The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is one of the leading international organizations dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. It is committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population and development, with a focus on ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. The UNFPA Internship Programme offers exciting opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in various areas of UNFPA’s work.
One such opportunity is the Policy & Programme Support Intern position based in Johannesburg, South Africa, within the Middle Income Country (MIC) Hub. This internship offers an excellent chance for aspiring individuals to contribute to meaningful projects while expanding their understanding of the critical work being done in the field of international development.
Key Details of the Internship
- Position: Policy & Programme Support Intern
- Location: UNFPA Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), Johannesburg, South Africa
- Full-time: 40 hours per week
- Duration: 6 months (starting mid-August 2025)
- Posting Date: 12 May 2025
- Application Deadline: 26 May 2025
- Grade: IN (Intern)
About UNFPA’s Middle Income Country (MIC) Hub
The Middle Income Country Hub at UNFPA plays a crucial role in supporting countries with middle-income economies across the Southern African region, including Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa. This hub focuses on policies, programming, and development aimed at enhancing sustainable financing and strengthening national development planning frameworks. Through this internship, the selected candidate will assist in research, policy development, and programme advisory services that are vital to these countries’ progress in meeting their development goals.
Responsibilities
As an intern with the MIC-Hub, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and support various critical activities, including:
- Policy Research and Development:
- Monitoring trends in the political, social, and economic environments relevant to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population development.
- Assisting with the preparation of policy briefs, reports, and research outputs in line with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.
- Programme Support:
- Contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes.
- Supporting sustainable financing initiatives that contribute to strengthening national development planning frameworks.
- Event Organization:
- Assisting in the planning and organization of trainings, consultations, meetings, and conferences related to the MIC-Hub’s work plan.
- Other Supportive Tasks:
- Providing general assistance to the MIC-Hub as needed.
This internship offers a comprehensive learning experience, where you will be involved in a variety of tasks that will help build your knowledge in international development, policy making, and program implementation.
Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the UNFPA Internship Programme, you must meet the following educational and eligibility requirements:
Educational Requirements:
- Option A: Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a Master’s) at a recognized university.
- Option B: Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Option C: Be a recent graduate, having completed a university degree within one year of the internship’s start date.
- Option D: Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme.
Other Eligibility Criteria:
- Interest in Development: A genuine interest in the field of development, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population development.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of additional UN languages (especially French or Spanish) is an asset.
- Cultural Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new environments and work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, applicants with immediate family members working at UNFPA are not eligible for the internship.
Skills and Experience
To succeed in this internship, applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to understand and process complex information.
- Excellent Writing Skills: Capacity to produce high-quality research and reports.
- Multicultural Teamwork: Ability to work in a team environment, especially in a multicultural setting.
- Technical Competence: While prior experience is not required, an understanding of development issues will be an advantage.
Learning Opportunities
Upon completion of the internship, successful candidates will have:
- Increased Understanding of UNFPA: You will gain insight into UNFPA’s governance, executive board, and operational mechanisms.
- Practical Knowledge of Programme Design: You will learn how UNFPA designs and delivers its development programs.
- Enhanced Research Skills: You will refine your ability to write and formulate substantive policy documents and reports.
- Networking and Professional Exposure: You will have opportunities to network with UN colleagues and other professionals in the field.
- Cultural Competency: You will gain experience working in an international and culturally diverse environment.
Financial Aspects
UNFPA does not offer a salary or other financial compensation for interns. However, a stipend will be provided to help cover basic daily expenses. Interns are expected to arrange for their own accommodation, travel, and medical insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory, and proof of insurance must be provided before the internship begins.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online through the UNFPA Careers website by submitting the following:
- A completed application form on the UNFPA internship portal.
- A recent CV highlighting your relevant academic qualifications and any prior work experience (if applicable).
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.
- Proof of enrollment or recent graduation (as per the eligibility requirements).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
If you are passionate about contributing to the global agenda for sustainable development, gender equality, and the protection of reproductive health rights, this internship is an ideal opportunity for you. Not only will you gain hands-on experience and professional development, but you will also play a role in advancing UNFPA’s transformative goals in Southern Africa.
