Front Office Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Resident Coordinators Office (RCO) plays a pivotal role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in China. The RCO is dedicated to enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of the UN System in the country. It provides inter-agency coordination support and engages in strategic analysis, planning, and positioning of the Country Team. The office is involved in joint UN programming and operations management, policy guidance, and advocacy efforts to improve the overall impact of UN programs in China. The RCO is committed to fostering collaboration among various UN agencies and ensuring that their collective efforts align with national priorities and development goals.

Job Overview:
The Front Office Intern position at the UN Resident Coordinators Office in Beijing is designed for individuals who are eager to gain hands-on experience in the workings of the United Nations at the country level. This full-time internship, lasting six months, offers a unique opportunity to learn about inter-agency coordination and the various functions of the UN Country Team. The intern will work closely under the guidance of the Executive Associate to the Resident Coordinator, contributing to the office's mission of enhancing UN coherence in China. The role involves a variety of administrative tasks and provides insight into the operational aspects of the UN, making it an invaluable experience for those interested in international relations and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that support the Front Office of the UN Resident Coordinators Office. These duties include providing coordination and administrative assistance, finalizing and formatting official correspondences for submission to the Resident Coordinator, and coordinating the approval process for these documents. The intern may also be required to provide translation and interpretation services as needed, assist with the organization of chrono filing and archives, and maintain the contact information database. Additionally, the intern will complete other ad hoc tasks as assigned by the office or supervisor, ensuring that they align with the learning objectives of the internship. This role is integral to the smooth functioning of the office and offers a comprehensive view of the administrative processes within the UN.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants for the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience. However, it is essential that candidates have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum master's degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should possess a good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, to effectively perform their duties in the office.

Educational Background:
To qualify for the Front Office Intern position, candidates must have completed or be enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. This educational background should ideally be in a field relevant to international relations, public administration, or a related discipline. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required academic program must be provided during the application process, and candidates will need to submit an official certificate at a later stage to confirm their academic status.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience and insights into the operations of the UN, making it suitable for students or recent graduates who are passionate about international development and diplomacy.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Chinese is required for the internship, as these are the primary languages used in the UN Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both English and Chinese to fulfill the internship's requirements and support the office's functions.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are expected to work full-time, which entails a commitment of five days a week for eight hours each day. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those 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 that the application process is free of charge.