Internship with the Bureau for Employers Activities ACTEMP Bangkok

Department

Learning areas

The key advantage of interning with ACTEMP is the opportunity to gain exposure to the ILO’s wide range of technical areas. While your primary focus as an intern will be on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters and the role Employers' and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) can play in this space, you'll also have the chance to work across various policy areas.

As an ACTEMP intern, you will engage in a variety of learning opportunities, activities, and training related to ESG. There is a growing wave of ESG-related legislation expected to take effect in 2024, which many businesses are not yet fully prepared for. Currently, listed companies have been at the center of sustainability efforts due to investor and regulatory demands for transparency. For example, 72 out of 122 stock exchanges tracked by the UN’s Sustainable Stock Exchange (SEE) have issued ESG reporting guidance for listed companies. However, the upcoming regulations, especially those concerning supply chain due diligence, will require businesses of all sizes to increase their compliance efforts.

The European Union (EU) is leading this legislative push. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), effective from January 2024, mandates that EU companies publicly disclose information on sustainability risks and impacts. In addition, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), expected to take effect in 2025, will require companies to practice due diligence throughout their value chains to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm. These regulations will also affect non-EU companies that do business with EU entities, marking a significant shift in global ESG regulation.

Globally, the trend toward stricter ESG regulation is growing. In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to finalize rules in 2024 that will require companies to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities. Brazil is incorporating the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards into its regulatory framework, and more countries, including the UK, are implementing carbon taxes. Korea has also enacted mandatory ESG due diligence laws for large companies, which will have a ripple effect throughout the region, influencing business practices in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and India.

During your internship, a significant focus will be on raising awareness of these evolving regulations and helping EBMOs support companies in addressing new compliance requirements. This experience will offer valuable insights into the changing global landscape of ESG and corporate responsibility.
The Internship will focus on supporting the two Employer Specialists with the following tasks:

• Developing ESG member briefing reports and policy briefs for EBMOs 
•  Developing training modules on ESG, RBC and HRDD 
•  Supporting Awareness-raising trainings on ESG, RBC and HRDD 
• Helping operationalization of Responsible Business Helpdesks in EBMOs
• Liaising with other UN Agencies and stakeholders in the organization of collective events on ESG

You would be gaining experience in working with specialists who have a track record in supporting Interns get high quality experience and will seek to push future opportunities their way. We are strong believers in creating a highly respectful, fun filled, learning environment that can contribute to the goals of the ILO AND help launch Interns into successful careers. 

Interns should expect to devote 10% to 20% of their time to administrative tasks.

Department

The Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP) is a specialized unit within the ILO Secretariat. Its task is to maintain close and direct relations with Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) in member States.  Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) represent a key asset in any society: its enterprises. Successful enterprises are at the heart of any strategy to create employment and improve living standards. EBMOs help to create the conditions for enterprise success by influencing the environment in which they do business and by providing services that improve their individual performance. As one of the three constituents of the ILO, EBMOs have a special relationship with the Organization. 

Required profile

Education

The candidate should be enrolled in their final year of graduate degree programme or should have completed such a programme no longer than 1 years ago.  We are open in terms of field of study but a candidate with a Humanities; political science; social science or economics  background would be a good fit.

Experience

Any relevant work experience and knowledge of ESG or working with EBMOs would be an advantage

Languages

Working (both oral and written) knowledge of English required. Proficiency in Asian languages an advantage – Korean and Japanese in particular

Competencies

Adaptable to an international, multicultural and multilingual environment, good communication skills and be able to work in a team. Good can-do attitude.