Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

3 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is mandated to support the Palestinian people and Palestinian institutions in mitigating the social and economic impact of the Israeli occupation, as well as in attaining Palestinian inalienable rights. Duties and Responsibilities: Responsibilities of the internship position encompass all aspects of the section and, in general, of the Subprogram’s work. The intern will be responsible for carrying out, but not limited to, the following tasks: 1. Conduct preliminary research and reference searches and drafting documents on issues relating to the key topics of Subprogram’s work in the areas of social and and economic development approaches under conflict, post-conflict recovery, including impact of the Israeli occupation on the attainment of sustainable development; 2. Support data analysis and assist in compiling, processing and working with relevant databases and other primary sources; 3. Survey and prepare reports on the development and recovery policies undertaken by countries affected by occupation and/or conflict; 4. Assists in preparing charts and tables and drafting content for inclusion in the outputs of the Subprogram; 5. Translating and editing publications, papers, web content and other materials from English to Arabic and vice-versa; 6. Support administrative and communications tasks as necessary and perform other duties as assigned; 7. Document and conduct legal and internet research on governance issues from national sources through identification of data sources and preparation of data sets; 8. Undertake any other assignment requested by the Subprogram Director and Section Chief. 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.

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.