Org. Setting and Reporting

The intern will work with the designated staff of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) in the implementation of the Centre’s substantive work programme. The work programme broadly involves developing and promoting regional mechanisms and platforms, capacity building of policymakers and institutions and carrying out normative and analytical work to assist ESCAP member States in the following areas:

National Innovation Systems (NIS), Technology Innovation Management, Development and Transfer of Technology; Technology Facilitation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a specific focus on food and nutritional security, energy security and environmental sustainability; New and Emerging technologies (e.g. biotechnology, nanotechnology and renewable energy); Technology Intelligence Services (e.g. periodicals & publications, research & analytical studies); and Digital Strategy (websites, social media etc. to enhance the outreach and impact of the programme outputs and outcomes). As an intern, he/she will support the implementation of the organization’s communication and digital media strategy. The intern will work with the team to shape, package, and deliver knowledge and communications products that drive further recognition for APCTT’s work.

The nature of the work that would be assigned to an intern would depend on the intern’s academic and professional background and his/her area of interest meeting the requirements of the work programme of the Centre. The interns will be provided with specific TOR (terms of reference) relevant to the particular programme area assigned to them.

The internship at the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology is for a minimum of two months with an opportunity to extend it for not more than six months, if required by APCTT.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background and the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
The work programme of ESCAP-APCTT covers analytical and normative work, policy support and advocacy, technical assistance and capacity building activities.

Learning Opportunities during the course of internship:
ESCAP-APCTT provides interns with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of: i) Challenges related to the national innovation systems in countries in the Asia Pacific region; ii) the processes of regional and multilateral cooperation; iii) mandates and operations of United Nations in developing countries as well as in countries with special needs in its efforts to provide policy advice, capacity building and platform for governments for achieving SDGs.

Under immediate supervision, the intern is responsible for contributing to the technical cooperation project(s) related to the work programme of ESCAP-APCTT for the implementation of the SDGs. The topic of the project will depend on the intern’s background, skills, and interest.

Other duties may include undertaking the following:
(a)Support the communications and knowledge management function of the organisation.
(b) Support the implementation of communication strategy
(d) Contribute to design and ideation of communication collaterals
(e) Assist in maintaining updates on the website pertaining to training and events
(f) Create engaging social media content and explore new digital tools of better outreach
(g) Work with the team to re-design and digitize the Tech Monitor
(h) Provide administrative, organizational and conference management support for ESCAP-APCTT events
(i) Other activities as may be decided by the supervisor

Competencies

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

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of 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.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. 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 inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Creativity: Keen attention to detail and excellent multi-media production skills

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants to the programme 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).

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Candidates shall be computer literate in standard software applications. Familiarity with science, technology and innovation (STI) related issues is desirable. Data handling skills and skills in using spreadsheets, Excel is also an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:
• Degree Programme (What is the current field of study or what was the field of study (for applicants who already graduated)
• Graduation date (When will the applicant graduate or when did the applicant graduate from the programme?)
• List of the IT skills and programmes that the applicant is proficient in
• List of top three areas of interest of the candidate
• Explanation on why the candidate consider most suitable candidate for this specific internship
• Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme

In the online Candidate Profile, applicants must include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

Please note that due to the large number of applicants, it is not possible to reply to each application and that only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further consideration.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.