Unlocking Potential Through Internship Opportunities
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is excited to announce its Global Internship Roster for 2025, creating pathways for aspiring professionals to gain invaluable experience in international development. The closing date for applications is December 31, 2025, at 10:44 AM (America/New_York). With multiple duty stations around the world, this internship program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of women, girls, and marginalized communities globally.
Empowering Change: The Mission of UNFPA
UNFPA is the leading UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe. It is guided by the principles and objectives outlined in its strategic plan for 2022-2025, focusing on three transformative results:
- Ending preventable maternal deaths.
- Ending unmet needs for family planning.
- Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
These strategic focuses reaffirm UNFPA’s commitment to accelerating global progress towards achieving the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.
The organization calls upon UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to “build forward better” following the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding women and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health services. Interns participating in UNFPA will play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives and contributing to restoring lost gains in reproductive health and rights.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
UNFPA’s internship program is designed to attract a diverse pool of candidates, and as such, it has defined specific eligibility requirements:
Educational Requirements:
- Undergraduate Students: Candidates must be enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed at least one full academic year.
- Postgraduate Students: Candidates must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program or higher).
- Recent Graduates: Candidates who have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Trainee Programs: Candidates enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program can undertake the internship as part of this program.
Other Eligibility Criteria:
- Interest in Development: Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the field of development, particularly in areas pertinent to UNFPA’s mandate.
- Linguistic Proficiency: Proficiency is required in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations (English or French), as well as fluency in one of the UNFPA official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish).
- Cultural Adaptability: Candidates should exhibit an ability to adapt to new environments and establish good working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
It’s important to note that individuals with family ties to current UNFPA staff (father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister) are not eligible for internships.
Competencies to Succeed
UNFPA seeks interns who embody specific values and competencies crucial for a successful internship experience:
Values:
- Integrity: Exemplifying honesty and moral fortitude.
- Commitment: Demonstrating a strong dedication to UNFPA’s mission and the broader UN system.
- Cultural Diversity: Embracing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Change Adaptability: Being receptive to change and new ideas.
Core Competencies:
- Results Orientation: Aiming to achieve desired outcomes effectively.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and their consequences.
- Professional Expertise: Developing and applying relevant skills and business knowledge.
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
- Teamwork: Building collaborative relationships and managing interpersonal dynamics.
Financial Support for Interns
UNFPA provides financial support to interns who do not receive backing from other sources such as academic institutions or government programs. Eligible interns will receive a stipend intended to assist with living expenses, based on their agreed place of work, which may differ from the hiring office’s duty station, especially in cases of remote arrangements. This stipend is typically paid in the local currency at the end of each month.
The UNFPA Work Environment
At UNFPA, the organizational culture reflects core values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a commitment to a healthy work-life balance. The agency is devoted to promoting gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. UNFPA values diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and places them at the heart of its workforce mission.
The organization’s commitment to equal opportunities ensures that all candidates receive fair consideration, regardless of their unique characteristics and dimensions of diversity. The work environment at UNFPA not only fosters professional growth but also encourages personal development, creating a supportive space for interns to thrive.
Take the First Step: Apply Today!
The UNFPA Global Internship Roster for 2025 represents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring individuals to gain hands-on experience while contributing to vital global issues. The organization’s challenges, mandates, and transformative results pave the way for interns to influence meaningful change in areas that matter greatly on a global scale.
For those interested in joining this dynamic team and making a genuine difference, the application process is simple. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the UNFPA careers page for more details on application procedures, requirements, and available opportunities.
The time is now to kick-start a career that not only fulfills personal aspirations but also contributes to a world where every pregnancy is wanted, childbirth is safe, and every individual’s potential is maximized.
Visit the UNFPA Careers Page
Also Read
- Funding Available: Applications Now Open for the KU Leuven AI 2025 Summer School – Belgium
- UNHCR is Hiring: Exciting Career Opportunities Await – Worldwide
- International Committee of the Red Cross is Hiring for Multiple Level Vacancies
- Call for Interest: IFAD is Hiring – Diverse Consultant Opportunities
- A Call for Passionate Professionals: Exciting Career Opportunities at ICAO – Apply Now
