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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.
• 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 Protocol 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 Protocol Intern will be responsible for supporting the UN Partnership Officer in engaging with the government counterparts, on all issues related to protocol.
• The Protocol Intern shall provide support including preparing draft documents such as the Note Verbales, and liaising with government departments, on all issues related to protocol.
• The approach shall be consistent with RCO policies, rules, and procedures and that of the Chinese Government.
• The Protocol Intern shall work in close collaboration with the Partnership and Financing Officer, as well as with Government partners, think tanks, and other experts, ensuring the 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

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants to the program must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level 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