INTERN - STATISTICS-Data Analysis [Temporary]

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Statistical Information System internship is for at least two months with an opportunity for extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the division.

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.

The ESCAP Statistics Division is guided by the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the Principles Governing International Statistical Activities, and by the work programme and the membership of ESCAP. Our mandates arise from a number of General Assembly, ECOSOC and ESCAP resolutions.

The core areas of the Division's work include implementing programmes for capacity building in statistics; collecting and analysing data on the region; and publishing statistical and analytical publications. We work closely with the ESCAP Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific and organizations that are part of national statistics systems in the region (national statistical offices are our main counterparts); the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs; other United Nations entities; and with a large number of regional and international organizations

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.

1. Assist in the development of components to improve the processing of data through the ESCAP Statistical Information System: automation of data compilation (through SDMX, JSON and related web services technologies);

2. Assist in the compilation of data to support statistical analysis for ESCAP major publications: development and adaptation of calculation scripts (using R, SQL)

3. Assist in improvement of the online data dissemination platform: development of dynamic data visualization components (D3, JavaScript, Tableau); development of GIS-based solution to disseminate statistical data; development of web pages mashing up text and database-driven tables/charts

4. Participate in the substantive servicing of expert group meetings, seminars and training workshops.

5. Perform other tasks as required.


Learning opportunities
Depending on the tasks performed, after the assignment the incumbent will be able to:
1. Gain practical knowledge in R development language, an open source software widely used in statistical work.
2. Gain practical knowledge in SDMX (XML-based technology) and other data exchange standards.
3. Gain a practical understanding of statistics in support of sustainable development.

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.

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

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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

REMOTE INTERNSHIPS (COVID-19): In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

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 are you currently studying or what have you studied)
• 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 about why you are the most suitable candidate for this specific internship
• Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme

In your online Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences (if any), IT skills, and three references.

Please note that due to the large number of applicants, divisions are not in a position 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.

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.