Intern - Social Sciences (Gender Equality and Disability Inclusions Communications

Job Description

The Social Development Division/ Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section internship is for 3-6 months. The Social Development Division consists of three sections:

1. Sustainable Demographic Transition Section (SDTS)
2. Sustainable Socio-economic Transformation Section (SETS)
3. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section (GESIS)

These sections cover thematic areas including inequality and social protection, population dynamics, ageing, migration, gender equality, disability, and youth.

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section (GESIS) focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming, and disability inclusion in all areas of ESCAP work. For this internship, GESIS is seeking an individual to support communications work related to gender equality and disability inclusion.

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office, and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Drafting content for public information materials, including social media, website content, news stories, and blogs.
• Producing multimedia material, including infographics, presentation slides, event flyers, backdrops, banners, and short videos.
• Coordinating internal communications with ESCAP’s gender focal point network, disability focal point network, and participating in diverse United Nations system-wide focal point meetings.
• Conducting research and compiling information for the preparation and production of reports.
• Assisting in organizing and convening events, including commemorations, meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Assisting with photography and video coverage when required.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time. The minimum duration is three months, with a possible extension of up to six months. Working hours are 09:00-16:30, with a 45-minute lunch break. Interns work five days per week (37.5 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section of the Social Development Division.

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); or
(b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

• Studies in social science, economics, or other relevant areas required.
• Computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Proven ability to interact with individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and be tolerant of different opinions and views.
• Interns who have already interned for up to 6 months under UN Secretariat entities should not be re-hired unless they have obtained a different or advanced degree.

Please only apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately.
• Asks questions to clarify and engages in two-way communication.
• Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience.
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Solicits input, values others’ ideas and expertise, and is willing to learn.
• Places team agenda before personal agenda.
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even if they do not fully align with personal views.
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Considers all those to whom services are provided as “clients” and seeks to understand their perspectives.
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.
• Monitors ongoing developments to anticipate problems.
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks.
• Meets timelines for delivery of products or services.

• Develops clear goals that align with agreed strategies.
• Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts as required.
• Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work.
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
• Uses time efficiently.

No prior working experience is required for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, experience in the following areas would be an asset:

• Practical experience with digital communication tools, including social media platforms, graphic design, video editing, and production using tools such as Adobe, Canva, or similar software.
• Experience in creating content for digital publishing, including adapting briefing notes, press releases, and speeches for social media and websites.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex research into common language.

Your training, education, advanced coursework, or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Fluency in English is required for the internship.
• Knowledge of an additional official UN language or another language from the Asia-Pacific region is an asset.

• 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 visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

Deadline: 17 Apr 2025