Junior Sustainable Development Officer

Host entity: ESCAP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Energy, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its 52 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. The ESCAP secretariat supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region by generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCAP also provides support to partners at the national level. ESCAP’s national offer is rooted in and linked with the implementation of global and regional intergovernmental frameworks, agreements, and other instruments. ESCAP pursues this objective by carrying out work, in close cooperation with other United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations in the region.

Assignment context

Asia and the Pacific is undergoing profound transformation, shaped by three interconnected megatrends: climate change, digital transformation and demographic shifts. The region accounts for around 60% of global GHG emissions while remaining highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Rapid digitalization and AI are reshaping economies and societies, creating new opportunities while raising new challenges. Demographic change is also significant: the share of people aged 60 years or over is projected to rise from 16% in 2025 to 26% by 2050, alongside diversity in demographic trajectories across the region.

The interaction of these megatrends is reshaping the region’s development prospects and calls for thought leadership – forward-looking, integrated policy thinking. ESCAP’s three main functions involve serving as an intergovernmental platform for the region, conducts research and analysis, and provides technical assistance to the member States. Through the research and analysis function, ESCAP plays an important role in identifying emerging development issues, generating new ideas and evidence, and translating them into policy messages for member States. Strengthening ESCAP’s thought leadership can help anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities and inform regional policy dialogue and cooperation.

ESCAP’s work is supported by five Regional Institutions, which provide specialized expertise and capacity development: the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT), the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM), the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), and the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP). These institutions complement the work of ESCAP’s divisions by strengthening national capacities, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering regional cooperation.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks to support the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme in strengthening the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific's (ESCAP) thought leadership on emerging and cross-cutting development issues in Asia and the Pacific. Particular attention will be given to the areas of climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts, focusing on substantive publications and through the Editorial Board of ESCAP.

Throughout the posting, the candidate will be expected to:
• As part of the team, provide coordination support to the Office of the Executive Secretary in ESCAP inter-division and UN inter-agency collaboration activities and initiatives around the key socioeconomic thematic areas; and
• As part of the team, provide support to the Deputy Executive Secretary on donor relationship management across substantive projects;
• Provide research inputs as needed to substantive areas, including climate change, air pollution, energy transitions, and digital transformation;
• Provide support to the Sustainable Development Officer in monitoring, and where applicable, supporting the activities of ESCAP’s Regional Institutes; and
• Support ESCAP’s intergovernmental processes, focusing on substantive inputs around the highlighted socioeconomic megatrends, including through the Commission session.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:
• Previous experience in the UN are desirable.
• Candidates with international experience are desirable
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (e.g., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
• Economic and publication research
• Coordination and logistics planning
• Client and stakeholder management

Competencies and values

- Accountability
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Communication
- Creativity
- Ethics and Values
- Integrity
- Planning and Organizing
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
- Self-Management
- Technological Awareness
- Working in Teams

Living conditions

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, with a tropical climate. The monsoon season typically runs from May/June to October/November. Bangkok, the capital and most populous city, is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand.

Bangkok has experienced rapid growth over the past decades, often without extensive urban planning. This has resulted in traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as frequent flooding during the rainy season, particularly in low-lying areas.

The cost of living in Bangkok is relatively low compared to other capital cities in Southeast Asia. Housing is widely available in a range of sizes and price points. Private healthcare services in Bangkok are of excellent quality, with many top hospitals offering services at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the United States.

There are numerous high-quality international schools in Bangkok, where English is the primary language of instruction. The city also offers diverse transportation options, including the BTS Skytrain, MRT Underground, metered taxis, mobile-based ride-hailing services (e.g., Grab, All Thai Taxi), tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, buses, and boats.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.