The UN ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) is seeking 1 to 3 interns for its Sustainable Urban Development Section in Bangkok, Thailand. The internship runs for 4 to 6 months, is full-time and unpaid, and is open to current students and recent graduates worldwide. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full call: applications close on 18 November 2026.
About the Sustainable Urban Development Section
The Sustainable Urban Development Section is part of the Environment and Development Division of UN ESCAP. The Section works with ESCAP member States and key stakeholders to advance resilient and sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific. Its work is built around four interconnected programme areas:
🏛️ Intergovernmental processes: Facilitating regional cooperation and the implementation of global and regional frameworks
🛠️ Technical assistance: Supporting capacity development across member States
📖 Knowledge products: Developing and disseminating knowledge that enhances awareness and supports evidence-based decision-making
🤝 Networking and partnerships: Mobilising knowledge, resources and innovation across the region
Internship Details
📅 Duration: 4 to 6 months (minimum 4 months; 6 months preferred and is the maximum allowed)
⏰ Hours: Full-time, in-person, five days per week (35 hours/week)
📍 Location: Bangkok, Thailand
👥 Positions available: 1 to 3 interns
💼 Supervision: Under the supervision of a staff member in the Section
🚫 Remuneration: The internship is unpaid
What You Will Do
Daily responsibilities depend on the individual's background, the assigned team within the section and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
🗂️ Meeting and event support (30%): Provide support in organising and conducting meetings, including Expert Group Meetings, Side-Events and the Ninth Asia Pacific Urban Forum. This includes drafting concept notes, documents and communications materials, preparing for and backstopping intergovernmental meetings, and supporting follow-up activities.
🏙️ Programme and project implementation (30%): Assist with organisational and substantive tasks related to sustainable and resilient urban development, including work on SDG localisation, urban resilience, sinking cities, smart cities and equitable sanitation for low-income urban communities.
🔬 Research and case studies (20%): Conduct research and identify and develop case studies on urban development, policies and programmes, and their contribution to inclusive, sustainable and resilient development in the Asia-Pacific region.
🖥️ Operational support (20%): Support day-to-day operational tasks of the Section, including responding to requests for information, assisting in the preparation of presentations, and updating webpages related to the Section's work.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in a relevant field: international development, sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, policy analysis, environmental management, social science, development practice, international relations or a related discipline
🏫 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent) in sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, environmental management, development practice, international relations or a related discipline
Special Skills (Desirable)
The following skills are desirable but not required:
💻 Good command of Microsoft Suite beyond Word, Excel and PowerPoint
🎬 Video-editing skills
🎨 Graphic design or illustration skills related to urban design work
🤖 Familiarity with the responsible use of AI tools to improve work quality and efficiency, in line with UN guidelines
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required. English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat.
🌏 Knowledge of another language used in Asia-Pacific is an asset: Laotian, Khmer, Bengali, Nepali or Japanese.
Financial and Practical Information
⚠️ The internship is unpaid. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns.
🧳 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 Thailand may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorisation. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the offer.
🚫 No fee is charged at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing or training). The United Nations does not request information on applicants' bank accounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UN ESCAP Sustainable Development Affairs Intern do?
The intern works within the Sustainable Urban Development Section in Bangkok, contributing to meeting and event organisation, programme and project implementation on SDG localisation, urban resilience and smart cities, research and case study development, and day-to-day operational support. Daily tasks depend on the individual's background and the assigned team.
Is this internship paid?
No. The internship is explicitly unpaid. All costs, including travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses, are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
How long is the internship?
The minimum duration is 4 months; 6 months is preferred and is the maximum allowed for UN internships. The internship is full-time in-person at the UN ESCAP premises in Bangkok, Thailand (35 hours per week, five days a week).
What academic background is required?
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree programme (master's level or higher) in a relevant field, or be in the final academic year of a bachelor's degree programme in sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, environmental management, international relations or a related field.
Are there desirable skills for this internship?
Yes: advanced Microsoft Suite skills, video-editing, graphic design or illustration related to urban design, and familiarity with AI tools in line with UN guidelines. These are desirable, not mandatory.
What language skills are required?
Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of a language used in the Asia-Pacific region is an asset, particularly Laotian, Khmer, Bengali, Nepali or Japanese.
Do I need a visa to intern at UN ESCAP in Bangkok?
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain a visa and work authorisation. Prospective interns should discuss their visa requirements with the relevant authorities before accepting the offer.
Does the United Nations charge any fees for the application?
No. The UN does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment (application, interview, processing or training) and does not request bank account information from applicants.
Deadline
⏳ 18 November 2026
Links
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/286611?language=en
