Internship offering is limited to candidates applying from within the duty station of the hiring unit. 

The UNFPA Internship Program offers a small group of 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 have expressed interest in the field of development; ability to adapt to new environments and work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Interns work under the supervision of a staff member at UNFPA. The background of the interns is matched with the needs of the organization.

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the “Population and Development” Program Manager, the intern will support the team in the areas of monitoring the implementation of the “Population and Development” program activities, and support the production of information related to the principle of “Leaving No one Behind” especially with the area of Disability Inclusion for the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

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 HIV pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

UNFPA is seeking two (02) young interns who are dedicated to support the principle of “Leaving No one Behind” especially with the area of Disability Inclusion for the sharing of knowledge and experiences and who are committed to deliver excellence in programme results.

The two young interns would be responsible for:

• Support the planning and monitoring of the implementation of Disability Inclusion activities,
• Support the organization of events, workshops, conferences to promote the program activities,
• Contribute to documenting the program good practices,
• Support the monitoring of consultants’ work,
• Attend various meetings and support the preparation of reports.

Qualifying for an Internship

Candidates for the internship programme are selected on a competitive basis. The profiles of the interns are matched with the needs of the organization. The following qualifications are required for consideration:

• Students should be enrolled in an advanced degree programme or have recently graduated;

• Students must have written and spoken proficiency in English; fluency in French, Spanish or Arabic is an asset

Candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

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

Educational requirements

a. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in Social Science, International Relations, Social Science or Law, Public Health ;

b. Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation; or

c. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Other eligibility requirements

e. Demonstrate interest in the field of UNFPA mandate, and especially in the principle of LNOB;

f. Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations in Cameroon (English or French); and

g. Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have:

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.

Learning Elements:

Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern will gain the following knowledge assets:

1. Increased understanding of the UNFPA Programme Cooperation
2. Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including the Principle of LNOB
3. Understand and familiarize with UNFPA Governance
4. Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms
5. Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications to the UNFPA Cameroon Country Office
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 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.

Indigenous populations and persons with disabilities. 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

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements