Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications and digital outreach intern

at ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

🏢 About ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCAP is the UN's regional development arm for Asia and the Pacific, uniquely positioned as the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the region with 53 member states and 9 associate members. Working here offers direct exposure to sustainable development policy-making and the opportunity to contribute content that reaches governments, NGOs, and international stakeholders across diverse Asia-Pacific nations.

About This Role

This communications and digital outreach intern will create multimedia content that translates ESCAP's sustainable development work into accessible formats for public audiences. The role directly supports ESCAP's mission by producing podcasts, social media campaigns, infographics, and videos that raise awareness about regional development challenges and solutions across 62 member and associate member countries.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting social media posts about ESCAP's latest policy brief, designing infographics for an upcoming regional forum, editing podcast interviews with sustainable development experts, and organizing multimedia assets in ESCAP's digital library. You'll collaborate with subject matter experts to transform technical reports into engaging public content while following UN communication protocols.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Is Looking For

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a graduate degree in communications, digital media, international relations, or development studies with multimedia production coursework
  • Has hands-on experience creating social media content calendars, producing short videos/reels, and designing infographics using tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar
  • Demonstrates understanding of Asia-Pacific development issues through coursework, previous internships, or volunteer work
  • Shows fluency in English with strong writing samples that adapt technical UN content for public audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

1

Create a portfolio link showcasing 3-5 multimedia pieces relevant to development topics (infographics, short videos, social media cards) and mention it in your application

2

Tailor your resume to highlight specific multimedia software proficiency (e.g., 'Created motion graphics using After Effects for climate change awareness campaign') rather than just listing software names

3

Reference ESCAP's recent multimedia outputs in your cover letter - such as their 'Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report' videos or 'ESCAP Podcast' episodes - and suggest one content idea

4

If you have language skills beyond English, emphasize them since ESCAP works across diverse Asia-Pacific linguistic contexts

5

Demonstrate understanding of UN communication guidelines by avoiding overly promotional language and focusing on development impact in your application materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Specific examples of translating complex development topics into accessible multimedia content', 'Experience managing social media campaigns with measurable engagement metrics', "Understanding of Asia-Pacific sustainable development challenges and ESCAP's role in addressing them", 'Technical proficiency with multimedia production tools and ability to learn UN-specific systems']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ESCAP's social media channels (@UNESCAP) to analyze their content style, engagement patterns, and recent campaigns
  • → Study ESCAP's subregional offices and thematic priorities (climate action, digital transformation, sustainable finance) to understand their communication needs
  • → Examine UN communication guidelines and branding standards available on the UN website
  • → Watch recent ESCAP multimedia products like the 'Asia-Pacific SDG Gateway' videos or 'Building Back Better' podcast series

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you create a social media campaign for ESCAP's upcoming 'Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Forum' targeting youth audiences?
2 Walk us through your process for turning a technical UN report on climate resilience into an engaging 60-second video
3 What multimedia trends in development communication should ESCAP leverage, and which should it approach cautiously?
4 How would you ensure cultural sensitivity when creating content for ESCAP's diverse 62 member and associate member countries?
5 Describe your experience organizing and managing digital assets in a shared database or content management system
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic communications portfolios without development-related or policy-oriented content examples
  • Focusing only on promotional/sales communication experience without demonstrating ability to handle nuanced development messaging
  • Proposing content ideas that don't consider ESCAP's intergovernmental nature and need for diplomatic sensitivity across 62 member states

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific!

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