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 eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China is the China country office of the United Nations Development Programme – the global development network of the United Nations. UNDP has been working in China over the past 40 years, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development. We provide development advisory services and implement projects through innovation and applying our international experience and network in three pillars: supporting China’s transformation to a low-carbon economy so that more people enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment; facilitating China’s shift to using the SDGs as a standard for its inclusive development, economic decisions and investments, and supporting China’s international cooperation and south-south engagement for SDG attainment.

The Sustainable Investment and Business Team operates within Pillar of People and Prosperity and is dedicated to advancing sustainable and low-carbon transformation, enhancing climate resilience in Chinese cities, and promoting responsible business practices. Our team is working on the research and pilot projects that aim to integrate sustainability into urban development and business operations. By collaborating with local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, we strive to create impactful solutions that address environmental challenges and foster sustainable economic growth.

The intern will have the opportunity to work closely with the Sustainable Business and Investment Team under the supervision of programme manager in supporting the formulation and implementation of research and pilot projects focused on sustainable and low-carbon transformation, climate resilience, and responsible business practices with Chinese stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Competencies

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Graduate students for Bachelor of Arts in language study, Sustainable Development, Business, Economics, or a related field

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Enrolled in a Master’s or in a PhD programme
• In the final year of a Bachelor’s programme;
• Or within one year after graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme,
• Or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program

Language and Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Mandarin is an asset.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please submit your application with below documents in one PDF. For people who apply from UNDP Jobs, please note that the system will not accept the uploading of more than one document so please merge or scan all your documents into one prior to uploading.

a) CV and letter of motivation

b) Copy of school transcript

c) Indicate if you will be financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, and the financial amount.

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

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan and medical certificate 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.
• The stipend will be paid monthly. Interns will have 1.5 days of leave per month.
• 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 must not apply for or be appointed to a position that should be encumbered by a staff number during the period of their internship. Interns are expected to fulfil the terms of their internships. Therefore, the internship must not be foreshortened for the purposes of allowing an intern to apply for a position.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Disclaimer

Note: 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.

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