The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering an exciting internship opportunity at their East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) in Johannesburg, South Africa. This UNFPA Internship is designed for individuals passionate about contributing to policy research and programme support in middle-income countries. If you are ready to transform, inspire, and deliver results in one of the most dynamic regions of the world, this internship might be your next big step.
UNFPA Internship Overview
- Company: United Nations Population Fund
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Posting Date: 2024/08/08, 12:55
- Apply Before: 2024/08/23, 12:55
- Job Schedule: Full time
About the UNFPA Internship
The UNFPA Internship is a full-time position where interns will work directly under the supervision of the Head of the Middle Income Country Hub (MIC-Hub). The internship is focused on supporting staff in areas such as policy research, development, and programme advisory services, specifically targeting a select group of middle-income countries in Southern Africa, including Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa.
This internship is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in development policies and programmes, while also contributing to the UNFPA’s overarching goals of ending preventable maternal deaths, meeting the unmet need for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Key Responsibilities
As an intern, you will be responsible for:
- Monitoring Trends: Assisting in tracking political, social, and economic developments relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population and development in targeted middle-income countries.
- Policy Research: Contributing to the preparation of policy briefs, reports, and other research outputs aligned with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.
- Programme Support: Assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes aimed at strengthening national development planning frameworks.
- Event Coordination: Supporting the organization of trainings, consultations, and relevant meetings and conferences as per the MIC-Hub’s annual work plan.
- General Assistance: Performing other tasks as required by the MIC-Hub and ESARO.
Educational Requirements
To be eligible for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements at the time of application:
- Enrolled in a Postgraduate Degree: You must be enrolled in a master’s programme or higher in a recognized university.
- Final Year of Undergraduate Degree: You must be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- Recent Graduate: You must have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Professional Traineeship: You must be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme at a recognized university and undertake the internship as part of this programme.
Skills and Competencies
In addition to meeting the educational requirements, successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Analytical and Writing Skills: Strong abilities in analysis and writing are essential for contributing effectively to policy research and programme documentation.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French or Spanish, is highly desirable.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relations with individuals from different cultural backgrounds is crucial.
Eligibility Restrictions
Note that individuals whose close relatives (father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister) are UNFPA staff members are not eligible for this internship.
What You Will Learn
The UNFPA Internship is not just about working; it’s also about learning. By the end of the internship, you will have:
- Enhanced Understanding of UNFPA: Gain a deeper understanding of the UNFPA’s mandate, policies, and regional operations.
- Knowledge of Programme Design: Learn the intricacies of UNFPA’s programme design and delivery mechanisms.
- Insight into Governance: Understand UNFPA Governance and Executive Board functions.
- Operational Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the dynamics of operational and programme support.
- Communication Skills: Improve your ability to communicate effectively within a large international organization.
- Technical Expertise: Learn the technical language and coordination mechanisms used within the UN system.
- Networking: Build a professional network with UN colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Multicultural Experience: Gain valuable experience working in a multicultural setting as a team member.
Financial Considerations
While the internship is unpaid in terms of salary, UNFPA provides a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship if you are not financially supported by an institution or scholarship. The stipend amount varies depending on the duty station. Interns are responsible for their accommodation, travel, and other living expenses. Additionally, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship, as UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.
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How to Apply
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in this opportunity, you can apply online. The application deadline is August 23, 2024, at 12:55 PM.
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Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
The UNFPA Internship is an exceptional opportunity for individuals looking to start or advance their careers in international development. The UNFPA Internship role offers a rich learning experience and the chance to contribute to critical development goals.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and meet the qualifications, don’t miss this chance to apply and take the first step in your international development career.