Intern - Programme Coordination

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordination Advisor, Arab States Regional Office, the Intern will provide crucial support to the Arab States regional team. This role focuses on advancing programmatic coordination across all the mandate areas of UNFPA.
A comprehensive work plan outlining achievable milestones and learning opportunities will be mutually agreed upon. Regular progress meetings will foster a supportive environment, significantly enhancing the Intern's skills and capacity in areas aligned with UNFPA’s mandate.
 

About UNFPA and How You Can Make a Difference:

UNFPA is the leading UN agency dedicated to achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s Strategic Plan (2026-2029) reinforces its core mission, focusing on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices and demographic resilience. These outcomes underscore our commitment to accelerating progress towards realizing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. UNFPA seeks candidates who inspire, transform, and deliver high-impact, sustained results. We are looking for interns who demonstrate exceptional stewardship of resources and are committed to achieving excellence in program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Intern with the Programme Coordination Team, you will be responsible for a dynamic range of tasks, contributing significantly to our regional initiatives:

Programme Support and Coordination

• Help compile and organize Country Programme Documents (CPDs) and related programme planning materials.
• Support the review of programme documents submitted by COs, ensuring compliance with requirements and alignment.
• Assist in coordinating inputs and feedback from regional advisors and headquarters during the country programme development cycle.
• Help track the status and timelines of country programme development processes across the region.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct background research on UNFPA thematic areas (sexual & reproductive health, gender equality, population dynamics) in the Arab States context
• Compile and analyze data to support evidence-based programming
• Prepare summaries, briefs, and background notes for meetings

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Assist in organizing online regional meetings, including preparation of agendas and meeting notes
• Maintain organized filing systems for programme documents and correspondence Knowledge Management and Communications
• Help document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from the region
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations and internal reports
• Support updating the internal knowledge-sharing platform.

Qualifying for an Internship:

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

Educational Requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed at least one full academic year; OR
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a Master’s program or higher); OR
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation; OR
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

• Demonstrated interest in the programming and development.
• Demonstrated written and spoken proficiency in English
• Ability to adapt to new environments and establish and maintain positive working relations with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

What We're Looking For:

Your Education: Academic background in social work, development studies, political sciences, social sciences, conflict resolution, or public health. 

Your Experiences:

• Some experience working with development, including in a volunteer capacity.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and a 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 valuable knowledge and experience, including:

• Increased understanding of UNFPA and the Arab States Regional Office within the broader UNFPA structure.
• A deeper comprehension of the UNFPA mandate and policies, including its regional setup and humanitarian mandate.
• Insight into UNFPA’s program design and delivery mechanisms.
• Understanding the dynamics of operational and program support and communications between field, regional, and HQ levels.
• Familiarity with UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms.
• Enhanced ability to write and formulate substantive documents.
• Opportunities to network with UN colleagues.
• Valuable 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 program must be assumed either by the nominating institution (which may provide financial assistance to its students) or by the students themselves. Interns are responsible for meeting their living expenses and making their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, and other requirements.
However, interns will receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if they are not financially supported by any other institution or program (such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship program). The stipend amount is based on the intern’s agreed place of work, which may differ from the hiring office's duty station in cases of remote arrangements.
Additionally, applicants must have medical insurance for the entire duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will be required 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. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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 - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

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. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.