Internship Programme Coordination Unit

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights and gender equality, striving to empower individuals and communities through its programs. UNFPA's mission is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to respond to complex global challenges and enhance resilience and renewal in its operations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to support the Programme Coordination Unit under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordination Advisor at the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). The intern will play a crucial role in implementing the Regional Programme Action Plan (RPAP) aligned with the UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-202

• Responsibilities include supporting program development, oversight, and assurance of country programs, reviewing and monitoring program budgets and financial expenditures, and assisting in the development and implementation of systems for effective program monitoring and management. The intern will collaborate with various units to ensure coordination and coherence across teams, contributing to a work plan that outlines achievements and learning opportunities throughout the internship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including: 1) Supporting capacity building for Country Offices in the East and Southern Africa region by organizing training sessions, providing content input, and documenting outcomes; 2) Reviewing and providing input on key documents such as the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and country program documents (CPDs); 3) Monitoring country programming roadmaps to ensure timely reviews; 4) Assisting in the review of country work plans and implementation reports, ensuring compliance with program and financial procedures; 5) Monitoring and reporting on regional program implementation, including work plan and budget preparation; 6) Supporting partner management and assurance activities; 7) Analyzing regional and country office program and financial performance using key indicators; 8) Updating the PCU program folder with emerging information and preparing knowledge products that reflect best practices and lessons learned; 9) Participating in meetings to review evaluation feedback on technical assistance delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be eligible for the internship. These include being enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in a relevant field such as international development, public health, or gender studies, or having recently graduated with a relevant degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in development work, proficiency in at least one of the UN's working languages (English or French), and fluency in the official language of the UNFPA office. The ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or recent graduation from a postgraduate degree program in fields related to international development, public health, women or gender studies, or population and development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of the work undertaken by UNFPA and for contributing effectively to the organization's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should possess some experience working with development agencies, which can include volunteer work. This experience is valuable for understanding the operational dynamics of development work and for applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Strong analytical and writing skills are also necessary, along with the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from various national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the primary working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is set for a duration of 6 months, providing a structured opportunity for learning and professional development. Interns will receive a stipend to assist with basic daily expenses, provided they are not financially supported by another institution. It is important for interns to have medical insurance for the duration of their internship, as UNFPA does not provide this coverage. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.