Background:

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to end poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, as well as protect the planet, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these efforts aim to ensure that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. We also help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, as well as build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs.   

UNDP China has been working in China over the past 47 years, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development. UNDP China’s actions and programmes for the period of 2026-2030 are defined in its Country Programme Document for China (CPD), prepared in cooperation with the Government of China and other partners. The CPD contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China 2026-2030 and aligned to support the development priorities outlined in the Government of China’s 15th Five Year Plan. 

Specifically, by facilitating policy dialogues, joint research, and technology transfer, UNDP supports demand-based and two-way knowledge exchanges for China to share its development experience with countries of the global south and vice-versa. Activities and initiatives are led by the Strategic Partnership and Policy team.

UNDP China office is hiring an intern to provide support to the Strategic Partnership and Policy team and activities specifically related to a project aimed at generating knowledge products, dialogues and sharing sessions to strengthen effectiveness of China’s international development cooperation and coordination of its engagements with other key stakeholders (see here for more information: https://www.undp.org/china/partnerships).

The intern is expected to assist in facilitating project management through cross-team work and in coordination with multiple stakeholders involved in the project (e.g., UN Agencies, UNDP Country Offices, national and international stakeholders etc.), as well as conduct analytical work on relevant fields.

Description of Responsibilities :

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the intern is expected to perform the following responsibilities in close collaboration with the Project Associate and the Project Fellow:

  • Support Project Management & Coordination
    • Contribute to organization and coordination of engagements and events, engaging Chinese and development partners and UN agencies, including but not limited to logistic and administrative support, agenda design, invitation and tracking, speeches, knowledge products and event-based communication contents for press release, social media, etc.
    • Support various document preparation such as the Terms of References, activity agenda presentation, and memos in line with UNDP’s corporate policies.
    • Coordinate meeting schedules, support drafting briefing notes and meeting minutes in an accurate, organized, and concise manner.
    • Support work around progress reporting, financing, monitoring and communications.
    • Provide translation or interpretation where needed.
  • Support Research and Policy
    • Support research outputs and analytical work through data analysis and literature review on South-South Cooperation, China’s international development cooperation for SDG attainment.
    • Support compilation and development of knowledge products under the relevant project, including but not limited to mappings and case studies.
  • Other: Support other/ad hoc duties seen as relevant and needed.

Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the common UN system;
  • Strong interest and motivation in working in UN organizations;
  • Good coordination and organizational skills: ability to manage/organize multiple tasks, address fluctuating priorities and tight deadline;
  • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research;
  • Good translation and interpretation (Chinese/English) skills;
  • Pragmatic and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set and can-do attitude;
  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme,or higher);

b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

e) Majors in International Relations, International Development, International Communication, Public Policy, Economics, or other related fields. An advanced university degree is an asset.

f) Familiarity with UN work, South-South Cooperation and international development is required.

Language and Skills

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Good English-Chinese bi-directional translation and/or interpretation skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (MS Excel, Word, etc.).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please fill all required boxes in the application system including education, experience, nationality etc. and upload below documents with your application:

a)   CV and letter of motivation

b)   Copy of school transcript 

C)   Please clarify whether you are receiving any financial support (stipend or living allowance etc.) from another entity, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, to cover your basic daily expenses, such as meals and transportation. Please be noted that if the amount meets or exceeds the amount of UNDP stipend, the candidate will not be eligible for the UNDP stipend regardless of whether this financial support is specifically designated for this internship or not.

*Candidate who didn’t submit required documentation will not be further considered.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

  • Where an intern is engaged in an in-person internship and is financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses, such as meals and transportation, and the amount is equal or exceed the UNDP stipend amount, no matter the financial support is designated for the UNDP internship or not, the intern will not be eligible for the UNDP stipend.    
  • Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. Any cost arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
  • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Cost and arrangement for travel, visas, passports, accommodations and living expenses are the responsibility of the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or the intern.
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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