Overview
Type: Internship/Fellowship
Level: Entry-level for postgraduate and undergraduate students
Contract: Internship
Closing Date: Varies depending on position
Locations: Multiple international duty stations
About the Role
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, leads initiatives to ensure safe pregnancies, secure childbirth, and the fulfillment of youth potential. The organization’s current strategic framework (2022-2025) aims to achieve three transformative objectives: reducing maternal mortality, addressing unmet needs in family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence alongside harmful practices. These goals align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and call for collaborative action to counter setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the face of global challenges to human rights, UNFPA seeks individuals committed to upholding international standards, demonstrating ethical behavior, and driving impactful results. Interns are expected to deliver excellence in their roles, manage resources responsibly, and inspire positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this internship program, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
1.Enrollment in a postgraduate degree (e.g., master’s or higher).
2.Enrollment in the final year of an undergraduate degree (e.g., bachelor’s degree).
3.Recent graduates who start their internship within one year of earning their degree.
4.Enrollment in a postgraduate professional traineeship program with internship requirements.
Relatives of UNFPA staff members are subject to specific guidelines. Direct descendants or siblings of current employees are ineligible. Other relatives may apply but cannot work within the same team or report directly to their family member.
Required Skills and Attributes
Core Values:
•Upholding integrity
•Showing dedication to UNFPA’s mission and UN principles
•Respecting cultural diversity
•Welcoming change
Core Skills:
•Delivering measurable results
•Taking accountability
•Building expertise in assigned areas
Interning with UNFPA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful global initiatives focused on improving health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Interns gain hands-on experience in a multicultural environment, working alongside dedicated professionals on projects that address critical issues such as maternal health, family planning, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This internship fosters professional growth by enhancing analytical, strategic thinking, and teamwork skills. Additionally, participants benefit from a supportive learning environment that values diversity and innovation. For those without external financial support, UNFPA provides a monthly stipend to help with living expenses, ensuring that interns can focus on their roles.
This experience not only enhances career prospects but also allows individuals to make a tangible impact on global development goals.
