Background:

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to end poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, as well as protect the planet, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these efforts aim to ensure that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. We also help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, as well as build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs.   

UNDP China has been working in China over the past 47 years, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development. UNDP China’s actions and programmes for the period of 2026-2030 are defined in its Country Programme Document for China (CPD), prepared in cooperation with the Government of China and other partners. The CPD contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China 2026-2030 and aligned to support the development priorities outlined in the Government of China’s 15th Five Year Plan. 

Under the UNDP Country Programme Document for China (2026-2030), UNDP is working to accelerate China's transition to high-quality development, support a nature-positive and low-carbon economy, and strengthen South-South development partnerships. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are a strategic priority within this framework. As China produces nearly 30 per cent of global manufacturing value-added and plays a leading role in global green finance markets, the adoption of international ESG standards and low-carbon operational practices across its financial sector and supply chains is central to achieving the SDGs both domestically and globally.

UNDP China is directly engaged in advancing ESG integration across China's capital markets and corporate sector. This includes advising on green and SDG-aligned fiscal policies, supporting the adoption of international disclosure standards (such as those of the ISSB, GRI, and TCFD), and working with domestic financial institutions and regulatory bodies on carbon pricing, emissions trading, and sustainable investment mechanisms. UNDP is also supporting the transition of businesses and industries to sustainable production and procurement practices as part of China's broader commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the dual carbon goals of peaking emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

Specifically, by facilitating policy dialogues, joint research, and knowledge exchanges, UNDP supports demand-based and two-way learning that helps shape ESG policy discourse and practice in China.

UNDP China is hiring an ESG Intern to provide support to the CIP Team on activities specifically related to ESG research, policy engagement, and knowledge products that strengthen the integration of ESG principles into China's financial system and corporate practices, in coordination with financial regulators, institutions, enterprises, and international stakeholders.

Description of Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and supervision of Innovation and Communication Analyst, the intern is expected to perform the following responsibilities:

• Support ESG Research and Policy Analysis
  • Conduct desk research, literature review, and policy tracking on ESG developments in China and globally.
  • Support comparative analysis of ESG standards, disclosure frameworks, sustainable finance practices, and responsible investment trends.
  • Assist in preparation of research briefs, analytical notes, and background papers related to ESG, sustainability, climate action, and SDG alignment.
• Support Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Assist in organizing ESG-related workshops, dialogues, conferences, and stakeholder consultations.
  • Coordinate meeting schedules, prepare briefing materials, and support meeting documentation.
  • Support engagement with private sector entities, financial institutions, government agencies, academia, and development partners.
• Support Knowledge Products and Communications
  • Contribute to drafting ESG case studies, presentations, newsletters, social media content, and communication materials.
  • Assist in documenting project outcomes, lessons learned, and partnership achievements.
  • Support preparation of communication outputs related to sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Support Data Collection and Monitoring
  • Compile ESG-related datasets, indicators, and information from relevant partners and sources.
  • Assist in monitoring project progress, reporting, and data organization.
  • Support tracking ESG trends, private sector commitments, and sustainability initiatives.
• Other: Support other/ad hoc duties seen as relevant and needed.

Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the common UN system;
• Strong interest and motivation in working in UN organizations;
• Sound analytical and research skills, with an ability to synthesize complex ESG and sustainability data;
• Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks, sustainable finance, and corporate governance;
• Good understanding of the SDGs and sustainable development issues;
• Good translation and interpretation (Chinese/English) skills;
• Good coordination and organizational skills: ability to manage/organize multiple tasks, address fluctuating priorities and tight deadline;
• Pragmatic and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set and can-do attitude;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

a)  Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

b)  Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

c)  Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

d)  Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

e)  Majors in Finance, Economics, Environmental Studies, International Relations, International Development, Public Policy, Law, and other related fields. An advanced university degree is an asset.

f)  Familiarity with UN work and international development is required.

g)  Familiarity with ESG concepts, sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, TCFD, ISSB), or corporate governance is strongly preferred.

Language and Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Good English-Chinese bi-directional translation and/or interpretation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (MS Excel, Word, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of AI Tools is preferred.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please fill all required boxes in the application system including education, experience, nationality etc. and upload below documentswith your application: 

a)  CV and letter of motivation

b)  Copy of school transcript 

C)  Please clarify whether you are receiving any financial support (stipend or living allowance etc.) from another entity, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, to cover your basic daily expenses, such as meals and transportation. Please be noted that if the amount meets or exceeds the amount of UNDP stipend, the candidate will not be eligible for the UNDP stipend regardless of whether this financial support is specifically designated for this internship or not.

*Candidate who didn’t submit required documentation will not be further considered.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• Where an intern is engaged in an in-person internship and is financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses, such as meals and transportation, and the amount is equal or exceed the UNDP stipend amount, no matter the financial support is designated for the UNDP internship or not, the intern will not be eligible for the UNDP stipend.    
• Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. Any cost arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Cost and arrangement for travel, visas, passports, accommodations and living expenses are the responsibility of the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or the intern.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.