Protocol Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in China, where it works closely with the government and other stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Country Team in China consists of multiple UN entities that collaborate to enhance the effectiveness of operational activities at the country level.

Job Overview:
The Protocol Intern position is a unique opportunity to work within the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in China. The intern will support the UN Partnership and Financing Officer in engaging with government counterparts on protocol-related issues. This role is crucial for ensuring that the UN's diplomatic immunities and privileges are respected and that high-level UN delegations receive the necessary logistical and substantive support. The intern will gain valuable experience in inter-agency coordination, strategic planning, and the operational aspects of UN activities in China, contributing to the overall impact of the UN System in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing draft Note Verbales to government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding diplomatic immunities and privileges; engaging with government counterparts to address practical protocol issues; supporting the UN Country Team with their requests for protocol-related assistance; and providing logistical and substantive support for incoming high-level UN delegations. The intern will work closely with the UN Partnership Officer and will be involved in various inter-agency working mechanisms, enhancing their understanding of UN operations and diplomacy.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be currently enrolled as a junior or senior undergraduate student or have already obtained a bachelor's degree or equivalent. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, with the ability to design surveys and draft documents being desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a junior or senior student in a bachelor's program, currently enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program, or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. This ensures that candidates have a strong academic foundation relevant to the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in a prestigious international organization. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the duties of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, and proficiency in Chinese is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with local counterparts and understand the context of their work.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 5 days a week, 8 hours per day. The expected duration of the internship is six months, starting from January 2026 to July 202

• Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for non-citizens or permanent residents to discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.