Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 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 upheld. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results as outlined in its strategic plan for 2022-2025: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to reproductive health and rights, and calls for collective action to build a better future for all. With a diverse workforce, UNFPA values integrity, transparency, and ethical standards, and seeks to recruit principled staff who can deliver high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The intern will play a crucial role in supporting various program units at UNFPA Ethiopia to ensure that proposals, program designs, implementations, and evaluations are inclusive of persons with disabilities. Under the direct supervision of the disability inclusion focal person and program analysts, the intern will engage in a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing disability inclusion within the organization. This includes conducting audits to identify accessibility gaps, assisting in the development of capacity-building packages for staff and partners, and collaborating with communication teams to create inclusive materials for advocacy. The internship is designed to provide valuable learning opportunities, with a focus on developing skills related to UNFPA's mission and objectives. Regular progress meetings will be held to ensure that the intern's contributions are aligned with the organization's goals and to facilitate personal and professional growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting the disability inclusion focal person at UNFPA Ethiopia in several key areas: conducting a disability audit to assess organizational and service outlet accessibility, identifying existing gaps, and proposing tailored action plans to address these issues. The intern will assist in the development and implementation of a Disability Inclusion Capacity Development package aimed at enhancing the skills of UNFPA staff and implementing partners. Collaboration with the communication team will be essential to enhance the development of inclusive communication and visibility materials, particularly during advocacy efforts and the commemoration of international days related to disability inclusion. The intern will also participate in LNOB (Leave No One Behind) meetings and other relevant platforms, contributing to discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting disability inclusion. Additionally, the intern may be tasked with various administrative and operational duties as needed to support the overall functioning of the program units.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several eligibility criteria to qualify for this internship. They should be enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree) and have completed at least one full academic year, or be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program). 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. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the field of development, possess written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the UN's working languages (English or French), and have 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 a first university degree program, such as a bachelor’s degree, with at least one full academic year completed. Alternatively, candidates may be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program or have recently graduated with a relevant university degree. Those enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program may also undertake the internship as part of their training. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of development work and the specific challenges related to disability inclusion.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not mandatory, candidates should have some experience working with development agencies, which may include volunteer work or internships. This experience will help candidates understand the operational context of UNFPA and the importance of disability inclusion in development programs. Strong analytical and writing skills are essential, as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and the capacity to work harmoniously with colleagues from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary and health insurance, along with other applicable benefits. The work environment at UNFPA reflects the organization's commitment to gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA actively encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. Importantly, UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.