UNFPA Sri Lanka Internship 2025

Overview:

Under the direct supervision of a dedicated National Programme Analyst, the intern will support the team in the areas of programme implementation, communication activities, and/or conduct of assessments in areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender and Gender-based Violence and/or Population and Development. 
A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the Internship and learning opportunities will be agreed upon. Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the Intern enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA's mandate. 

You will report to a dedicated National Programme Analyst.

How you can make a difference:

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA works in partnership with governments, civil society, and other key stakeholders to promote reproductive health, gender equality, and the rights and well-being of young people. 

The UNFPA is implementing its 10th Country Programme of support to the Government of Sri Lanka, 2023 - 2027. A key priority in this programme is increasing the delivery of sexual reproductive health services to women and young people, people living with disabilities, ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups and enabling healthcare workers to deliver quality and non-discriminatory family planning services in identified low-performing areas. 

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results. We need interns who are exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results. 

You will be assigned to learn the following: 

1.    Assists in programme implementation (SRH, Gender/GBV or PD) and partnerships
2.    Support implementing thematic communication campaigns and joint campaign initiatives
3.    Assist with the planning and promotion of programme workshops/ or events
4.    Conduct of thematic assessments, monitoring, and evaluations

Qualifications and Experience: 

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements

Education:  

Have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

Other eligibility requirements:

•     Demonstrate interest in the field of development;
•     Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency for English Language and Sinha la and/or Tamil language
•     Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

This internship is open to a broad scope of backgrounds in science and business. This includes, but is not limited to, Health Sciences, Sociology, International Relations, Law, Mass Communication, Journalism, Development, Marketing, or related fields. 

Your Experiences:

•     Some experience in working with development agencies, including in a volunteer capacity.
•     Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency for English Language and Sinha la and/or Tamil language
•     Strong analytical and writing skills.
•     Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Learning Elements: 

UNFPA will provide a learning environment and coaching that will provide specific competencies to be developed. 

1.    Increased understanding of the UN and UNFPA
2.    Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies
3.    Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms
4.    Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications
5.    Learn UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms
6.    Write and formulate substantive documents
7.    Network with UN colleagues
8.    Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting

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 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 for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, UNFPA interns will 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 stipend is based on the intern's agreed place of work, which may be different from the duty station of the hiring office in cases of remote arrangements. 

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. 

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. 

How to Apply :
Interested candidates, please apply by clicking the apply button.

Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. 
 

Disclaimer:

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.