To: All PG and final year UG Subject: UNDP-PDF Internship Programme Summer internship opportunities in Beijing (Deadline: 10 March) and briefing session on 5 March Dear students, We have much pleasure to invite you to consider the valuable summer internship opportunities in Beijing under the United Nations Development Programme-Peace and Development Foundation Internship Programme (UNDP-PDF Internship Programme). Successful candidates will be given an internship placement at the United Nations Development Programme China Office in Beijing, where they are assigned to assist in projects related to their studies. The Internship Programme is administered by the Peace and Development Foundation, who provides financial assistance to the interns. To learn more about the internship programme, including the application guidelines, please visit http://osanta.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/osa/cpdc/aboutus/internship.asp. A briefing session on the programme will be held this Friday as well: Briefing Session on UNDP-PDF Internship Programme Date : 5 March Time : 15:00 16:00 Venue : Lecture Theatre 2, Teaching Complex at Western Campus Remarks : Please register at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/osa/aps/seminar/ibform.hts beforehand. The application deadline for CUHK students is 23:59, 10 March HKT. We look forward to receiving your application for this challenging programme that guarantees tremendous opportunities for personal growth and development. Should there be any enquiries, please contact Ms. Cheung at 2696 1731. Regards, Career Planning and Development Centre Office of Student Affairs ***** About the Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) The Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) is the official partner in Hong Kong of the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China. In cooperation with the UNDP, the PDF is mandated to engage in advocacy and awareness raising, capacity building, and fundraising for the UNDP, in relation to issues of human development and climate change in Hong Kong, the Peal River Delta, and Mainland China. For more information, please see www.unpdf.hk. About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The UNDP is the United Nations global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and re sources to help people build a better life. It is on the ground in 166 countries, working on solutions to global and national development challenges. For more information, please see www.undp.org.cn and www.undp.org.
UNDP-PDF Internship Programme - Application Guidelines for CUHK Students Interested applicant should submit the following to cpdc@cuhk.edu.hk by 23:59 10 March HKT in one email with subject "UNDP-PDF Internship Programme Application" for each internship position that he / she is interested: Document Remarks Completed application form Curriculum Vitae Scanned copy of the most recent transcript - Form downloadable at http://osanta.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/osa/cpdc/aboutus/internship.asp - With all parts completed - Naming convention: Full name_form.doc, e.g Chan Tai Man Diamond_Form.doc - Including contact information of 2 references (at least one of which is from CUHK or your institutional affiliation) - Naming convention: Full name_cv.doc, e.g. Chan Tai Man Diamond_CV.doc Naming convention: Full name_transcript.pdf, e.g. Chan Tai Man Diamond_transcript.pdf Only the shortlisted students will be contacted and invited to an interview conducted by Career Planning and Development Centre in March. Interview(s) by PDF will be arranged afterwards for those further shortlisted students. If you do not hear from us by end of March, you may consider your application unsuccessful. Further information of the internship programme could be found in the following pages.
1. OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME- PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME The United Nations Development Programme-Peace and Development Foundation Internship Programme is a unique opportunity for Hong Kong students to gain experience working at the United Nations in China. The Internship Programme is an opportunity that allows Hong Kong students to gain experience working at an international organisation, and develop a better understanding of the United Nations and its work. Through this programme, interns will be exposed to UNDP's development activities, thematic priorities, and technical cooperation practices. The Internship Programme is also an opportunity for you people to develop skills related to their studies for their future career. Interns acquire practical experience in various aspects of project management in an international working environment. Finally, the Internship Programme is an exchange opportunity for young people to learn about working in mainland China, and develop networks and lasting friendships with their mainland counterparts. Candidates from all fields of studies are welcome to apply, and are selected through a rigorous selection procedure, involving their universities, the Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Successful candidates are given an internship placement at the United Nations Development Programme China Office in Beijing, where they are assigned to assist in projects related to their studies. The Internship Progra mme is administered by the Peace and Development Foundation, who provides financial assistance to the interns. About the Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) The Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) is the official partner in Hong Kong of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China. In cooperation with the UNDP, the PDF is mandated to engage in advocacy and awareness raising, capacity building, and fundraising for the UNDP, in relation to issues of human development and climate change in Hong Kong, the Peal River Delta, and Mainland China. For more information, please see: www.unpdf.hk About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The UNDP is the United Nations global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and re sources to help people build a better life. It is on the ground in 166 countries, working on solutions to global and national development challenges. For more information, please see: www.undp.org.cn; and www.undp.org.
2. ELIGIBILITY Applications for the United Nations Development ProgrammePeace and Development Foundation Internship Programme is very competitive, and candidates are selected from a rigorous selection procedure. The applications will be considered according to programme priorities of the UNDP in Beijing, and therefore consideration will be given to the relevance of the Applicant s academic study, skills and experience. However consideration will also be given to motivation. Therefore Applicants who are not in a field of study of direct relevance may still be considered if it can be demonstrated that the Applicant will benefit from the assignment and can make a contribution to the UNDP project assignment. As a minimum requirement, applicants must be: Enrolled in a full-time university degree programme in Hong Kong, at the time of application and during the internship; Currently enrolled in a graduate or final year undergraduate degree programme; A Hong Kong resident; Able to communicate fluently in English. Knowledge of Mandarin Chinese or any other working language of the United Nations is considered an asset. Good academic and analytical skills, good drafting and language skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good IT skills. The PDF will also consider: Academic qualifications; Relevant skills and previous work experience; Academic field of study; Motivation. 3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND INSURANCE The UNDP-PDF Internship Programme is unpaid. However, the PDF will provide limited financial support for living and travel costs. Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel to Beijing and accommodations there. The PDF will assist in making recommendations and providing documentation where necessary. If work-related travel within the country is requested by UNDP during the internship period, per diem and travel costs shall be paid by UNDP. The United Nations Country Office will assist the Intern in obtaining a visa to come to Beijing. The UNDP and the PDF accepts no responsibility for costs or hardships arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship. Interns must carry adequate medical and life insurance. Interns are responsible for arranging and covering their own medical insurance, and proof of medical coverage must be provided before the internship commences.
4. ASSIGNMENT TO THE UNDP AND DURATION OF INTERNSHIP Assignments may vary in length and tasks, depending on availability, skills and academic requirements, as well as the need of the Office of UNDP China. Internships are full time (8 hours/day, 5 days/week), and last for between a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. In the past interns have been assigned various tasks including: Supporting the assigned team; Compiling briefings and educational kits; Assistance in drafting and preparing official documents; Organising trainings and workshops, and assisting during conferences; Coordinating press conferences and media events; Document, legal and internet research; Evaluation of Projects; Media Analysis; General administrative tasks, as required. UNDP-PDF Interns have been place with the various teams within the UNDP, including the: China-Africa Business Council; Energy and Environment Team; Social Economic Development Team; Gender Team; Greater Tumen River Initiative Secretariat; Communications Team; Human Resources Department. The focus of the PDF s work in is human development in the context of climate change. Although the PDF intends to recruit interns from any academic field, in view of its thematic focus and priorities for, the PDF intends to have at least one intern placed at an appropriate UNDP project or programme that specifically deals with the issue human development in the context of climate change. 5. PRE-DEPARTURE TRAININGS AND ACTIVITIES To prepare the interns ahead of their internship, the selected inters will undergo predeparture trainings organised by the PDF. The trainings will introduce the interns to the United Nations, including developing an understanding of the history structure of the United Nations and its Agencies, as well as on the Millennium Development Goals and other issues related to the UN Agencies that the interns are assigned to. Interns will also be given research assignments to enhance their learning experience and help prepare them for their internship. In preparation for their internship, Interns will be invited to attend fundraising and awareness raising events organised by the PDF, so they can be introduced to the work of the UNDP and the PDF, and learn about the issues that they will be dealing with during their internship. Upon completion of the internship, the Interns automatically become part of the UNDP-PDF Intern Alumni Network. The network is intended to be informal, and the purpose is to keep the interns involved in the work of both the UNDP and the PDF. Furthermore, the network will help the PDF stay in touch with the interns, and allow the interns to participate in future PDF opportunities and activities.
6. APPLICATION PROCESS Candidates apply for a particular post, and must submit their applications to their respective University Liaison Officers. The University Liaison Officers will make a selection of candidates whose application will be forwarded to the PDF for nomination. The PDF will then review the applications of the nominated candidates and interview the applicants. The PDF will then make a selection of 2 candidates for each post to put forward to the UNDP China Office for final selection. Application Dates: 10 March : Deadline for submission of applications 30 March : Nominated applications forwarded to the PDF 12 April-16 April : Interviews of nominated applicants 1 May : PDF selections forwarded to UNDP 14 May : UNDP selections & notification to candidates of selection 30 May : Deadline for acceptance of internship offer 7. POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE UNDP-PDF Internship Programme The following positions are available for the UNDP-PDF Internship Programme: Agency Unit/ Team Position Positions Available UNDP Social & Economic Green Poverty Development Team Alleviation Project UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women Tumen UNV Start Date 1 July Intern Communications & 1 May Outreach Intern Poverty Forum Intern 1 July Energy and Environment Team South-South Cooperation Team Partnership & Graphic Design / 1 July Communications Website Design Intern Team Finance Team Intern 1 Summer Human Resources Intern 1 Summer Procurement Intern 1 Summer Intern 1 June Greater Tumen River Initiative Secretariat United Nations Volunteers Intern 2 Summer Research and 1 June Communications Intern Duration 3 6 months (minimum) 3 6 months 3 6 months (minimum) (minimum) 3 6 months 1 year (minimum) Please see the Terms of Reference for further details regarding each position, available on the Internship page of the PDF website: www.unpdf.hk/internship.htm
8. EXPERIENCES OF PAST UNDP-PDF INTERNS Miss CHAN Fong Ying, Erica University: Chinese University of Hong Kong Programme: Masters Student, Corporate Communication Internship Project: Supporting the Energy and Environment Team (inc. project management, administrative support, translation work and campaign organizing responsibilities) UN Host Agency: Energy and Environment Team, UNDP (China) Internship Report What did I do during the Internship? I worked in the Energy and Environment (EE) department of the UNDP Beijing office from June to August during which I have engaged in a variety of jobs on project management, administrative support, translation work and campaign organizing responsibilities. In UNDP China, the EE team has four major streams/portfolios, namely the climate change, chemical management, biodiversity and energy and nature reserve. Though my assistance was given to all line managers and associates, I was particularly more involved in climate change and biodiversity streams owing to my supervisor s work allocation. For most of the time, I concentrated in working on different project s summaries which are the only publishing materials to help facilitate the team s or the organization s communication with the public and other stakeholders. By reading and analysing hundreds pages of project documents, I had to condense and conduct a 1-page summary comprising the current challenge, the response and the expected achievements of the projects formulated or implemented to justify the launching of projects. Some of the projects have gained considerable achievements and feedbacks after implementation, e.g. Barrier Removal to the Cost-Effective Development and Implementation of Energy Efficiency (BRESL), Phasing-out of Incandescent Lamps and Energy Saving Lamps Promotion in China (PILESLAMP), etc. What did I learn in the department? Not only have I gained abundant environmental knowledge from the department, my horizon has been widened by having a glimpse on the vision and mission of the UN such as United Nations Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Goal, Country Programme Action Plan (CCAP), Millennium Development Goal (MDG), UN in one reforms, etc, so that my international scope can be developed, thus changing my life attitude and the direction of my future career development. Also, by assisting the event management of the team such as the launching ceremony of the regional-scale projects, communication and public relations techniques were always involved in order to disseminate or communicate with stakeholders across different sectors. High-profile strategies were adopted for the sake of public attention consolidation. So, learning and experience gaining are beyond the scope of the environment field with general enrichment of personal knowledge. As the UN is an international organization, the diversified cultural dynamic and all-embracing working environment is very impressive and highly appreciated. With people of different nationalities gathering at the same place, the organization is respectful and tolerant of the diversity. In such a context, I also learnt to be adaptive and flexible in this dynamic and enjoyed the harmonious working environment. What were the most unforgettable moments? There were many memorable scenarios during my internship that hardly name all. But one of the most unforgettable moments would be the visit of the UN Secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon. He participated into our team s project launching ceremony by mobilizing people s support of more efficient energy consumption and recognizing China as a developing country s effort in promoting energy efficiency.
He then visited our office compound and took a group photo with us. I was so impressed by his humble and approachable attitude. At the talk, he shared with us his vision and plan as an international organization leader and it was my great honour to also shake hands with him. Friendship and Comradeship Apart from my work, I have met good friends and colleagues who have given me considerable support during my internship. As all interns came alone in Beijing, we have cultivated strong bonding with other interns who were emotionally dependent on each other. There were numerous interns gathering and travel trips organized by ourselves so that we can relax during weekends and holidays. I would never forget the intimacy developed especially with my flatmate who was also a UNDP intern during the 70 days in Beijing that we laughed and cried together. It has become the most precious time and memory in my life. I would also like to take this good opportunity to express my gratitude towards my supervisor and colleagues who have provided consistent support and guidance for me despite my lack of environment background and sufficient work experience. They were so considerate and reliable that I always sought advice from them no matter on work or life experience. Every young adults need to grow up from challenges but it was because of my dearest colleagues, I was provided with a good breeding ground nurturing me to grow faster and better. Message to later interns: For an EE intern, the interest in environmental affairs is particularly important because when you have passion, you then have the drive motivating you to work and pay attention to the agenda. Some relevant knowledge in advance will facilitate one to participate and involve into the work but it is not a must. If you are interested in environmental affairs and want to get involved in diversified work culture, you should not hesitate and join the programme. Mr. JIN Lei, Ray (2008) University: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Programme: M.Phil. Student, Food and Nutritional Science Programme, Faculty of Science Internship Project: Assisting the Project Team of the Tumen River Area Development Programme (including compiling project briefs and literature research on relating to the Cooperation Framework on Environment) UN Host Agency: Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) Secretariat, UNDP (China) Internship Report During the amazing summer time of 2008, I worked at the UNDP Beijing Office as an intern for four month. It is really a rewarding and precious experience to me. I would like to express my gratitude to the Peace and Development Foundation Hong Kong, and the Heads of Universities Committee for such generous support. Also, I would like to thank UNDP China Office, the Tumen Secretariat of UNDP China, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong for offering me such a great chance. I was assigned to work for the Tumen Secretariat (TS) of UNDP China. The TS of Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) is a joint mechanism of the five member countries: China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. It provides a multilateral forum for the member countries to identify and implement regional initiatives that encourage economic growth, improve living standards and also contribute to peace and stability in North-East Asia. I specialized in the area of international cooperation on environmental protection and infrastructure constructions of Greater Tumen Region. Moreover, I assisted the Project Team of TS to compile project briefs, conduct literature research on biological references and provide clerical support. Since my undergraduate major was Bio-engineering Technology, my background proves to be helpful to the Tumen Secretariat with its environmental projects. There are two projects continuously
promoted by GTI. At the 9th meeting of the Consultative Commission held in Vladivostok, Russia in November 2007. One is the Cooperation Framework on Environment (CFE) with the purpose of creating a trans-boundary mechanism in order to synchronize efforts of environmental protection in the Greater Tumen Region (GTR). The latter focuses on the Trans-boundary Environmental Impact Assessment in GTR, especially about Tumen River and Environmental Standardization in Northeast Asia. I learnt a lot by helping the secretariat in almost all projects. And I aware that as a world wide issue, my research interest, which is food safety, also requires international negotiations, such as standardize safety evaluation procedure, share information and databases, and create transboundary food safety criteria. So I paid more attention on how to create more useful solutions and mechanisms based on international cooperation. I believe that this will be extremely helpful to my graduate thesis and my career in the future. During last four months, I also helped the secretariat in organizing and providing logistic support for several international events. These events covered different topics for improving the economy, investment climate, ecological balance, and infrastructure construction of Northeast Asia. Meanwhile, I began to realize the importance of how to organize different levels of meetings, what kind of diplomatic usages which need to be treated carefully and how to draft related documents. Indeed, this internship has offered me so many extraordinary experiences. Yet, it is really not an easy time for me as a science student who had never been exposed and involved in such events and issues. I had to pick up lots of different things in a very short time and to get started immediately. Fortunately, the people there guided me and treated me very well. Dr. Nataliya Yecheistova, the Director of TS, who always been strict with me, made me understood that one cannot be too careful while working on diplomatic tasks. Mr. Song Bok Chul, the Programme Advisor of TS, who had taught me all the time to make long term plans by myself, was like a personal life consultant for me. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me during this internship and I will continue to seek opportunities for self-improvement. Miss Astor SHEK (2007) University: Hong Kong University Programme: Master of Law (Human Rights) Internship Project: Support the UNIFEM Office in Gender Mainstreaming (including revising Gender Mainstreaming Checklist for programme managers; website updating; supporting the China Gender Facility; and organising Gender Budgeting Seminar) UN Host Agency: United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), China Internship Report: I was assigned as the intern for the UNDP and UNIFEM office. For the UNDP office, since I have relevant working experience of Gender Mainstreaming initiative in the HKSAR Government, my chief duty was to support the UNDP Gender Mainstreaming Initiative. Under the guidance of Ms Dono Abdurazakova, I assisted in revising the sample Gender Mainstreaming Checklist for program managers, arranging overseas speakers for the Gender Budgeting Seminar held with UNDP national partner, All-China Women Federation, updating the UNDP website section on gender and other relevant duties. I also assisted in the UNIFEM's office secretary support for the China Gender Facility and website building. These tasks not only rewarded me hands-on working experience but also greatly enhanced my understanding of gender initiatives of UN offices in China. I am indebted for the supervision of Dono and assistance of staff from both offices for completing my challenging assignments. The Peace and Development Foundation s Internship Programme is a wonderful and valuable opportunity for Hong Kong's graduate students, since applying for internship in China is very competitive considering that China attracts lots of attention in the international community nowadays. Without its support, I may possibly not be able to gain this memorable and unique experience.