Applicants to UNFPA’s internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the  following requirements:

A) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in a recognised university;

B) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as  bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a recognised university;

C) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (A) and (B) above) from a  recognised university and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

D) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme in a recognised university and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Other Eligibility Requirements: 

E) Demonstrate interest in the field of development;

F) Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in English;

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

An individual whose father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister is a UNFPA staff member is not eligible for an internship with UNFPA.

Your Experience:

Strong analytical and writing skills.

Language requirements: Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.

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 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, the Intern 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 amount  of the stipend varies according to the duty station. 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.