The Position:

Under the direct supervision of Heads of Units and selected supervisors the intern will support the Somalia CO in the various thematic in line with the disciplines listed below.  Students from these disciplines are welcome to apply, and depending on qualifications, shall be selected for internships that relate either to the organization's strategic activities or to administrative or technical functions. Internships will allow the successful candidates to have the opportunity to work in a multi-cultural international organization

• Information Technology (ICT)
• Communication and Journalism
• Business Administration
• Project Management
• Social Studies
• Gender Studies
• Human Rights
• International Relations
• HIV/AIDS Sexual & Reproductive Health/Maternal Health
• Population and Development
• Procurement (Logistics/Supply)
• Human Resources.

Internships may be offered at any UNFPA office. However, due to security risks, non-family duty stations (i.e. in security phase III or above) may not accept interns from outside the duty station.

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.

About UNFPA and 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.  UNFPA’s 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; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on 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 “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on womens’ and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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 would be responsible for:

• Conducting research.
• Writing documents.
• Cataloguing information.
• Assisting in the organization of conferences, forums or other collaborative events.
• Any other task as may be assigned.

Qualifying for an Internship

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:

Educational requirements

Other eligibility requirements

Your Experiences:

• Some experience in working with development agencies, including in volunteer capacity.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

1. Increased understanding of the UNFPA and the Programme Division within UNFPA
2. Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including regional set-up
3. Understand and familiarize with UNFPA Governance and Executive Board 
4. Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms
5. Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications to the field, and at the level of HQ
6. Learn UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms
7. Write and formulate substantive documents
8. Network with UN colleagues
9. 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, 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 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.

How to Apply

Please complete this form to apply.

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