Work LocationAlmaty, Kazakhstan Expected duration3-6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development and support regional cooperation and integration in the Asia and Pacific region. ESCAP's role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through analytical, normative, and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region. The Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) covers Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan as a member of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). SONCA is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan and is offering internship position for a minimum of three months with possible extension up to six months. The internship is UNPAID, full-time and may be expected to be conducted remotely or in person, subject to the rules of entry of the host country. Interns work five days per week (37.5 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the division or section to which they are assigned. Under the general guidance of the Head of Office and the direct supervision by a relevant Officer in the team, the intern will assist with conducting research and producing meeting materials related to economic development in North and Central Asia. Specifically, the tasks expected include: • Contribute to research and data analysis on priority areas for sustainable development in North and Central Asia, such as (i) economic security (i.e. leave no one behind), (ii) economic transformation, diversification and specialization, (iii) extractive industries for sustainable development, (iv) renewable energy transition, (v) sustainable agriculture systems, (vi) climate adaptation and mitigation, (vii) transport and transit connectivity, or (viii) green technologies and innovation, which contributes to the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action Roadmap and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Support organization of a subregional meetings to discuss priority areas for sustainable development and regional cooperation in North and Central Asia, in particular SPECA Economic Forum and associated events. In addition, regular duties of the intern include assistance in compiling socioeconomic data, drafting and preparing official documents, speeches and presentations, and assistance for other activities of the office upon request. Qualifications/special skillsApplicants 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). Applicants shall: a) have studied areas such as international economics, data science and related fields that focused on countries of North and Central Asia; b) be computer literate in standard software applications, statistical knowledge is an asset; c) have knowledge on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related goals and indicators; d) have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; e) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note MUST INCLUDE: i. Your motivation for the internship (explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme and why you are the most suitable candidate for this internship) ii. Your most relevant skills, competencies and experiences (data analysis, research, language, etc.) that can be an asset to your application for this internship iii. Your availability period for the internship (when are you available and for how long) In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, education history, and three references. Please note that due to the large number of applicants, the office is not in a position to reply to each application and that only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further consideration. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of Russian language is an asset for assignments in North and Central Asia. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. Intern Specific textInterns 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 FeeTHE 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.