Flexible/Remote UNFPA Internship Programme: Climate Change and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights

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Flexible/Remote UNFPA Internship Programme: Climate Change and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights

Duty Station: UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), Sunninghill Place, 9 Simba Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg
Type of Post: Internship (Full-time)
Application Deadline: May 19, 2025

About the Position

UNFPA is seeking a motivated and dedicated intern to support its efforts at the intersection of climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist for Climate Change and Innovation at ESARO, the intern will contribute to advancing UNFPA’s strategic goals in the region, focusing on advocacy, research, and knowledge management related to climate impacts on gender equality and SRHR.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, climate advocacy, and gender equity initiatives. The intern will work remotely or in person, depending on circumstances, and will be involved in a variety of tasks designed to enhance their professional skills, deepen their understanding of UNFPA’s mandate, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects.

Duration and Work Environment

Duration: 12 weeks
Work Environment: Flexible, with options for remote or in-person engagement at the Johannesburg office
Work Plan: An individualized work plan will be developed outlining objectives, activities, and learning outcomes, with regular progress evaluations and mentorship.

About UNFPA

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the leading UN agency committed to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Its strategic plan (2022-2025) emphasizes three transformative results:

Ending preventable maternal deaths
Ending unmet need for family planning
Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices

UNFPA works globally and regionally to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. The organization calls for a “build forward better” approach—recovering lost gains and addressing the impacts of COVID-19—particularly on women and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The intern will support various initiatives and projects, including:

Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
Assisting in positioning UNFPA and the ICPD agenda within climate change discourse.
Contributing to the design and organization of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events, workshops, and seminars.
Supporting the development of proposals and concept notes to mobilize climate finance—funding aimed at adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development projects related to SRHR.
Knowledge Management and Communication:
Assisting in the creation and dissemination of communication materials such as social media content, press releases, newsletters, and fact sheets to raise awareness about climate change impacts on SRHR in the region.
Supporting the Climate Change and SRHR teams in developing knowledge products, including country-specific fact sheets, policy briefs, and advocacy tools.
Research and Data Analysis:
Supporting research efforts to assess how climate change affects gender equality and SRHR outcomes in East and Southern Africa.
Contributing to the development of data-driven resources, such as the NDC SRHR Dashboard Tracker, to support evidence-based policymaking.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
Assisting in the organization of training workshops and capacity-building activities aimed at government officials, civil society, and other stakeholders.
Supporting coordination efforts to strengthen multi-sectoral responses to climate change and SRHR challenges.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Educational Requirements:

Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a postgraduate degree program in fields such as international development, public health, gender studies, population studies, environmental studies, or a related discipline.
Must be able to commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience and Skills:

Demonstrated interest in development issues, climate change, gender equality, and SRHR.
Prior experience working with development agencies, NGOs, or volunteer organizations is preferred.
Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of additional UN languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Ability to adapt to new environments and work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds.

Learning Opportunities

Throughout the internship, the intern will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of UNFPA’s mandate, policies, and operational mechanisms, especially in regional contexts.
Develop skills in advocacy, policy analysis, and knowledge management related to climate change and SRHR.
Learn how to produce impactful communication materials and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities.
Enhance professional competencies in project management, research, and cross-cultural collaboration within a UN setting.
Build a network of contacts with UN agencies, government officials, NGOs, and other development partners working at the nexus of climate and gender issues.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application before the deadline, including a detailed CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and relevant experience. The application process is competitive, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

UNFPA Careers Page

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