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, including China, where it aims to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaborative efforts with governments and other stakeholders. The UN Country Team in China consists of multiple UN entities working together to enhance the effectiveness of operational activities at the country level.

Job Overview:
The Protocol Intern position is a vital role 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 internship is designed for individuals who are eager to gain experience in international relations and diplomacy, particularly in the context of the United Nations. The intern will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the RCO, which includes strategic analysis, planning, and enhancing the impact of UN programs in China. The internship is full-time and unpaid, requiring a commitment of five days a week for eight hours each day, and is expected to last for six months, starting before the end of January 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protocol Intern will have a range of responsibilities, 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 liaison with the UN Country Team for protocol-related requests; and assisting with logistics and substantive support for incoming high-level UN delegations. The intern will work closely under the supervision of the UN Partnership Officer, contributing to the smooth operation of the RCO and enhancing its engagement with government entities.

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 for the UN Internship Programme, 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:
Candidates should be either a junior or senior student pursuing their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the work of the UN RCO.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Protocol Intern position. This includes familiarity with international relations, diplomacy, and protocol practices, which can be gained through academic coursework or related extracurricular activities.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, knowledge of Chinese is considered an advantage, given the internship's location in China and the nature of the work involving government counterparts.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of China may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.