Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Sustainable Development

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 most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region, serving as one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. What makes ESCAP unique is its direct role in shaping sustainable development policies across 53 member states and 9 associate members, offering interns unparalleled exposure to high-level international cooperation and policy-making processes.

About This Role

This Sustainable Development Intern role involves supporting ESCAP's Office of the Executive Secretary in mainstreaming gender equality, disability inclusion, and sustainable development policies across the Asia-Pacific region. The position is impactful because you'll contribute directly to implementing the ESCAP programme of work that addresses critical regional challenges through intergovernmental cooperation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching sustainable development indicators for specific Asia-Pacific countries, drafting briefing materials for the Office of the Executive Secretary on gender mainstreaming progress, and attending virtual meetings with ESCAP divisions to support coordination of the programme of work. You'll likely work with policy documents, commission reports, and contribute to preparations for intergovernmental meetings.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

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

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate program in sustainable development, international relations, public policy, or environmental studies with focus on Asia-Pacific region
  • Demonstrated understanding of UN sustainable development frameworks and ESCAP's specific mandate in the Asia-Pacific context
  • Research experience with policy analysis, particularly in gender equality, disability inclusion, or sustainable development indicators
  • Strong intercultural communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multilateral, intergovernmental environment

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

1

Explicitly mention your familiarity with ESCAP's specific programmes like the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) or regional initiatives you've studied

2

Highlight any coursework or projects focused on Asia-Pacific development challenges, not just general sustainable development knowledge

3

Address the unpaid nature professionally by emphasizing your commitment to gaining UN experience and your financial ability to undertake a 3-6 month unpaid internship in Bangkok

4

Include specific examples of how you've worked with diverse stakeholders or in multicultural settings relevant to ESCAP's 53 member states

5

Tailor your application to mention the Office of the Executive Secretary specifically, showing you understand this isn't a general sustainable development role but one focused on policy mainstreaming

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in ESCAP's intergovernmental approach to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region", 'How your academic background aligns with mainstreaming gender equality and disability inclusion in policy work', 'Examples of research or projects demonstrating understanding of regional sustainable development challenges', "Your ability to contribute to the Office of the Executive Secretary's guidance functions across divisions and subregional offices"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ESCAP's current programme of work and how the Office of the Executive Secretary guides its implementation
  • → Recent resolutions or decisions from ESCAP commission sessions (available on their website)
  • → ESCAP's specific sustainable development initiatives like the Asia-Pacific Energy Forum or Transport Committee
  • → The organization structure of ESCAP and where the Office of the Executive Secretary fits within it

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of ESCAP's role versus other UN regional commissions and how it differs from UNDP or UNEP
2 Specific examples of sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region you find most pressing
3 How you would approach mainstreaming gender equality in a technical sustainable development programme
4 Your experience working with or researching about multiple Asia-Pacific countries and their development contexts
5 Questions about ESCAP's recent flagship publications or initiatives like the Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic sustainable development interest without mentioning ESCAP's specific Asia-Pacific regional focus
  • Failing to acknowledge or address the unpaid nature of the internship in your application materials
  • Using generic UN application language without tailoring to ESCAP's unique intergovernmental platform role

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

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

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