Internship Programs

UNFPA Internships

Unpaid Internships

The UNFPA internship program seeks to offer candidates a practical element to their education. Those selected will have the opportunity to be supervised and evaluated by the agency’s most experienced employees. Thus, the intern will deepen his understanding of international development, especially in the area of population dynamics and reproductive health.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNFPA Overview

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international development UN agency focused on understanding population dynamics. Through technical assistance and studies on population trends, the agency seeks to develop solutions on issues related to reproductive health, support the formulation of population policies and defend human rights. An noteworthy element of UNFPA’s current work is related to the protection and well-being of the reproductive health of women and young people.

UNFPA’s main focus: Understanding population dynamics and promoting the reproductive health of women and young people.

Themes addressed by the UNFPA:

Sexual and reproductive health;
Young People;
Human rights & gender equality;
Population matters.

Description of the UNFPA Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNFPA Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

International Relations
Public Policies
Public Health
Gender
Human Rights
Economics
Finance
Statistics
Political Science
Social Development

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNFPA Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Carry out research and data analysis about topics relevant to UNFPA’s work;
Take part in meetings. It is expected from the intern to make significant contributions by bringing relevant data;
Elaborate and review documents;
Perform support activities to the working team;
Take part in training and events with the agency’s workers.

What is the duration of the UNFPA Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the UNFPA Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the UNFPA Internship?

The main offices and departments are located in New York (United States), but there are some offices around the world.

When does the UNFPA Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNFPA Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within three months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNFPA Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNFPA Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNFPA Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNFPA Internship Program?

Candidates must be proficient in English. Knowledge of another language in the UN System (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) will be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNFPA Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNFPA Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UNFPA member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNFPA Internship Program?

The main competencies required are:

Achieving results;
Being accountable;
Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen;
Thinking analytically and strategically;
Teamwork/Team Management;
Communication skills.

Other requirements:

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

What are the restrictions of the UNFPA Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

UNFPA Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNFPA Internship Program?

Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of organization. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on our website and social media platforms.

How to apply for the UNFPA Internship Program?

The internship application process is done via the UNFPA Recruitment System, where all openings are published, and comprises the following steps:

Initial registration;
Filling out the candidate profile (academic and professional background);
Search for an opening in your field of interest;
Filling out the application form;
Submit the application.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNFPA Internship Program?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNFPA Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNFPA Internship Program?

The application process also requires you to submit:

Cover Note/Letter;
CV/résumé;
Proof of active enrollment in or completion of a university or similar educational programme (for example: letter from the university registrar, most recent transcript or copy of diploma);
Signed copy of the UNFPA internship agreement.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNFPA Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:

It is important to submit your application in advance. Internship openings at UN Careers are removed from the portal at midnight of the deadline, New York time (GMT-5).

UNFPA Internship - Costs

The agency offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.