Intern, Population and Development

Intern, Population and Development

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

August 26, 2025October 10, 2025Mandaluyong CityPhilippines
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, with a mission to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. 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's and girls' access to health services, while also focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Intern in Population and Development will work under the direct supervision of the Demographic Analysis and Planning Analyst at the UNFPA Country Office. The primary focus of this internship is to support the country office in analyzing social, cultural, and religious norms, as well as conducting social and political scanning in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The intern will engage in a structured work plan that outlines specific achievements and learning opportunities throughout the internship duration. 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. This role is crucial for understanding the intersection of development, human rights, and population issues within the context of SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) in BARMM.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting the Country Office in conducting comprehensive social, economic, and political analyses within BARMM. This includes understanding the current capacities related to Shariah laws, human rights, and development issues, particularly those concerning SRHR. The intern will assist in integrating SRHR principles within the Islamic context into the programs supporting the BARMM government. Key responsibilities include establishing partnerships for South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), particularly with Egypt, and enhancing the capacity of Muslim religious leaders and scholars in BARMM on relevant issues. The intern will facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building for BARMM government bodies, assist in adapting successful Egyptian models for addressing child marriage, and contribute to the development of policy briefs on SRHR in the Islamic context. Participation in meetings with BARMM ministries, religious leaders, and community groups will also be part of the role, along with performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program in political science, social science, law, or a related field. Some experience working with development agencies, including volunteer work, is preferred. The intern should possess strong analytical and writing skills, good communication and coordination abilities, and demonstrate initiative and sound judgment. The ability to work harmoniously with staff members from diverse national and cultural backgrounds is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or recent graduation from a degree program in political science, social science, law, or any related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of population and development issues, particularly in the context of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Experience:
The position requires some experience in working with development agencies, which can include volunteer work or internships. This experience is important for understanding the operational dynamics of development work and the specific challenges faced in the context of BARMM.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Fluency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it will facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders in BARMM.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position with a duration of 4 to 6 months, and it is conducted in person at the UNFPA office in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Interns do not receive a salary but may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses. It is important for interns to have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, as UNFPA does not provide this coverage. The organization promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
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