Intern – Peacebuilding and Prevention

UN-House ESCWA

2 Months

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA – unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 20 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for dialogue and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the United Nations Headquarters, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This position is in Cluster 6: "Governance and Conflict Prevention" of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA – unescwa.org). Cluster 6 supports member States in advancing just, peaceful and inclusive societies, particularly for people living under occupation or in conflict and post-conflict settings, while strengthening effective, efficient and accountable public institutions and improving service delivery. Through evidence-based analysis, policy recommendations, technical assistance and capacity development, it helps countries address development challenges, mitigate the impacts of conflict and occupation, manage transboundary risks and sudden shocks. The intern reports to the Cluster Lead and works under the guidance of the Peacebuilding and Prevention Team. 2. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Cluster Leader of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster and based on the guidance of the Peacebuilding and Prevention Team, the intern will be responsible for the following: • Assists the team in conducting research and analysis on the drivers of high vulnerability in Arab countries, particularly those affected by conflict and fragility. • Supports the identification and analysis of socioeconomic, institutional, environmental, and governance-related factors contributing to vulnerability and undermining resilience. • Assists in researching and assessing transboundary challenges, including those arising from regional instability, environmental challenges, socioeconomic interdependencies, and other cross-border threats to development. • Collects and compiles data and information from different sources on vulnerability, resilience, conflict dynamics, and transboundary risks. • Supports the team's assessment of the long-term impacts of conflict on development outcomes, including socioeconomic development, institutional capacity, human development, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. • Selects and reviews relevant documents, reports, studies, and publications; summarizes pertinent material; and prepares background information to support analytical papers, policy briefs, and reports. • Supports the preparation of qualitative and quantitative analyses, including the compilation, organization, and basic analysis of relevant indicators and datasets. • Contributes to the preparation of background materials, presentations, tables, charts, and visualizations to facilitate the analysis and communication of research findings. • Assists in preparing substantive inputs for the cluster's ongoing workstreams and publications related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, risk-informed policymaking, and sustainable development. • Performs other related tasks as requested by the supervisor. 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.

A first-level university degree in social sciences or other related fields. 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 previous work experience is required for this job opening. Demonstrated interest in research and analysis related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainable development is required Ability to undertake desk research, review relevant literature, collect information from different sources, and summarize key findings is required. Good analytical and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and contribute to research papers and reports. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods and the use of socioeconomic and development indicators is desirable. Background knowledge of conflict dynamics, transboundary challenges, and the socioeconomic impact of conflict is desirable.

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 language 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.

Not available.

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.

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.