UNFPA National Internship - Information and Communication Technology

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population and development. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global population issues and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to resilience and renewal in a complex global environment, aiming to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNFPA is designed for dynamic IT or Computer Science students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in enterprise IT operations, network administration, cybersecurity compliance, user support, and digital solutions within an international organization. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the International Operations Manager and will assist the ICT team in daily operations, gaining professional knowledge of UN technology frameworks and standards. The internship aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience, with a work plan outlining specific achievements and learning opportunities. Regular progress meetings will be held to foster a supportive environment that enhances the intern's skills and capacity in alignment with UNFPA's mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including providing first-line desktop support (Helpdesk) to UNFPA staff in the Country Office and offering remote support to sub-offices. They will assist in troubleshooting hardware issues related to laptops, printers, scanners, and projectors, as well as software issues involving Windows OS, Microsoft 365 suite, and video conferencing software. Interns will set up, configure, and maintain workstations, peripheral devices, and user accounts according to UNFPA standard configurations. They will support multimedia and technical setups for hybrid meetings, workshops, webinars, and official virtual events. Additionally, interns will assist in monitoring local area networks (LAN), wireless networks (Wi-Fi), and internet connectivity across the office premises. They will also support basic routine maintenance of server rooms, network switches, routers, IP telephony, and backup power systems. Other responsibilities include verifying software updates, antivirus definitions, and operating system security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security patches on user machines, creating and organizing digital media and internal SharePoint pages, and promoting ICT security awareness among staff members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the internship must be enrolled in an advanced degree program or have recently graduated. They should demonstrate a strong interest in the field of UNFPA's mandate and possess written and spoken proficiency in English and/or French. Additionally, candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Interns must also exhibit the ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. Alternatively, they may have recently graduated with a relevant university degree and must start the internship within one year of graduation. Candidates enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program may also undertake the internship as part of their training.

Experience:
Some experience working with development agencies, including volunteer work, is preferred. Candidates should possess strong analytical and writing skills, demonstrate initiative and sound judgment, and have the ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French is also required. Additional language skills are considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. Costs associated with the internship must be covered by the nominating institution or the interns themselves, including living expenses, accommodation, and travel arrangements. However, interns may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses if not financially supported by any institution. Medical insurance is mandatory for the duration of the internship, and proof of insurance must be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging women and individuals from indigenous populations and persons with disabilities to apply.