Innovation Intern

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Innovation Intern
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services, and that their rights are respected. 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 mission is to promote the health and rights of women and young people, and to empower them to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization emphasizes the importance of innovation in its work, seeking to integrate new technologies and approaches to enhance its impact and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Innovation Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Resource Mobilization & Partnership Specialist, contributing to the integration of innovation across various program areas within the Country Office (CO). The intern will be involved in evaluating new technologies, products, and services to assess their potential impact on UNFPA's work. This role includes developing and implementing creative solutions to address challenges and drive innovation, as well as supporting the execution of innovative initiatives and projects related to UNFPA's mandate. The intern will assist in implementing various innovation challenges, particularly those focused on Gender, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and Youth & Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The position also involves coordinating communication and digital engagement activities related to the CO's innovation work, including social media engagement, and supporting the documentation and knowledge management of the CO innovation portfolio. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in periodic progress meetings to enhance their skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA's mandate, creating a beneficial learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate new technologies, products, and services to assess their potential impact on UNFPA’s work.
• Develop and implement creative solutions to address challenges and drive innovation.
• Support the development and execution of innovative initiatives and projects related to UNFPA’s mandate.
• Assist in the implementation of various innovation challenges, including those focused on Gender, FGM, and Youth & SRHR technologies.
• Liaise with the innovation team at the Country Office to align innovation programs.
• Coordinate overall communication and digital engagement activities of the CO innovation work, including social media engagement.
• Support the Resource Mobilization & Partnership Specialist in coordinating country innovation frameworks.
• Assist in the documentation and knowledge management of the CO innovation portfolio.
• Perform any other tasks, including administrative and operational needs, as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Be enrolled in a first university degree program (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed one full academic year; or be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as master’s program or higher); or have recently graduated with a university degree and must start the internship within one year of graduation; or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
• At least three years of experience in digital communications and strategy.
• At least three years of experience in project and event management.
• Experience in innovation and knowledge management.
• A working understanding of youth, SRH, and gender equality and gender-based violence work, with familiarity of regional priorities.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to generate new ideas.
• Experience and knowledge in ensuring meaningful and inclusive youth participation and engagement.
• Prior experience working in a development system with good geopolitical understanding of Africa, particularly the East and Southern Africa region. 1
• Good knowledge/understanding of the UN system is preferable; experience working in a multilateral organization and development agencies is an asset. 1
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within strict deadlines. 1
• Excellent self-awareness and self-management skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a university degree program, with a preference for those who have completed at least one full academic year. This includes those pursuing bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or recent graduates who have completed their degrees within the last year. Enrollment in a postgraduate professional trainee program is also acceptable if the internship is part of that program.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in digital communications, project and event management, and innovation and knowledge management. Candidates should have a strong background in youth, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a development context, particularly in the East and Southern Africa region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The internship offers a stipend of $213.24 per month to help cover basic daily expenses, provided the intern is not financially supported by any other institution or program. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.