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.
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 Partnership intern to join the RCO China office for a six-month duration.
Key functions of the RCO include:
Strategic analysis, planning, and positioning of the Country Team
Preparation and monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)
Support to joint UN programming and operations management; policy guidance
Joint advocacy and communications (e.g. the management of the UN China website and production of joint communications materials), to enhance UN coherence and improve the overall program impact of the UN System in China.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Under the overall supervision of the UN Partnership and Financing Officer, the Partnership Intern will be responsible for facilitating UN in China partnership activities with government counterparts, foreign missions, the private sector, and civil society.
The Partnership Intern shall provide quality research, analysis, and advisory expertise on public-private partnerships related to UN RCO.
The approach shall be consistent with RCO policies, rules, and procedures and that of the Chinese Government.
The Partnership Intern shall work in close collaboration with the Partnership and Financing Officer, as well as with Government partners, think tanks, and other experts, ensuring successful completion of the assignment.
Training & development
The UN internship is for 6 months. 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).
Functional Competencies:
Demonstrates strong analytical skills
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client, and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Excellent teamwork skills
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Can work independently
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment.
Knowledge of the UN system and its mandate would be considered an asset
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
Ability to apply technical guideline production procedures
Ability to analyze technical requirements in the relevant area
Ability to apply organizational policies and procedures.
Innovation:
Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
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.
For national candidates, fluency in written and spoken English and Chinese.
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
Additional information:
Documents to be included when applying:
CV and a motivation letter:
Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work with example/former experience demonstrating your competencies
Provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
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
Hiring criteria
You should have or be completing the following to apply for this opportunity.
Entry pathway
Degree or Certificate
Minimum Level of Study
Bachelor or higher
Study Field
B
Business
Business Administration
International Business
Management
Economics
H
International Development
Policy Studies
Political Science
Public Administration
Social Work & Sociology
Social Science (all other)
S
Environmental Studies
Work rights
The opportunity is available to applicants in any of the following categories.