Economics and Development Finance Intern null

About United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN, and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

The UN in China seeks to consistently build upon its position as a key partner, most notably by creating and reinforcing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with national development priorities.

Your role

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) leads the UN Country Team in China, including all entities present. The purpose of the Resident Coordinator System is,

• To bring together different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level, helping the UN to be a more relevant and reliable partner for governments, notable by establishing and strengthening these partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The UN Resident Coordinator Office supports the role and functions of the RC and the UN Country Team (UNCT).
• The RCO provides inter-agency coordination support to the UNCT and its various inter-agency working mechanisms, including results and theme groups. RCO China is looking for a motivated Economist and Development Finance intern to join the office for 3 months.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the UN coordination function by providing relevant support to UN coordination mechanisms and UNCT activities under the guidance of the Economist of the RCO.
• Conduct independent research and provide inputs to reports and analyses produced by the office.
• Support the RCO’s policy work by contributing to the compilation and preparation of briefing and presentation materials, background information, and documentation.
• Support the development and updating of databases and other information management activities.
• Support and provide talking points and inputs of speeches for meetings, events, and missions.
• Support team members in facilitating on-site, inter-agency, and high-level meetings or events.
• Support the RCO in partnership management.
• Complete other ad hoc tasks requested by the office and/or the supervisor.

Training & development

The UN internship is for 3 months and is expected to be in a hybrid format, with at least one month of in-person work at the office in Beijing. An internship at the UN could be the ideal start if you are considering a career in the Organization. It will give you exposure to high-profile conferences, political decision-making, or work on the ground, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the projects and mandates of the United Nations. You can apply for any internship around the world, regardless of nationality.

Benefits

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

As an intern, you will:

• Enhance your educational experience through practical work assignments
• Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Organization’s goals, principles, and activities
• Work in an international environment, and network with international civil servants, career professionals, and senior management
• Provide the UN with assistance in your area of expertise

Career progression

The global and flexible nature of every UN position will allow you to develop your professional interests around the world, as your career progresses.

Will my internship lead to employment?

Your internship will not automatically lead to a job with the UN, but with the experience you have acquired during your time as an intern, you might be interested in applying for General Service or consultancy positions. If you want to apply to positions at the Professional and Higher or Field Service levels, the organization asks you to let at least six months pass after the end of your internship before you submit your application, and ensure that you fulfill not only the educational but also the work experience requirements that are outlined in each job opening.

Work-life balance

Work-life balance for interns in the United Nations may vary based on factors such as the specific internship program, department, and location. Interns may have some flexibility in their work arrangements which could include options for flexible hours, remote work, or accommodating personal commitments, such as classes or other activities.

Culture & vibe

Step into the United Nations, and you're stepping into a world full of diversity. Imagine a bustling community of some 36,000 individuals from every corner of the globe, each bringing their unique background, culture, and perspective to the table. Here, you'll find yourself seamlessly woven into multicultural teams, where ideas flow freely, and innovation knows no bounds.

About you

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
• Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.
• Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.
• The ability to draft analytical reports speeches and talking points for senior officials is desirable.
• The ability to support event organization is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
• Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Note:

• Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

How to apply

United Nations hiring process:

• Submission of job application
• Evaluation of application
• Assessment exercise
• Competency-based interview
• Selection notification and roster
• Reference checks

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/job-level
• china.un.org/en/about/about-the-un
• careers.un.org/work-force
• careers.un.org/how-to-apply
• youtube.com/unitednations