The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Country Office is recruiting a Translation and Communications Intern for its Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team in Beijing, China. The internship is full time, lasts 6 months, and comes with a UNDP stipend for interns who are not financially supported by a sponsor. Strong English and Chinese skills are essential, since the intern translates and interprets in both directions and drafts communications content in both languages. Applications close on 18 October 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy, and every detail is set out below.
Internship at a Glance
🆔 Job Identification: 37331
🔚 Apply Before: 18 October 2026, 06:59 PM
🕘 Job Schedule: Full time
📍 Location: Beijing, China
🏛️ Agency: UNDP
🏷️ Grade: IN
📂 Vacancy Type: Internship Programme
💡 Practice Area: Innovation
⏱️ Contract Duration: 6 months
📜 Education & Work Experience: Bachelor's Degree
📆 Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks
Who Is UNDP?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network. It works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to:
🍚 End poverty
⚖️ Reduce inequalities and exclusion
🌳 Protect the planet
This work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of ensuring that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. UNDP also helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, and build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs.
UNDP in China: Four Decades of Partnership
UNDP China has been working in China for the past four decades, partnering to advance the various phases of China's development outlined in the Government of China's Five-Year Plans. Its work in the country includes:
🎯 Helping China integrate the SDGs into development decisions
🍃 Promoting the transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy and a sustainable society
🐼 Protecting biodiversity
🗺️ Informing China's international development cooperation engagement to advance global progress on the SDGs and the global climate agendas
UNDP also leverages its global network and South-South Cooperation (SSC) to facilitate mutual knowledge and experience sharing between China and partner countries on best practices and lessons learned.
How Far UNDP China's Work Reaches
UNDP China's implementation modalities currently engage more than 15 Ministries and government representatives at the national and sub-national levels in 28 provinces. The office also actively engages:
🇺🇳 The United Nations development system
🏦 Multilateral and regional institutions
🏢 The private sector
🎗️ Philanthropic foundations
🔬 Academia and think tanks
🧩 Intergovernmental bodies
📺 The media
All of this is aimed at accelerating the SDGs and global climate agendas in China.
The Communications, Innovation and Partnerships Team
The intern joins the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team, which promotes greater understanding and visibility of UNDP's work through various communications tools. The team works fully with the media and social media and leverages a strong network of Public-Private Partnerships. It leads the design, management and implementation of UNDP's overall communications strategy, including:
📣 Designing and rolling out high-impact, multimedia campaigns
📦 Programme-oriented communications products
🎤 Media relations and key events
🈶 Localization of global content for Chinese audiences
📚 Publications on critical development issues
On the innovation front, the team facilitates and prototypes innovative solutions and experiments with new ways of working to tackle complex development challenges outside the traditional development cycle.
Who Will Supervise the Intern?
The intern works under the guidance and supervision of the Communication and Innovation Officer of the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team of UNDP China.
Translation and Interpreting Tasks (English to Chinese and Chinese to English)
The translation and interpreting work runs in both directions, English to Chinese and Chinese to English:
📰 Translating various communications materials, including op-eds, press releases, speeches and other media and social media articles
📑 Translating various project documents such as ProDoc, annual work plans, concept notes and event programmes
📘 Translating reports and other internal and external publications
🎧 Providing interpreting and translation services to high-level visits and events as requested by the office
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in China →
────────────────────────────────────────
Communications Tasks (in English and Chinese)
The communications work is carried out in both English and Chinese:
📊 Monitoring media exposure, drafting media summaries and conducting basic analysis
📱 Drafting content and making layouts for social media articles and posts on Weibo, WeChat and/or other platforms
🖥️ Assisting in the preparation of communications and public-private partnerships outreach materials, such as PowerPoint presentations and brochures
🔍 Assisting in research, compiling background materials, statistical data and briefing notes for advocacy and outreach activities and media events
🎬 Assisting in on-site event support, such as press conferences and video shooting
Other Ad Hoc Tasks
Beyond translation and communications, the intern also takes on other ad hoc tasks requested by the supervisor.
Competencies UNDP Is Looking For
💙 Commitment to the UN's mission, vision and values
🗂️ Relevant experience in translation, media events or social media campaigns
🏅 Leadership in university or social activities, such as MUN
✍️ Strong oral and written communication ability in both English and Chinese
💻 Full proficiency in Microsoft Office and other online collaborative tools
🚀 Proactive, organized and self-motivated
🧭 Honest, confident, responsible, detail-oriented, patient and skilful in communicating with others
🌱 Curious, willing to learn new things and to share new views with the team
Who Can Apply? Academic Eligibility
At the time of application, candidates for the UNDP internship programme must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master's programme or higher
📖 Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent
🎉 Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, start the internship within one year of graduation
🧑💼 Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme
The vacancy lists Bachelor's Degree as the education level for the role.
Preferred Fields of Study
UNDP is looking for a major in:
🔤 English (translation)
🌐 International relations
📢 Communications
🗞️ Journalism
📌 Other relevant fields
Experience, Skills and Languages
✈️ Experience: international experience will be an asset.
🎨 Skills: extra skills that can be applied to online and offline communications, such as graphic design, photo editing and WeChat layout, will be an asset.
🗣️ Required language: good oral and written communication ability in both English and Chinese.
Required Documents
Candidates must fill in all required boxes in the application system, including education, experience and nationality, and upload the following documents with the application:
📄 CV and letter of motivation
🧾 Copy of school transcript
Is the UNDP Internship Paid?
Yes, under the conditions set out in the vacancy:
💵 Unless the intern is financially supported by an institution or programme (a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, referred to as a "sponsor"), UNDP provides a stipend at the rate determined in accordance with UNDP internship policy.
➕ If the intern is financially supported by a sponsor, UNDP will, subject to the rules of the sponsor, pay the difference, if any, between the sponsor's financial support and the applicable UNDP stipend.
The vacancy does not state the stipend amount. For a wider look at how employer-paid placements compare with grant-funded ones, see our guide on how paid internships and funded traineeships really work.
Travel, Visa and Living Costs
🛂 Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship is performed.
🏠 Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of either the sponsoring institution, a related institution or Government (which may provide financial assistance to its students), or the intern.
Medical Insurance and Health Requirements
🩺 Interns, whether engaged in person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship and must provide self-certification of good health before starting.
🚫 UNDP will not reimburse the intern's medical insurance.
🚑 Any costs arising from accidents and illness during the internship are the responsibility of the intern.
📋 Selected candidates must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station.
For interns who are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship that:
🏥 Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment
🕊️ Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country or country of residence
Other Internship Conditions
🎒 UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects during the internship.
🪪 Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
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, and all applications are treated with the strictest confidence.
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP is also committed to an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, are valued, can thrive and benefit from career opportunities open to all.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Abuse
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination or abuse of authority. All selected candidates will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background 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. It may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with a similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Alert: UNDP Never Charges a Fee
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. You can read more about how we check listings in our guide on how Youth Works Hub verifies every opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the UNDP China Translation and Communications Internship?
The contract duration is 6 months, and the internship is full time. It is based in Beijing, China, within the Communications, Innovation and Partnerships team.
Do I need to speak Chinese?
Yes. Good oral and written communication ability in both English and Chinese is a required language skill. The intern translates and interprets from English to Chinese and from Chinese to English, and drafts communications content in both languages.
Is the internship paid?
UNDP provides a stipend at the rate set by UNDP internship policy, unless the intern is financially supported by a sponsor. If a sponsor covers part of the cost, UNDP may pay the difference up to the applicable stipend. The amount is not stated in the vacancy.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Recent graduates can apply, but if selected they must start the internship within one year of graduation. Final-year bachelor's students, postgraduate students and those in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme are also eligible.
Who pays for travel, visa and accommodation?
Travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are covered by a sponsoring institution or Government, or otherwise by the intern. Interns must also arrange their own visas and travel to and from Beijing.
Is medical insurance provided?
No. Interns must secure adequate medical insurance for the full internship and show proof of valid coverage for the duty station. Non-nationals and non-residents need coverage that includes medical transportation home and repatriation of remains.
What documents do I need to submit?
You need to upload a CV and letter of motivation and a copy of your school transcript, and fill in all required boxes in the application system, including education, experience and nationality.
Which skills give an applicant an edge?
International experience and extra communications skills such as graphic design, photo editing and WeChat layout are listed as assets. Leadership in university or social activities such as MUN is also part of the competencies.
Find more placements like this one in the Internship category on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 18 October 2026
Links
📝 Online application: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/37331
🛡️ UNDP scam alert: https://www.undp.org/scam-alert
