UN Protocol Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in China is part of the United Nations system, which aims to support the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in their efforts to coordinate inter-agency activities. The RCO plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration among various UN agencies and ensuring that their mandates are effectively discharged. The office is located in Beijing, China, and is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of the UN's work in the country. The RCO operates with a mission to promote sustainable development, peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and to support the implementation of the UN's goals and objectives in China. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with government counterparts and other stakeholders to achieve these aims. The RCO is staffed by a team of professionals who are dedicated to their mission and work collaboratively to support the UN's initiatives in the region.

Job Overview:
The UN Protocol Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and protocol within the United Nations framework. The intern will be based in Beijing and will work full-time for a duration of six months. This internship is unpaid, and the intern will be expected to work five days a week, totaling eight hours each day. The primary responsibility of the intern will be to assist the UN Partnership and Financing Officer in engaging with government counterparts on protocol-related issues. This role is vital for ensuring smooth communication and collaboration between the UN and the Chinese government, particularly in relation to high-level visits and official engagements. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of diplomatic protocol and the operational aspects of the UN's work in China, while also contributing to the implementation of the Cooperation Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protocol Intern will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing draft Note Verbales to government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to support the mandates of the RCO and UNCT; engaging with government counterparts under the guidance of the UN Partnership and Financing Officer to address practical protocol issues; supporting the liaison with the UN Country Team regarding their requests for protocol-related assistance; and providing logistical and substantive support for incoming high-level UN delegations. The intern will also be expected to assist in drafting documents, designing surveys, and utilizing standard software applications such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Strong analytical skills and the ability to build relationships with clients will be essential for success in this role.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to work independently and demonstrate strong analytical skills is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be in or have completed the final academic year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program. Alternatively, applicants may have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should ideally have some exposure to international relations, diplomacy, or a related field through their academic studies or previous internships. This experience will help them understand the context in which the UN operates and the importance of protocol in diplomatic engagements.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Chinese is required for the internship, as these are the primary languages used in the UN's operations in China. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enable the intern to effectively communicate with various stakeholders and contribute to the office's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The internship is full-time and unpaid, with a duration of six months. 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 prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.