Intern - Peacebuilding and Prevention
Organizational Context
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), part of the UN Secretariat, supports 20 Arab member states in formulating policies, fostering dialogue, and sharing knowledge. This internship is within Cluster 6: Governance and Conflict Prevention, which focuses on advancing peaceful societies, strengthening public institutions, and addressing development challenges in conflict-affected regions.
Job Purpose
This internship aims to support the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster at ESCWA by contributing to research and analysis on vulnerability, resilience, and conflict dynamics in Arab countries. The intern will assist in identifying socioeconomic, institutional, and environmental factors affecting these issues, and in assessing transboundary challenges and the long-term impacts of conflict on development and Sustainable Development Goals. The role involves data collection, literature review, and preparing background materials for analytical papers and policy briefs, thereby supporting evidence-based policy recommendations and capacity development initiatives for member states.
Responsibilities
Assist in conducting research and analysis on drivers of vulnerability in Arab countries, particularly those affected by conflict and fragility. Support the identification and analysis of socioeconomic, institutional, environmental, and governance factors contributing to vulnerability and undermining resilience. Research and assess transboundary challenges, including regional instability and cross-border threats. Collect and compile data from various sources on vulnerability, resilience, conflict dynamics, and transboundary risks. Support the assessment of long-term impacts of conflict on development outcomes and progress towards SDGs. Review and summarize relevant documents, reports, and publications. Prepare background information for analytical papers, policy briefs, and reports. Contribute to qualitative and quantitative analyses, including data compilation and basic analysis. Prepare background materials, presentations, and visualizations for research findings. Assist in preparing substantive inputs for the cluster's workstreams and publications on peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Work Experience
No previous work experience is required. Demonstrated interest in research and analysis related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainable development is required. Ability to undertake desk research, review literature, collect information, and summarize findings is necessary. Good analytical and writing skills are essential.
Skills
Research and analysis, data collection and compilation, literature review, report writing, synthesis of complex information, quantitative and qualitative research methods, understanding of conflict dynamics, understanding of transboundary challenges, computer literacy in standard software applications, cross-cultural communication.