Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

2 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing NAFS since 2012. Since then, the NAFS Programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue between Syrians from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliation, and is the only such platform to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria, empowering Syrians themselves to make that assessment. It has provided them a safe space where they can engage in discussions on the post-conflict development needs and trajectories of the country, to prevent and overcome a conflict trap, and strengthen the resilience of local structures over the medium and long term. The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs, and priorities of Syrians, and NAFS endeavors to share and disseminate its work as widely as possible and to convey the voices of its network of Syrians as much as possible. The programme’s outputs are aimed at Syrians both inside Syria and outside Syria, UN agencies working on the Syrian conflict, the political actors as well as the international community planning for the future of the country. Duties and responsibilities: The intern will be involved in carrying out the following tasks: • Collect data on key topics and conduct cross-checking for consistency and validation. • Conduct research and reference searches on issues related to Syria and conflict contexts. • Supports drafting inputs for presentations, project documents, and research papers. • Note taking of the expert group and consultation meetings. • Prepares briefs and summaries on priority and emerging issues, including comparative research on key topics. • Performs other tasks as requested by the programme manager.

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. Comprehensive written reviews and summaries of literature is required. Policy-oriented research on selected issues (socio-economic, governance, etc.…) 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 English is required and fluency in Arabic is desirable. 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.