Maternal Health Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that 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 has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to achieving its strategic goals through partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and other UN agencies. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments.

Job Overview:
The Maternal Health Intern will work under the direct supervision of the SRHR Regional Advisor at the UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Office (APRO). This role is integral to supporting the implementation of key activities related to the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026-2030, particularly focusing on the transformative result of achieving zero preventable maternal deaths by 203

• The intern will engage in a structured work plan that includes agreed tasks and deliverables, as well as learning opportunities that enhance their skills and capacity in areas pertinent to UNFPA's mandate. The internship will provide a platform for the intern to contribute to significant projects while gaining valuable insights into the workings of UNFPA and its strategic initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for providing high-quality support to the SRHR Advisor in various aspects of maternal health program implementation. Key responsibilities include managing a literature review on perinatal mental health (PMH) in ASEAN countries, conducting quantitative and qualitative interviews with representatives from Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, analyzing the responses, and assisting in drafting a publication for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, the intern will support the alignment of gender and maternal newborn health (MNH) wellbeing approaches by collaborating with the SRHR and Gender Teams to identify areas for potential synergy and co-creating communication documents for broader dissemination. The intern may also take on additional tasks based on project requirements and learning opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree), have recently graduated with a university degree and must start the internship within one year of graduation, or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program. Candidates should possess strong analytical and writing skills, demonstrate initiative and sound judgment, and have the ability to work harmoniously with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have an educational background in public health, medicine, midwifery, health sciences, social sciences, development studies, or other related fields. This educational foundation will equip the intern with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the maternal health initiatives at UNFPA.

Experience:
Some experience working with development agencies, including volunteer capacities, is preferred. The intern should have a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and possess strong analytical and writing skills. Experience in research or program implementation related to maternal health or sexual and reproductive health is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. Interns are responsible for their living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, a small stipend may be provided to help cover basic daily expenses if the intern is not financially supported by any institution. Interns must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, and proof of insurance is required before starting. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.