Geo-Insights Intern

Job Description

Background:
This position is located in the Decision-Support and Data Science Division. The Decision-Support and Data Science Division (DSDSD) is part of ESCWA’s broader modernization and innovation efforts, providing advanced analytics and decision-support services within ESCWA, other UN entities, and Member States. Aligned with the UN 2.0 agenda and grounded in strategic foresight, DSDSD leverages data-driven insights, emerging technologies, and scenario-based planning to anticipate trends and proactively inform policymaking and operations.

Its core functions include data integration and management; data quality assurance; advanced analytics and modeling; machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions; real-time dashboards and performance reporting; and data visualization and business intelligence and the design and development of specialized digital decision-support tools. Through these capabilities, DSDSD empowers evidence-based decision-making, fosters organizational efficiency, and catalyzes strategic innovation across the region, supporting sustainable development outcomes regionally and globally.

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Decision-Support and Data Science Division and in collaboration with the Geo-Insights team, the Intern shall work closely with experienced GIS, data visualization, and analytics professionals, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-world Geo-Statistical mapping and analysis. This internship serves as a valuable learning opportunity, allowing individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and build a foundation for a successful career in support and the development of ESCWA’s GIS and Data Analytics services.

Responsibilities:
The intern will perform a set of the following functions:

• Support the implementation of DSDSD Projects using data science skills.
• Participate in designing, organizing, and managing the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation, and dissemination of Geo-Statistical data.
• Participate in developing, implementing, and managing databases.
• Participate in technical support for data collection.
• Participate in methodological research to draft technical documents and metadata reports.
• Participate in the organization of seminars, working groups and expert meetings.
• Participate in developing machine-learning tools in data science and statistics.
• Organize large datasets to get actionable insights from them.
• Help communicating findings accurately to different stakeholders.
• Collaborate with private and public organizations to get access to databases.
• Outreach to organizations as well as academic institutions that apply data science to policy making.
• Provide other support and assistance as required.

The duration of this internship is six months. 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:

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).

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.
(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 previous work experience is required for this job opening.

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 English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 28, 2025