Youth Innovation Hub Project Assistant

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy, Youth

Application deadline: 25/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. It is on the ground in about 170 countries, working on solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP assists China in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into development decisions, promotes the transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy and a sustainable society, protects biodiversity, and informs China’s international development cooperation engagement to advance global progress on the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Assignment context

This assignment will be based at the UNDP-Tsinghua Youth Innovation Hub Project Management Office in Shenzhen, China.

Align with the UNDP Youth Strategy, UNDP China aims to support youth development as a major contribution to sustainable development. To create an inclusive and enabling environment for empowering youth in achieving SDGs, UNDP China and their counterparts are implementing a multi-year Youth Project to empower youth in achieving SDGs.

UNDP China, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM), and the Shenzhen Futian District People's Government jointly launched the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project on Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the UNDP-Tsinghua Youth Innovation Hub on 30 April 2026.

As the first UNDP SDG Innovation Lab in China dedicated to youth innovation and entrepreneurship, the Youth Innovation Hub aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to examine trends, challenges, and opportunities in youth entrepreneurship, including for women and persons with disabilities. The Lab will promote knowledge sharing and peer learning, while establishing a scalable national platform to empower young changemakers. The Lab is located in Shenzhen, one of the 11 National Demonstration Zones to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China.

Building on UNDP’s legacy on youth innovation and entrepreneurship since 2018, the Youth Talent Hub will strive to become a leading platform for youth innovation in China, connected to UNDP regional resources, it will harness young people’s creativity to help them develop and scale innovative solutions, and empower them to become changemakers, advancing progress towards the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supporting China's high-quality development.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Youth Development Project Analyst of UNDP China or his/her designated mandated representative(s), with a dotted reporting line to the Youth team in UNDP China, the UN Volunteer will:

1. Assist the implementation of the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project on Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
· Assist in project planning and implementation, including Concept Note, Annual Work Plans, Terms of References and other project management documents;
· Design and support the implementation of project activities;
· Liaise with vendors and ensure their deliveries for the project in a timely manner;
· Guarantee the timely implementation of the project and monitor its quality;
· Make timely financial reports and expenditure plans;
· Develop and implement the annual work plan framework to ensure regular, mid-term and year-end monitoring and evaluation by coordinating the output and results of the project;
· Complete other tasks assigned by the Project Office in Shenzhen.

2. Promote communication among project partners and participate in project activities involving or organized by partners:
· Maintain regular project reporting mechanisms through daily communication and monthly project meeting arrangements between the Project Management Office (PMO) in Shenzhen, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchange (CICETE), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
· Maintain regular communication between CICETE, UNDP and other key stakeholders on project financial management and respond promptly to requests for budget preparation, budget revision and project financial reporting.
· Develop and implement the M&E framework to ensure regular, mid-year and year end monitoring and evaluation by aligning with project outputs and results and make technical suggestions on adjustment.

3. Facilitating the management of knowledge products and multilateral knowledge sharing and learning:
· Collect, analyse and compile relevant data and information in the areas, and contribute to international and cross-country learning and sharing initiatives.
· Facilitate the organization of international conferences/forums to support multilateral knowledge exchanges and experience sharing.

Skills and experience

· Relevant youth work experience, preferably at the national or international level in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development projects is an asset;
· Previous experience with the UN system, government partners and civil society, including solid knowledge of UN/UNDP programme and operations policies and procedures is an asset.
· Knowledge in managing development projects in financial, technical and administrative aspects is a great asset;
· Demonstrates ability to effectively maintain relationships with different stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, international and national volunteer organizations;
· Innovative forward thinking;
· Good command of English and Chinese, written and oral;
· 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).

Competencies and values

· Professionalism
· Integrity
· Teamwork and respect for diversity
· Commitment to continuous learning
· Planning and organizing
· Communication
· Flexibility
· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP China’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions

The duty station of this assignment is located in Shenzhen, a metropolis where modest public infrastructure and health services are available. The city has excellent health services available.

In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but quality is good. Shenzhen 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.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.