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.
UNDP China office is hiring an intern to provide support to the Strategic Partnerships and Policy (SPP) Team. Working under the guidance of the SPP team’s Programme Associate, s/he will focus areas related to China’s international development, liaising with partners from China and outside of China, as well as other members of the UNDP China’s country office. The intern will provide programme support both Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) projects, among others.
Description of Responsibilities:
1. Assisting in on-going GDF, and other south-south and trilateral cooperation projects, supporting work of the team’s Programme Associate and other members of the team, including proposal revising, coordination, communication, data collection, etc.
2. Providing admin support including translation and interpretation, taking meeting minutes, conference booking, workshops preparation, etc.
3. Supporting coordination and communication with stakeholders, preparing reports and communication materials.
4. Providing other support upon instructions from the supervisor and Team Leader.
Competencies:
Professionalism:
- Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems in south-south cooperation area
- Ability to develop sources and conduct data collection using various methods Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis
- Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure
- Showing pride in work and in achievements
- Showing persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
Communication:
- Speaking and writing clearly and effectively in both Chinese and English
- Communicating effectively with team members
- Adjusting language, tone, style and format to match the audience
- Demonstrating openness in sharing information and coordination
Teamwork:
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
- Willing to learn from others and positively share ideas
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
- 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;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
- Major in development-related field such as international relations, development studies, sociology or economics studies is desirable.
Required Language: English and Mandarin Chinese required, particularly reading and writing; Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
IT skills: Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools; Skills with Photoshop or other design/video software would be an advantage.
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.