UNV Business Support Assistant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website:  and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

1.UNV Assignment Title: Business Support Assistant (Private Partnerships)
2.Host Entity: UN World Food Programme
3.Volunteer category: National UN Youth Volunteer
4.Duty station, country: Beijing, China
5.Number of UN Volunteers: 1
6.Duration (in months): 12 months
7.Possibility of extension*: Yes (Dependent on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance; there is no guarantee of assignment extension).
8.Assignment Family Status: All youth and university assignments are without family
9.Expected Starting Date: 15 October 2025
10.Organizational Context and Brief Project Description:

11.The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
WFP first entered China in 1979. Now, we carry out innovative pilot projects to improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods and preschool children's nutrition status, raise funds to help people in need and share China's development experience with other developing countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
The Private Partnerships Unit of WFP China builds innovative partnerships with the private sector and raises funding from companies, foundations, and individuals in China to to ensure WFP's efforts to achieve food security and nutrition are supported by technical and financial resources.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers (Roles and Responsibilities of Host Entities)
UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:

•Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment;

•Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity;

•Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal;

•Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address;

•Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning;

•Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations;

•Leave management;

•DSA for official travel, when applicable;

•All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme;

•Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV;

•Provide emergency assistance, e.g. the death of volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g. isolation facilities` services during pandemics)
12.Description of Tasks:
Under the direct supervision of Chief of Private Partnerships Unit, the National UN Youth Volunteer will:

•Support the planning, creation, and regular updates of WFP China fundraising social media content, including drafting, designing, filming and editing posts and digital materials.

•Monitor and track performance data of WFP China fundraising social media accounts, as well as relevant peer/competitor accounts; conduct analysis and identify effective communication content and styles to enhance fundraising outcomes.

•Assist in developing and delivering communication strategies to promote individual giving activities, including donor outreach, storytelling, and campaign-specific messaging.

•Provide communication support of fundraising events and campaigns, including drafting/editing social media content, preparing communication materials for partners and donors, and assisting with event coordination as required.

•Provide support in maintaining and updating WFP China's individual fundraising pages on online platforms, ensuring compliance with platform requirements.

•Support organization of meetings, campaigns and other activities of the Private Partnerships unit.

•Perform other duties as required.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

•Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

•Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;

•Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

•Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

•Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;

•Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

13.Results/Expected Outputs:

•Conduct regular online research on CSR/ESG trends and data related to China-based companies and foundations.

•Provide regular updates of WFP China fundraising social media content, including drafting, designing, filming and editing posts and digital materials.

•Monitor Chinese companies investing in countries where WFP operates, identifying potential alignment with their CSR initiatives.

•Manage WFP's fundraising projects across various online platforms.

•Support the execution of WFP China's online and offline fundraising campaigns and events.

•Contribute to the development of WFP China's individual giving strategic plan.

•Research and analyze trends in China's online fundraising and high-net-worth individual giving.

•Provide administrative support to WFP China's Private Partnerships team.

•Offer basic translation and interpretation services when needed.

•Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.

•A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

14.Qualifications/Requirements:
Required Degree Level: Bachelor's degree
Required Experience: 0.5 years

•A bachelor degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications and relevant field.

•Demonstrated interest and/or experience in Private Partnerships;

•Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;

•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).
b) Language skills
Working knowledge of spoken and written Chinese and English are required;
c) Competencies and values:

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WFP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WFP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

•Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and WFP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization's interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

•Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

•Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

•Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

•Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

•Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

•Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WFP's mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

15.Learning expectations
Learning and development are a central part of the UN Youth Volunteer's assignment and take place before, during and after his or her assignment in the field. Ideally, offering diverse opportunities for learning and development aim to strengthen the volunteer's skills and competences, improve the quality of the assignment and keep the volunteer's motivation high.
Learning elements for the UN Youth Volunteer include the development of:

•Professional skills: including specific competencies and reflection on assignment-related abilities; and on-the-job skills such as time management, problem solving, team building; and career preparedness such as interview skills, CV preparation, job searching.

•Inter-personal skills: including communication and listening skills; multi-cultural aware-ness and cultural competency; and conflict and stress management.

•Volunteering-related skills: including leadership; civic responsibility; and engagement and active participation.
Beyond the learning opportunities provided by UNV, WFP will support knowledge and capacity development in the technical areas that are relevant to the UN Youth Volunteer's assignment. WFP will provide, at its expense, UN Youth Volunteers with equal opportunity to participate in training courses and workshops offered to its personnel.

16.Living Conditions:
The duty station of the national UN Volunteer is located in Beijing, the capital and foremost political, cultural, and economic center of China. The city offers excellent public infrastructure, reliable access to clean water and electricity, and high-quality medical services. A wide range of accommodation options is available, though rental prices—particularly in central districts—can be relatively high compared to other regions in China. However, the standard of housing is generally good.
Beijing is well served by modern transportation networks, including an extensive subway system, frequent bus services, and widely available metered taxis. Domestic and regional travel is convenient, with access to high-speed rail and frequent flights from multiple airports. The city hosts numerous shopping malls, international retail brands, and large supermarket chains, ensuring easy access to food and daily necessities.

17. Conditions of Service for National UN Youth Volunteers
Note on novel coronavirus – COVID-19.
The rapidly changing nature of novel coronavirus COVID-19 has placed significant and increasing restrictions on the freedom of movement of people, even within countries. Such restrictions may affect the ability national UN Volunteers to begin their assignments at their assigned duty station or limit the ability to enter UN premises. Thus, UNV cannot guarantee assignments will proceed as normal.
Candidates for national UN Volunteer assignments requiring travel to the duty station may be exceptionally granted during this period alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. Candidates for national UN Volunteer assignments may also need to begin their assignments remotely in cases where access to UN premises is restricted. These are decisions at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss travel requirements, any restrictions, and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV's offer.
The duration of your assignment is indicated above with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included) and final repatriation (if applicable).
Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis will be provided.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.