News South Asia

UN Development Programme Internship

I. Position Information

Title: Policy Intern

Division: Economist Team under the Strengthened Partnership and Policy Unit (SPPU)

Duration: 6 months: Early July 2014 - Early January 2015. The exact dates are negotiable.

Duty station: UNDP China, Beijing 

Compensation: Unpaid, no allowances of any kind

Application deadline: 23:59(GMT 8.0), 22 June 2014 (Interviews will be held within a week after the deadline.)

II. Organizational Context

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China is the China country office of United Nations Development Programme – the global development network of the United Nations. UNDP China has an extensive history in working in the area of poverty reduction and human development and it also increasingly engages in South-South cooperation projects. For more information please see http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home.html and http://www.cn.undp.org/.

Working in a large multilateral organization that has a longstanding partnership with the Chinese government, the intern will gain unique experience of policy analysis and formulation, especially in the context of socio-economic development, and the wide array of work that UNDP does to address the world′s development challenges. During the internship, under the overall supervision of the National Economist, the intern will be working for the Economist Team, a division of the Strengthened Partnership and Policy Unit (SPPU).

III. Main Resposibilities

Assist preparing external and internal policy briefs on issues in socioeconomic development/poverty reduction, in particular social policies, and South-South cooperation. 

Provide technical inputs into UNDP research projects.

Assist in analyzing socioeconomic trends and interpreting statistical data. Support assessing China’s socioeconomic policies. Help prepare top quality briefs for UNDP senior management.

Provide logistic support for missions, events and related workshops/forums.

Provide other administrative support as requested.

IV. Expected Results

By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to have increased UNDP’s knowledge of human development, particularly in the fields of socioeconomic development, poverty reduction, and South-South cooperation.

To have successfully helped the UNDP China’s Strengthened Partnership and Policy Unit to reach its working goals by contributing in the tasks as assigned in the “Main Resposibilities” section.

Produced or contributed to the production of knowledge products, such as issue briefs and discussion papers.

V. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Enrolled in a graduate programme in economics, development studies, international relations, political science, or similar disciplines (Master or PhD).  

Experience:

Relevant academic or professional experience is desired.

Competencies:

The intern will be expected to be someone who can work as part of a team and who: 

1. Achieves results: 

Is flexible and adaptable to changing work requirements and has the flexibility to work on a variety of projects under tight timeframes and busy schedules. Supports a positive working environment, in which he or she can both take initiative and also seek guidance and support from others when appropriate Has sound analytical and research skills Is well organized and efficient  

2. Supports productive working relationships: 

Participates actively as part of a team to achieve goals. Shares ideas and information and seeks guidance from others. Has good interpersonal skills  

3. Displays personal drive and integrity: 

Behaves professionally and ethically at all times. Enthusiastically accepts tasks and initiates action.  

4. Listens and communicates effectively both orally and in writing (in English and preferably Chinese): Communicates messages clearly and concisely. Provides accurate information.

Language Requirements:

Full fluency in English is critical, both written and spoken. Knowledge in Chinese is desired, fluency is an advantage.  

(Please mention length of study and stays in Chinese/English speaking countries.)

VI. Information on Application Process

Application deadline: 

Please send your application by 23:59(GMT 8.0), 22 June 2014 (Sunday). 

Information about the position: 

The position is from early July 2014 till early January 2015 (6 months in total). The exact dates are negotiable. 

The position is unpaid and no other allowances will be made. Some previous interns have funded their positions with external scholarships.

Application materials: 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send an email to pstep.cn@undp.org with the following as word/PDF document attachments: 

1) A cover letter including 2 parts:

a. Self introduction and an overview of why you would like this position (200 words maximum) 

b. Your responses to the selection criteria as above (350 words maximum). Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position. When you include an example, you should explain: your personal role in the task; the methods you used; any barriers you were able to overcome; the outcome.

2) Your resume/curriculum vitae (One page maximum)

3) A scanned copy of your transcript. If an official one is not available, a scanned copy of the unofficial transcript will suffice.

4) (optional) If you hold any official language certificates, we would appreciate if you could also attach a scanned copy of the document(s).