Program Assistant
Assist in organizing forums and workshops for poverty reduction.
Overview
Assist in organizing forums and workshops for poverty reduction.
You have:
- Bachelor or higher degree in development studies, international relations, agricultural and rural development, social protection or other subjects related to poverty and poverty reduction.
- At least 3 years experiences in research, exchange or training programs on related subjects and familiarity with domestic and international poverty and their policies are preferred.
- Experience in planning and implementing development projects, seminars and workshops.
- Good working knowledge in both English and Chinese.
- Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills.
- Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team.
- Flexible and open to learning and new experiences.
- Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions.
- Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
- Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
This assignment will be based at the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) in Beijing, as part of the UNDP’s flagship project management office.
Jointly initiated and established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Chinese government and other international organizations in December 2004, the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), based in Beijing, is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and international collaboration in the areas of poverty reduction and development. The IPRCC aims at strengthening national and international capacities to design and implement policies and programs for poverty reduction, with a focus on both income and human dimensions of poverty, through (i) providing an effective platform for knowledge sharing and mutual learning on pro-poor policies and anti-poverty programs between China and other developing/transition economies; (ii) supporting a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction through policy-relevant research work and training initiatives covering both macro-policies and targeted programs for poverty reduction; and (iii) promoting dialogue between policymakers, academics and practitioners around pro-poor policy options and strengthening the links between pro-poor policy research, formulation and implementation processes at different levels. IPRCC will also build up its institutional capacity to develop a global poverty reduction and development partnership, through active networking and partnering for knowledge exchange, joint research and training initiatives with poverty reduction focused institutions in China and other countries.
Under the supervision of the Project Manager of UNDP China and the Director of the Foreign Affairs Division of IPRCC, the National UN Specialist Volunteer will:
(1) Assist in organizing poverty reduction related and South-South Cooperation oriented forums, conferences and workshops: - Design concept notes, agendas and plans; - Draft and issue meeting invitations, collect contact information and participation confirmation from targeted invitees and partners; - Communicate with domestic and international experts to ensure interaction and participation; - Facilitate online and onsite meetings and arrange field trips for participants as required by specific events; - Prepare speech materials, wrap-up and evaluation reports; - Prepare documents required by internal procedures and clear financial procedures as required;
(2) Provide support for other foreign affairs activities: - Communicate with related stakeholders to make sure the international exchange activities are held on time and of high-quality; - Provide logistical assistance while foreign affairs activities are undergoing.
(3) Liaise with key partners, such as domestic and international organizations and NGOs, embassies, academia and media with project administrative tasks as required.
(4) Liaise with related stakeholders to develop various kinds of knowledge sharing products for South-South cooperation.
(5) Assist the annual archive and documentation procedure.
(6) Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
· Accountability · Adaptability and flexibility · Creativity · Judgement and decision-making · Planning and organising · Professionalism · Self-management
· Bachelor or higher degree in development studies, international relations, agricultural and rural development, social protection or other subjects related to poverty and poverty reduction; · At least 3 years experiences in research, exchange or training programs on related subjects and familiarity with domestic and international poverty and their policies are preferred; · Experience in planning and implementing development projects, seminars and workshops; · Good working knowledge in both English and Chinese; · Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; · Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; · Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; · Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; · Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; · Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).
The duty station of the national UNV is in the International Poverty Reduction Center in China located in Beijing, where high-quality public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China.
In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but the quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular.
You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator (https://app.unv.org/calculator). Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time when you successfully organized a large event or meeting. | To understand your organizational and planning skills in a professional setting. | Discuss specifics about your role, the challenges you overcame, and the overall success of the event. |
| How do you ensure effective communication when working with diverse teams? | To assess your interpersonal and communication skills in multicultural environments. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a pro-poor policy or program you are familiar with? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to adapting to new situations or cultures? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you handle conflicts among team members during a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with data collection and analysis related to poverty. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in international development and poverty reduction? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |