The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering exciting internship opportunities for 2026, providing a valuable chance for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in international development. These internships are based in Pretoria, South Africa, and focus on areas like sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and operations. The application deadline is May 30, 2026.
About the UNFPA Internship Programme
The UNFPA South Africa Country Office is seeking motivated individuals for its Internship Programme. This initiative is designed to offer hands-on experience within a leading United Nations agency that champions reproductive health, gender equality, HIV prevention, and youth empowerment. Interns will work on real projects, contributing to the UNFPA’s mission and developing their professional skills in a global context.
Available Internship Opportunities
There are two main types of internships available:
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV, Gender and Adolescent & Youth Internships
Two positions are open for interns focusing on these critical areas. Successful candidates will assist with a range of tasks, including:
- Supporting program planning and coordination efforts.
- Participating in and documenting stakeholder meetings and forums.
- Helping to organize capacity-building workshops and training sessions.
- Contributing to communication materials and reporting activities.
- Monitoring the progress of program implementation.
- Providing support for internal communications.
Operations and Administration Internship
One position is available for an intern focused on operations and administration. The responsibilities for this role include:
- Assisting with VAT management and recovery processes.
- Monitoring budgets and analyzing expenditures.
- Supporting the preparation of the Annual Work Plan.
- Helping with financial reporting tasks.
- Processing administrative payments.
- Coordinating finance-related follow-ups.
Internship Duration and Requirements
The internship program is set for a duration of six months. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program and have successfully completed at least one academic year.
- Alternatively, be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program.
- Or, have recently graduated and be starting the internship within one year of completing their degree.
In addition to academic qualifications, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in development work, possess good communication and analytical skills, be proficient in English, and be comfortable working in multicultural environments. A Bachelor’s Degree is the minimum required qualification.
Skills and Competencies Valued by UNFPA
UNFPA is looking for candidates who exhibit a range of skills and competencies. These include strong writing and analytical abilities, good interpersonal skills, and the capacity to show initiative and sound judgment. The ability to adapt to new environments, work effectively in a team, and communicate well are also important. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is a key aspect of the UNFPA’s work culture.
What Interns Will Gain
Participating in the UNFPA Internship Programme offers significant benefits. Interns will gain exposure to:
- The design and implementation of UN programs.
- The field of international development work.
- Key aspects of program coordination and operations.
- The governance systems within the United Nations.
- Practical experience in technical report writing.
- Opportunities for multicultural teamwork and networking.
Financial Information
Interns who are not already receiving financial support from another institution or program will be provided with a stipend. This stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses during the internship. It is important to note that UNFPA does not offer salaries. Interns are responsible for their own accommodation and travel arrangements. Compulsory medical insurance is required for the entire duration of the internship.
Important Notes on Diversity and Inclusion
UNFPA actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups that are often underrepresented. This includes women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, integrity, and equal opportunities in all its recruitment processes.
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