Green and Digital Development Intern

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Country Office is part of UNDP—the United Nations' global development network. 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 four decades, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development outlined in the Government of China’s Five-Year Plans. UNDP assists China in integrating the SDGs into development decisions, promotes the transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy and a sustainable society, protects biodiversity, and informs China’s international development cooperation engagement to advance global progress on the SDGs and the global climate agendas. In addition, UNDP leverages its global network and South-South Cooperation (SSC) to facilitate mutual knowledge and experience sharing between China and partner countries on best practices and lessons learned to advance the SDGs. 

UNDP China’s implementation modalities currently engage more than 15 Ministries and government representatives at the national and sub-national levels in 28 provinces. UNDP China also actively engages the United Nations development system, multilateral and regional institutions, the private sector, philanthropic foundations, academia and think tanks, intergovernmental bodies, and the media to accelerate the SDGs and global climate agendas in China. 

The Green and Digital Development Portfolio 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 Green and Digital Development Portfolio under the supervision of programme analyst 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.

 

Description of Responsibilities:

The position will report to Programme Analyst. 

Details of the job responsibilities:

1. Research and Analysis:   

 - Conduct research on sustainable investment trends, low-carbon technologies, and climate resilience strategies. 

 - Analyze data and compile reports on the current state of sustainable practices in Chinese cities. 

2. Support the project development and implementation

   - Assist in the design and development of pilot projects aimed at promoting sustainable and low-carbon urban transformation. 

   - Support project implementation by coordinating with stakeholders, organizing meetings, and preparing documentation. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement: 

   - Collaborate with team members to engage with local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders. 

   - Assist in organizing workshops, seminars, and events to promote sustainable practices and share project findings. 

4. Administrative Support: 

   - Provide administrative support as needed. 

   - Assist in maintaining project documentation and records. 

   - Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed. 

 

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. 

 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. 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;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Major in language study, Sustainable Development, Business, Economics, or a related field is desirable.

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 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 

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• Unless intern is financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme (hereafter “sponsor”), UNDP will provide a stipend, at the rate determined in accordance with UNDP internship policy;
• If intern is financially supported by a sponsor, UNDP will, subject to the rules of the sponsor, pay me the difference, if any, between the financial support provided by the sponsor and the applicable UNDP stipend;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; 
• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

The sponsoring institution, related institution or Government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or

The intern.

• 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. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. 
• Selected candidates for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station where they will undertake the internship. For interns that are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station of the internship, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;

Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

• UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. Any cost arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of 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.

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