📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Strategic Partnerships Intern
🔹 Company: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
🔹 Location: Beijing, China
🔹 Job Type: Full-time Internship
🔹 Category: Internship
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting ongoing Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund projects
- Assisting the Programme Associate and team members in proposal revising, coordination, communication, and data collection
- Providing administrative support, including translation, interpretation, meeting minutes, and workshop preparation
- Liaising with partners from China and outside, and other members of the UNDP China country office
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide practical experience in international development, with a focus on strategic partnerships and project management.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in ongoing GDF, and other south-south and trilateral cooperation projects, supporting work of the team’s Programme Associate and other members of the team, including proposal revising, coordination, communication, data collection, etc.
✅ Provide admin support including translation and interpretation, taking meeting minutes, conference booking, workshops preparation, etc.
✅ Support coordination and communication with stakeholders, preparing reports and communication materials.
✅ Provide other support upon instructions from the supervisor and Team Leader.
ASSUMPTION: The intern will work closely with the SPP team and other members of the UNDP China country office to ensure effective project management and stakeholder engagement.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree in development-related field such as international relations, development studies, sociology or economics studies is desirable.
Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Enrolled in a Master’s or in a PhD programme
- In the final year of a Bachelor’s programme;
- Or within one year after graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme,
- Or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese, particularly reading and writing;
- Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
- Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
- Skills with PhotoShop or other design/video software would be an advantage.
Preferred Skills:
- Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis
- Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure
- Showing pride in work and in achievements
- Showing persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in a development-related field and demonstrate excellent communication, teamwork, and professionalism skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Stipend: A monthly stipend will be provided. Interns will have 1.5 days of leave per month.
Benefits:
- Interns will receive a monthly stipend and 1.5 days of leave per month.
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The stipend amount is not specified, but it is intended to cover living expenses during the internship period.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: International Affairs
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1965 (as a part of the United Nations)
Company Description:
- UNDP works in around 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.
- UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change.
- UNDP supports countries’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, our blueprint guiding global development priorities through 2030.
Company Specialties:
- Democratic Governance
- Crisis Prevention and Recovery
- Poverty Reduction
- Environment and Energy
- Social inclusion and sustainable development
- Peacebuilding and climate
Company Website: http://www.undp.org
ASSUMPTION: UNDP is a global organization with a significant presence in China, focusing on various development initiatives and partnerships.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (Intern)
Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the SPP team’s Programme Associate and work closely with other members of the UNDP China country office.
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site internship in Beijing, China
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain practical experience in international development, strategic partnerships, and project management
- Develop skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism
- Potential for future employment opportunities within UNDP or related organizations
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in international development to gain valuable experience and skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: UNDP China country office in Beijing
Office Location(s): Beijing, China
Geographic Context:
- Beijing is the capital and second-largest city in China, with a rich history and cultural heritage.
- The UNDP China country office is located in the heart of Beijing, providing easy access to public transportation and amenities.
- Beijing offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions, with numerous historical sites, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with a 1.5-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and multicultural, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the UNDP Jobs portal
- Shortlisting and invitation for an interview (if selected)
- Background check and onboarding process
Key Assessment Areas:
- Academic background and relevant coursework
- Language proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese
- Communication, teamwork, and professionalism skills
- Understanding of international development and UNDP’s mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this internship
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for international development and UNDP’s mission
- Provide examples of your ability to work effectively in a team and manage projects
ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Project Management, International Development, Communication, Teamwork, Professionalism, English, Mandarin Chinese, Microsoft Office, PhotoShop
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to highlight their unique qualifications and experiences.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- PhotoShop or other design/video software (optional)
ASSUMPTION: The intern will use standard office software and may have the opportunity to learn and use design or video software, depending on the projects assigned.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
- Results-driven and focused on achieving impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you demonstrate strong communication skills in both English and Mandarin Chinese?
- Are you able to work effectively in a team and manage projects?
- Do you share UNDP’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity?
ASSUMPTION: UNDP values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities
- Adapting to a multicultural work environment with colleagues from various backgrounds and nationalities
- Managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
- Dealing with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, teamwork, and professionalism skills, as well as a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This internship is similar to other project management and strategic partnerships roles within international organizations and NGOs, but with a focus on UNDP’s mission and priorities.
- Compared to other internships, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in international development and work with a global organization.
- Career progression may include opportunities to work on more complex projects, take on leadership roles, or pursue a career in international development with UNDP or related organizations.
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a valuable stepping stone for individuals interested in pursuing a career in international development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Assisting in the organization of a high-level conference on South-South Cooperation
- Contributing to the development of a communication strategy for a GDF project
- Supporting the preparation of a report on UNDP’s work in China
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the intern will depend on the team’s priorities and the intern’s skills and interests.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this internship, and how can I contribute to their successful completion?
- How does this internship fit into UNDP’s overall mission and strategic goals?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth during this internship?
- How does UNDP support work-life balance for its interns?
- What are the next steps for applicants who are selected for an interview?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to UNDP’s mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the UNDP Jobs portal
- Prepare a tailored resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experiences
- Gather required documents, including a copy of your school transcript and a letter of motivation
- Follow up with the hiring manager after one week if you have not received a response
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
