Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where 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, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to advancing the rights of women and girls, promoting gender equality, and addressing the challenges posed by demographic changes. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights and social justice, and it aims to empower individuals and communities through comprehensive programs and initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordination Advisor at the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). The primary focus of this internship is to support the Programme Coordination Unit in implementing the Regional Programme Action Plan (RPAP) in alignment with the UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-202

• The intern will engage in various activities, including supporting programme development, oversight, and assurance of country programs, reviewing and monitoring program budgets and financial expenditures, and assisting in the development and implementation of systems and tools for effective program monitoring and management. The role requires collaboration with Operations and Technical Units to ensure coordination and coherence across teams. The intern will also participate in periodic progress meetings to enhance their skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA's mandate, contributing to a beneficial learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties and responsibilities will include supporting country program development and implementation by assisting in capacity building for Country Offices in the East and Southern Africa region. This involves organizing capacity building sessions, providing inputs on session content, and documenting outcomes. The intern will review and provide inputs on the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and country program documents (CPDs), ensuring compliance with guidelines. Additionally, the intern will support the monitoring and reporting of regional program implementation, including work plan and budget preparation, analysis, and revision. They will assist in managing implementing partners and monitoring regional and country office program and financial performance using key indicators. The intern will also contribute to improving knowledge management by updating program folders with emerging information and preparing knowledge products that reflect best practices and lessons learned from UNFPA-supported interventions.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, candidates must meet specific educational and eligibility requirements. Interns must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in a relevant field, such as international development, public health, or gender studies, or have recently graduated with a university degree in one of these areas. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in development work and possess written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations (English or French), along with fluency in the official language of the UNFPA office. Additionally, candidates must show adaptability to new environments and the ability to establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a postgraduate degree program in a relevant field, such as international development, public health, women or gender studies, or population and development. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the issues they will be addressing during their internship.

Experience:
The position requires some experience in working with development agencies, which can include volunteer work. Candidates should have strong analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds. Experience in a multicultural setting is highly valued, as it reflects the diverse environment of UNFPA.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of other languages is considered an asset. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations, which include English and French, and should also be fluent in the official language of the UNFPA office, which may include Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish.

Additional Notes:
Interns will receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, provided they are not financially supported by any institution or program. The stipend amount may vary based on the intern's agreed place of work. Additionally, interns must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, as UNFPA does not provide this coverage. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.