Technology and Innovation Intern

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

3 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: 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. Duties and 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 ESCWA’s work on digital government and innovation in public sector, • Conduct research on specific topic related to emerging technology and innovation in public sector, • 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 performance of Arab public institutes, • Examine and enhance the collected best practices from the Arab countries for publishing them on the Arab open innovative government portal, • Prepare materials for speeches and presentations as required. 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.

Qualifications/special skills

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 working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme.

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.

Additional Information

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. 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. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months.

Intern Specific text

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.

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.