The Position:
The inclusive UNFPA Internship Programme offers outstanding students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNFPA operations. It is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of UNFPA work.
Applicants should be interested in the field of development, have the ability to adapt to new environments, and work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Interns work as part of agile teams that support and hold each other accountable. In addition, they will have supervisory support from an assigned UNFPA staffer. The backgrounds of the interns match the needs of the organization.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; to end unmet needs for family planning; and to end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments to accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to โbuild forward betterโ, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on womenโs and girlsโ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recovering lost gains, and realizing our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire, and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose: The external relations intern will support the systematization of the UNFPA Regional Officeโs experiences in engaging in intergovernmental processes to advance the rights of women and young people, achieving gender equality in the context of profound demographic shifts and successfully addressing pushbacks to gender equality and human rights. The person will also be involved in the engagement between UNFPA and National and Regional Organizations and their communities, policymakers, alumni, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Strategic Partnerships Adviser and in close collaboration with the UNFPA regional team. She/He will also deliver a variety of tasks that include support for events, preparation of engagement reports, facilitation of activities with external partners, creation of information packs, organization of visits, and performing other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience:
The applicants must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:
Educational requirements
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in political science, international relations, public relations, gender studies, or a science-policy program.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a masterโs or higher) in political science, gender studies, or international relations.
- Ability to start the internship during the period of MarchโApril 2024.
Other eligibility requirements
- Some first-hand experience in external relations in an international organization or national organization with an international focus, preferably dealing with research.
- Written and oral fluency in English
- Proven ability to understand complex socio-economic and geopolitical contexts.
- Experience with or interest in international relations, political science, sociology, gender studies, the intersection of gender and politics, and the science-policy-society interface.
Financial Aspects
Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern's participation in the programme, including any travel costs, must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements in case they opt for in-person internship for accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the duty station. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.
Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,
Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
Embracing cultural diversity,
Embracing change
Core Competencies:
Achieving results,
Being accountable,
Developing and applying professional expertise and business acumen
Thinking analytically and strategically,
Working in teams, managing ourselves and our relationships,
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international professional and higher categories who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
To view the complete job description and apply to this position, click \"Apply Now\" below.