Internship Opportunity at UNESCO
The Social and Human Sciences Unit coordinates UNESCO’s work on youth, social inclusion, sport, cities and peace.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific SHS Network includes staff based in Apia (Pacific), Beijing (East Asia), Jakarta (part of ASEAN) and New Delhi (South Asia) as well as Bangkok (cluster office for the northern part of ASEAN). The main lines of action supported in the current biennium include: youth, social inclusion, sport & anti-doping, bioethics, foresight and intercultural dialogue. SHS works closely with other sectors within UNESCO, especially in relation to programs for youth, as well as other UN, regional and community organisations.
The focus of the Bangkok SHS Program on sports focuses on the implementation of the Kazan Action Plan including supporting UNESCO’s Youth and Sport Taskforce.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the authority of the Director of the Office and the supervision of the Regional SHS Adviser UNESCO/Bangkok, the intern will assist in the implementation of programme activities for Social & Human Sciences, in particular with sport for development initiatives, in close co-operation with
other field offices. This includes carrying out the following tasks:
- Assist in developing UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Sports for Development Program;
- Provide support to the Youth and Sport Taskforce, in particular managing knowledge collection and dissemination on web and social media;
- Undertake research on the contribution of sports to development in the region, including contributions to health, economy and communities; and issues facing sports in the region, especially those that impact on sports reaching its full potential as a development tool;
- Enhance and promote the SHS programs in the Asia-Pacific region in an accessible and easy to understand through a wide range of advocacy materials including publication of reports, webpages, press releases and social media; and
- Provide back-up support for timely completion of administrative tasks linked to operational activities.
In addition, the intern will be expected to provide general support to SHS activities as need arises. This may include logistics for workshops, research on topics of relevance to SHS work and participation in meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Advanced University degree in any of the social sciences and a good understanding of interdisciplinary issues related to society, culture and environment. A qualification in an area related to sport would be an advantage.
- One or two years of relevant working experience in the region would be an asset.
- Experience working in sports organisations or volunteering in sports / community activities would be an asset.
- Willingness for teamwork and good communication skills.
- Basic computer skills, including MS word and excel.
- Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of other regional languages will be an asset.
LEARNING ELEMENTS:
- Gain practical knowledge on the role of the UN and other international organizations in supporting youth, peace, human rights and gender equality
- Gain experience and understanding of youth development in Asia and the Pacific
- Gain communication skills