Skip to main content

Internship programme

IMPORTANT NOTE

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Internship Programme is in no way connected with selection for employment at the United Nations and, as per applicable United Nations policy, there is no expectancy of employment following an internship. Interns wishing to be considered for employment with the United Nations, even if otherwise fully qualified, are not eligible to apply, or be appointed to, positions at the Professional level and above carrying international recruitment status during the period of their internship or for the six month period immediately following the expiration date of the internship. It should also be noted that entry-level Professional posts reserved for external recruitment are filled through national competitive examinations organized each year in a selected number of Member States.

This information note covers the internship programme administered at ESCWA by the Human Resources Management Section, Administrative Services Division. Other offices of the United Nations Secretariat worldwide, as well as United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies may also offer internship programmes. Interested applicants should contact those offices directly for information.
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the programme is to enable the assignment of graduate and postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds to ESCWA, where their educational experience can be enhanced through practical work assignments in the economic, social and administrative fields; to expose them to the work of a United Nations regional commission; and to provide ESCWA with the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for an internship, applicants must:

  1. Meet one of the following requirements:

    1. Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or

    2. Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

  2. Be computer literate in standard software applications;

  3. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and

  4. Have a demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, and a willingness to accommodate differing opinions and views.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Anyone interested in pursuing an internship at ESCWA should log on to: http://careers.un.org.

 

CONDITIONS OF INTERNSHIP

The duration of an ESCWA internship is normally two months on a full-time basis. In exceptional circumstances, this may be extended for a maximum of six months. It is awarded on the recommendation of the Director of the respective Division.

Interns are not paid and are responsible for all expenses related to the internship.

ESCWA accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Upon being awarded an internship, candidates are required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service.

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.