Intern, Climate Change and SRHR

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 the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is dedicated to addressing issues related to reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics, and it plays a crucial role in the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to building forward better in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that women and girls have access to essential health services and rights.

Job Overview:
The Intern for Climate Change and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Climate Change and Innovation at the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). This role is designed to support the Evidence, Knowledge, and Innovation (EKI) team in various capacities, including event organization, advocacy, and research that intersects climate change with gender and SRHR. The intern will engage in a structured work plan that outlines specific achievements and learning opportunities throughout the 12-week internship. Regular progress meetings will be held to foster a supportive environment that enhances the intern's skills and capacity in alignment with UNFPA's mission. The intern will play a vital role in promoting UNFPA's initiatives and will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the positioning of UNFPA and the ICPD Agenda in Climate Change Advocacy and Policy Engagement; assisting in the design and organization of key virtual, in-person, and hybrid events; contributing to the delivery of UNFPA climate projects and knowledge management; disseminating UNFPA’s key messaging on climate change and SRHR; developing proposals for mobilizing climate finance for adaptation and resilience actions; and supporting the Communications Unit in creating and disseminating communication materials such as social media posts, press releases, and newsletters. Additionally, the intern will contribute to knowledge generation and capacity-building by supporting research on the impacts of climate change on gender equality and SRHR in East and Southern Africa, developing knowledge products like country fact sheets, and coordinating training workshops for stakeholders in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several qualifications to be eligible for this internship. They should be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in a relevant field such as international development, public health, women or gender studies, or population and development. Alternatively, recent graduates who have completed their degree within the last year are also eligible, provided they can start the internship within one year of graduation. Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in development issues, possess written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the UN's working languages (English or French), and have fluency in one of the official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish). Additionally, candidates should exhibit adaptability to new environments and the ability to maintain good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or recent graduation from a postgraduate degree program in fields relevant to the position. This includes areas such as international development, public health, women's or gender studies, or population and development. The internship is designed for individuals who are currently pursuing their studies or have recently completed their academic programs, ensuring that candidates have a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical work at UNFPA.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some experience working with development agencies, which can include volunteer work or internships. This experience is essential for understanding the dynamics of development work and the specific challenges faced in the field. Candidates should also possess strong analytical and writing skills, demonstrating their ability to produce high-quality written materials. Initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from various national and cultural backgrounds are also critical attributes for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, candidates should have fluency in one of the official languages of the UNFPA office, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of other languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's goals.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position with a duration of 12 weeks. Interns will not receive a salary or any form of remuneration from UNFPA; however, they may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses if they are not financially supported by an institution or program. Interns are responsible for their living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other requirements. It is also mandatory for interns to have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, and proof of insurance must be submitted before the internship begins. The position can be performed either remotely or in-person, providing flexibility for candidates.