ESG Intern

Organizational Context

UNDP operates globally, addressing poverty, inequality, and planet protection, aligned with the 2030 Agenda. UNDP China, with 47 years of partnership, implements its 2026-2030 Country Programme Document, focusing on high-quality development, a nature-positive, low-carbon economy, and South-South partnerships. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a strategic priority. This role supports the CIP Team in integrating ESG principles into China's financial system and corporate practices.

Job Purpose

The ESG Intern will support UNDP China's strategic priority of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into China's financial system and corporate practices. This initiative is central to the Country Programme Document (2026-2030), which aims to accelerate China's transition to high-quality development, foster a nature-positive and low-carbon economy, and strengthen South-South development partnerships. Given China's significant global manufacturing value-added and leading role in green finance, the adoption of international ESG standards and low-carbon operational practices is paramount for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals both domestically and globally. The intern will contribute to critical activities such as ESG research, policy engagement, and the development of knowledge products. This work will strengthen the integration of ESG principles, facilitate policy dialogues, joint research, and knowledge exchanges, thereby shaping ESG policy discourse and practice in China. The role is instrumental in supporting UNDP's efforts to advise on green fiscal policies, promote international disclosure standards, and advance sustainable investment mechanisms in coordination with financial regulators, institutions, enterprises, and international stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The intern will support ESG research and policy analysis by conducting desk research, literature reviews, and policy tracking on global and domestic ESG developments. This includes comparative analysis of ESG standards, disclosure frameworks, sustainable finance practices, and responsible investment trends, assisting in preparing research briefs, analytical notes, and background papers related to ESG, sustainability, climate action, and SDG alignment. The role also involves supporting project coordination and stakeholder engagement. This entails assisting in organizing ESG-related workshops, dialogues, conferences, and stakeholder consultations. Key tasks include coordinating meeting schedules, preparing briefing materials, and documenting meetings, alongside supporting engagement with private sector entities, financial institutions, government agencies, academia, and development partners. Furthermore, the intern will contribute to knowledge products and communications. This involves drafting ESG case studies, presentations, newsletters, social media content, and other communication materials. They will also assist in documenting project outcomes, lessons learned, and partnership achievements, and support the preparation of communication outputs related to sustainability and responsible business practices. Finally, the intern will support data collection and monitoring by compiling ESG-related datasets, indicators, and information. This includes assisting in monitoring project progress, reporting, data organization, and tracking ESG trends, private sector commitments, and sustainability initiatives.

Work Experience

Familiarity with UN work and international development is required. Strong preference is given to candidates with familiarity in ESG concepts, sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, TCFD, ISSB), or corporate governance.

Skills

Sound analytical and research skills, including synthesizing complex ESG and sustainability data. Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks, sustainable finance, and corporate governance. Good understanding of SDGs and sustainable development issues. Good coordination and organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Good English-Chinese bi-directional translation/interpretation skills. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word). Advanced knowledge of AI Tools (preferred). Integrity, ethical standards, and a positive, constructive attitude.

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