Intern - Gender Unit

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (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 has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. 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's and girls' access to health services and reproductive rights, while also focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide support to the Gender Programme Lead within the Gender Unit at UNFPA's Lao office. The intern will engage in various activities related to gender equality, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health. The role includes developing a work plan that outlines specific achievements and learning opportunities during the internship. Regular progress meetings will be held to ensure that the intern is gaining valuable skills and knowledge relevant to UNFPA's mission. This position is particularly suited for individuals who are passionate about gender issues and are eager to contribute to meaningful projects that align with UNFPA's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the implementation of the 2025 Work Plan. Key responsibilities include: reviewing relevant documents and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials; drafting concept notes for workshops, meetings, and training sessions; taking notes and preparing minutes for meetings and events; providing logistical and administrative support for technical workshops and missions; preparing memos and other documentation; assisting the gender unit in compiling and consolidating gender-based violence (GBV) data; preparing quarterly narrative reports; coordinating with the Japanese government and preparing documents in Japanese; representing the Gender Unit in meetings with UNFPA and other government partners; and undertaking additional relevant tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's or postgraduate degree program in development, administration and management, or a relevant social or political science discipline. They should demonstrate a strong interest in the field of development and possess the ability to adapt to new environments. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical and writing skills, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be currently enrolled in a relevant degree program, such as development studies, social sciences, political science, or a related field. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the issues related to gender equality and reproductive health that are central to the internship role.

Experience:
Some prior experience working with development agencies, even in a volunteer capacity, is preferred. This experience will help the intern understand the operational context of UNFPA and the challenges faced in implementing gender-related programs. The ability to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to tasks will be beneficial in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Japanese, is considered an asset, as the intern will be involved in coordination with the Japanese government and may need to prepare documents in Japanese.

Additional Notes:
This internship is limited to candidates applying from within Laos and has an initial duration of 4 months, with the possibility of extension. Interns do not receive a salary or remuneration from UNFPA; however, they may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses if not financially supported by an institution. 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 values gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.