Youth, Peace & Security Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women and girls, and calls for a collective effort to build forward better while realizing the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Youth, Peace & security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Intern will play a crucial role in supporting UNFPA’s initiatives aimed at engaging youth in peace and security efforts. This position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in program management and policy implementation within the humanitarian, peace, and development sectors. The intern will work closely with the Youth, Peace, and Security Technical Specialist and the Gender and Human Rights team lead, contributing to research, project implementation, advocacy, and coordination efforts. The role is designed to be professional in nature, involving analytical and conceptual assignments that require a certain level of complexity. The intern will be involved in various aspects of UNFPA’s work, particularly focusing on youth engagement in peace processes and the implementation of Security Council resolutions related to youth, peace, and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: conducting background research on youth participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution; monitoring and compiling reports on national and regional youth, peace, and security (YPS) policies; developing briefing notes, fact sheets, and policy documents; assisting in planning and coordinating YPS projects; supporting the implementation of activities related to youth engagement in peace processes; contributing to the design of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives; providing support to country offices in program design and evaluation; drafting social media content and advocacy materials; organizing webinars and workshops; engaging with youth networks and civil society organizations; documenting best practices; participating in inter-agency meetings; and assisting in the development of national frameworks on YPS.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements: be enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed one full academic year; be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program or higher); or have recently graduated with a university degree and must start the internship within one year of graduation. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in development, peace, and security, possess strong research and analytical skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting is essential, along with prior experience in youth-led initiatives or humanitarian work being an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a university degree program. Candidates should have completed at least one full academic year of a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a postgraduate program. Recent graduates are also eligible, provided they start the internship within one year of graduation. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of youth engagement in peace and security.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a demonstrated interest in the fields of development, peace, and security. While prior experience in youth-led initiatives, peacebuilding, or humanitarian work is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The intern should possess strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Experience in volunteering or participating in relevant projects can enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Demonstrated written and spoken proficiency in English and French is required for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UNFPA and with various stakeholders involved in youth, peace, and security initiatives.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNFPA do not receive a salary or any form of remuneration. They are responsible for their living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, interns may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses if they are not financially supported by another institution. Medical insurance is mandatory for the entire duration of the internship, and proof of insurance is required before starting. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.