YPS 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, with 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 YPS Intern will be based at the UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office in Dakar, working under the direct supervision of the Youth, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Specialist. The intern will collaborate closely with relevant program teams to develop a work plan that outlines achievements and learning opportunities throughout the internship. Regular progress meetings will be held to foster a supportive environment that enhances the intern's skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA's mandate. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting research, project implementation, communication, and partnership efforts related to youth engagement in peacebuilding and security initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Research and Analysis: Conduct background research on youth participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and humanitarian action. Monitor and compile reports on national and regional Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) policies and initiatives. Develop briefing notes, fact sheets, and policy documents on YPS-related topics.
• Project Support: Assist in the planning, coordination, and technical oversight of YPS projects across country offices. Support the implementation of activities related to youth engagement in peace processes and conflict prevention. Contribute to the design of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and training sessions.
• Communication and Advocacy: Draft content for social media, newsletters, and blogs to promote YPS activities. Develop advocacy materials for youth-focused campaigns. Organize webinars, dialogues, and workshops with young peacebuilders.
• Partnership and Coordination: Engage with youth networks, civil society organizations, and stakeholders. Document best practices and lessons learned from YPS interventions. Participate in inter-agency meetings and provide administrative support for YPS coordination efforts.

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

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a first university degree program (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with at least one full academic year completed, enrollment in a postgraduate degree program (master’s or higher), or recent graduation from a university degree program. Candidates may also qualify if they are enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and are undertaking the internship as part of this program.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have demonstrated interest and some level of experience in the fields of development, peace and security, and youth engagement. While prior experience volunteering in youth-led initiatives, peacebuilding, or humanitarian work is considered an advantage, it is not mandatory. The ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential.

Languages:
Demonstrated written and spoken proficiency in English and French is required for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. Interns must cover their living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, a stipend may be provided to help cover basic daily expenses if the intern is not financially supported by an institution or program. Interns are required to have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, and proof of insurance must be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.