Org. Setting and Reporting

Digital government transformation and innovation in the public sector are very important aspects for enhancing the internal operations of Arab public institutions and improving the delivery of digital government services. In this regard, the Innovation section at ESCWA launched a project on “Expediting the use of technology and innovation for enhanced operations in Arab Public Institutions (ENACT project)” in 2023.

Emerging technologies, changing needs of citizens, growing complex development challenges and the impact of external elements together with commitments to create responsive, inclusive, trustworthy and effective public institutions, are the driving forces behind innovation in the public sector. The combination of innovation, and technologies can produce new ideas on fostering inclusiveness, responsiveness and building trust between citizen and government, therefore supporting the achievement of SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong Institutions.

This Internship is located within cluster 4 on “Statistics, Information Society and Technology” at ESCWA. The intern will be working under the direct supervision of the chief of Innovation Section on the ENACT project.

The duration of an ESCWA internship is normally two months on a full-time basis – this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months.

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

The Intern will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Innovation Section, and will be requested to do selected tasks of the following:
• Read and get familiar with the work of ESCWA on digital government and innovation in the public sector.
• Conduct research on specific topics related to emerging technologies and innovation in public sector.
• Prepare draft content related to specific topics and sections in project reports.
• Collect information and case studies on the digitalization of public sector in selected developed and developing countries.
• Assist in collecting data and information about the work and performance of Arab public institutions.
• Examine, summarize and/or enhance the collected best practices from Arab countries in preparation for publishing on the Arab open innovative government portal.
• Prepare draft content and materials for speeches and presentations, as required.
• Contribute to the team work on other project activities, as needed, such as meetings, events, and studies.

Competencies

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.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box.” Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

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.

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.

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 and Arabic is required.

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.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

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.

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. 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.

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.