed ESCWA tools that were devised to enhance member states’ capacities to design scenarios for policy change/reforms in various areas and assess their likely economic and social impacts. The project also builds on previous ESCWA technical assistance and expertise, provided to its member states aiming to build capacities in technology indicators and develop national policies in digital technology and innovation. The project also builds on number of requests received from member states which demonstrate a strong interest for ESCWA’s technical assistance on policymaking issues in various areas from macroeconomics to the achievement of the SDGs and economic integration, and for its ability to develop user friendly tools. The current Terms of Reference are developed to support the implementation of this project by internships in the area of technology and innovation. Duties and Responsibilities: The intern shall propose to the designated ESCWA coordinator the following deliverables: (1) Methodology identification of selected indicators related to technology and innovation: Collect information about these indicators, and identify the model used to produce the scores; (2) Data collection: collect the data (historical and recent data) of the Arab region in the selected technology indicators; (3) Compile the collected data in an Excel sheet; (4) Format the datasets as per programming requirement; (5) Drafting short report covering the main findings; (6) Any other activity related to the development of these technology indicators; The duration of a United Nations internship is for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis – this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1. Applicants must: (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); 2. Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) 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. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Knowledge in mini-projects in technology-related areas is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

A completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following: • Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?). • Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?). • List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. • List of your top three areas of interest. • Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. • Explanation of 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. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur 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. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months.

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.