The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is accepting interns for its ICT and Development Section in Bangkok, Thailand. This full-time, unpaid internship runs from 20 January to 19 July 2027, with a minimum duration of two months and a maximum of six. At Youth Works Hub, we identified this as a strong entry point into UN digital development work for students and recent graduates with an interest in ICT policy, sustainable development data, and the Asia-Pacific region.
About UN ESCAP and the ICT and Development Section
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the regional arm of the UN Secretariat for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Bangkok, Thailand. ESCAP supports its 53 member States and 9 associate members in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic and social development.
The ICT and Development Section sits within ESCAP and focuses on digital transformation and the role of information and communications technology in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across the Asia-Pacific. Among the Section's key outputs is the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report, which examines the state of digital connectivity, data ecosystems, and technology-driven policymaking across the region. Interns in this Section contribute directly to research, data work, programme support, website management, and the organization of regional events.
You can browse more international internship opportunities across different organizations and countries on Youth Works Hub.
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Activity Dates and Duration
The internship at the ICT and Development Section runs on the following schedule:
🗓️ Start date: 20 January 2027
🗓️ End date: 19 July 2027
🕐 Minimum duration: two months
⏱️ Maximum duration: six months (total period)
🕔 Working hours: full-time, 37.5 hours per week, five days per week
📌 Duty station: Bangkok, Thailand (in-person)
Interns work under the direct supervision of a staff member in the section. Daily responsibilities vary depending on the individual intern's academic background and the ongoing priorities of the Section at the time of the internship.
What You'll Work On
The ICT and Development Section internship spans five core areas of work. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Research and Analytical Work
🔬 Assist officers in conducting analytical research on issues related to ICT and digital agendas for sustainable development. This includes contributing to the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report and examining topics such as:
🌐 Digital connectivity across the region
📱 Digital technologies and their applications
📂 Digital data and statistical frameworks
🌧️ Disaster risk reduction through ICT
🌱 Environmental applications of digital tools
🎓 ICT in education
🚺 Gender dimensions of digital development
📰 Media and digital communications
Information and Data Compilation
🗂️ Compile, process, and analyze information and data on ICT for development across the Asia-Pacific region. This work includes a particular focus on Countries with Special Situations: Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Tasks in this area may require econometric skills and economic modeling approaches, including the use of statistical software such as Stata.
Programme and Project Support
📋 Support officers in implementing programmes and projects related to ICT and digital data for member States in Asia and the Pacific. This involves working alongside program officers to coordinate activities and contribute to deliverables tied to ESCAP's regional digital agenda.
Website Management
🖥️ Support officers in updating, managing, and advertising the ICT and Development Section's work through the ESCAP website. This includes keeping content current, ensuring visibility of the Section's publications and initiatives, and contributing to digital communications.
Organization of Intergovernmental Meetings and Regional Workshops
🗓️ Support the organization of intergovernmental meetings and regional workshops, which may involve:
📝 Drafting concept notes and memos
📧 Contacting and coordinating with meeting participants
📋 Developing draft programmes for events
⚙️ Carrying out other administrative and logistical tasks related to events
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📚 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
No significant prior work experience is required. The position is designed for students and recent graduates entering professional work in development economics, ICT policy, data analysis, or related disciplines.
Skills and Personal Attributes
Beyond the academic requirement, applicants are expected to demonstrate:
💻 ICT literacy in standard software applications, including proficiency in statistical software such as Stata
🌍 A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations
📜 A personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter
🤝 Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
Language Requirements
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this internship:
🗣️ Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required
🌐 Knowledge of another official UN language, in particular Chinese or Russian, is an asset
Compensation and Conditions
This internship is unpaid and full-time. The United Nations does not provide financial remuneration to interns. Applicants should ensure they have the financial means to cover living expenses in Bangkok for the duration of the internship, including travel, accommodation, and any visa costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this UN ESCAP internship paid?
No. The position is explicitly unpaid and full-time. The United Nations Secretariat does not provide financial remuneration to interns. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses in Bangkok.
How long is the internship?
The internship runs from 20 January to 19 July 2027. The minimum duration is two months and the maximum is six months. The actual length within that window is arranged with the section at the time of onboarding.
Do I need prior work experience to apply?
No. Applicants are explicitly not required to have significant work experience. The position is open to students currently enrolled in a degree programme, as well as those who have recently completed one.
What statistical software is expected?
The internship description specifically mentions Stata as the expected statistical tool, alongside general ICT software proficiency. Candidates with experience in econometrics or quantitative data analysis will be well placed for the data-focused aspects of the role.
Is the internship in person in Bangkok?
Yes. The duty station is Bangkok, Thailand, and the internship is full-time and on-site. Interns work five days per week (37.5 hours) under the direct supervision of a staff member at ESCAP headquarters.
What language level is needed?
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, especially Chinese or Russian, is an asset but not a requirement for this position.
What topics does the ICT and Development Section cover?
The Section works on digital connectivity, digital technologies and applications, digital data and statistics, disaster risk reduction, environmental applications of ICT, gender in digital development, and media. Much of its analytical output feeds into the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report and regional policy processes.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 17 November 2026 via the UN Careers portal (Inspira).
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026
