Secretariat Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to advancing global health and development goals. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights and gender equality, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population issues and promoting sustainable development. UNFPA's mission is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines its response to a complex global environment and aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The Secretariat Support Intern will play a vital role in assisting the UNFPA Equatorial Guinea Country Office with various administrative, organizational, and information-management tasks. This position is designed to provide the intern with supervised exposure to professional office administration within an international organization. The intern will work closely with the Assistant Representative and will receive regular guidance and feedback throughout the internship. The role includes the development of a work plan with specific deliverables and learning objectives, ensuring that the intern gains valuable experience while contributing to the effective functioning of the Representative’s Office. The intern will be involved in tasks that require a high level of discretion and adherence to confidentiality and records-management requirements, reflecting the importance of maintaining the integrity of sensitive information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting with the organization of meetings and appointments by drafting schedules, invitations, attendance lists, and meeting files; supporting the preparation, formatting, proofreading, scanning, and filing of routine correspondence, briefing materials, presentations, and administrative documents; maintaining orderly electronic and physical records, contact lists, calendars, and document-tracking tools; preparing meeting agendas and drafting notes or action points for review by the supervisor; assisting with the reception and routing of routine calls, visitors, and correspondence while maintaining professional service standards; compiling background information and supporting documentation for official meetings, missions, and events; tracking routine deadlines and agreed follow-up actions using office tools; providing basic logistical support for workshops, official visits, and Country Office events; and performing other related tasks that contribute to the learning objectives of the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong commitment to the values of integrity, cultural diversity, and change. They should demonstrate accountability, analytical thinking, and the ability to work effectively in teams. The ideal candidate will have a good command of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and should exhibit strong organizational skills, accuracy, tact, and the ability to handle information discreetly. Additionally, applicants should show an interest in international development and UNFPA’s mandate, as well as the ability to adapt to a multicultural working environment and maintain effective working relationships.

Educational Background:
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational requirements: be enrolled in a first university degree program and have completed at least one full academic year; be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program; have recently graduated with a university degree and be able to start the internship within one year of graduation; or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and undertake the internship as part of that program. Alternatively, candidates may have recently completed a recognized second-level vocational training program in administration, secretarial studies, executive assistance, office management, or another relevant field.

Experience:
Some experience in administrative support, customer service, records management, event organization, or volunteering is desirable. This experience will help the intern to effectively contribute to the tasks assigned and to understand the operational dynamics of an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of English or French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication in a diverse workplace and enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. The work environment at UNFPA reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities, to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.