Discover the UN Women EntreprenHER Programme Support Internship 2026. Learn how this six-month internship offers graduates and students valuable experience in programme coordination, community development, entrepreneurship support, stakeholder engagement, and women’s economic empowerment.
UN Women EntreprenHER Programme Support Internship 2026: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs and Community Development
Across the world, women-owned businesses continue to play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. However, many women entrepreneurs still face barriers such as limited access to business training, financial resources, digital tools, and market opportunities.
To help address these challenges, UN Women has launched numerous initiatives focused on advancing economic empowerment and supporting women-led enterprises. One such initiative is the EntreprenHER Programme, a transformative project designed to strengthen women-owned micro-enterprises through training, mentorship, digital literacy, market access support, and capacity-building interventions.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen programme implementation, UN Women is offering a Programme Support Internship under the EntreprenHER Programme. This six-month internship presents a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates who are passionate about development, community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, the organization works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls while promoting equal opportunities and inclusive development.
Through partnerships with governments, municipalities, development agencies, and communities, UN Women implements programmes that support education, economic participation, leadership, human rights, and social inclusion.
The EntreprenHER Programme represents one of the organization’s flagship initiatives focused on strengthening women’s economic participation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Understanding the EntreprenHER Programme
Funded by the De Beers Group and implemented by the UN Women South Africa Country Office since 2018, the EntreprenHER Programme supports women-owned micro-enterprises through practical business development interventions.
The programme provides participants with:
- Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training
- Digital literacy training
- Business mentorship
- Market access opportunities
- Small business grants
- Exhibitions and networking opportunities
- Entrepreneurship development support
The current phase of the programme aims to empower approximately 1,500 low-income women entrepreneurs across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
By providing business skills and economic opportunities, the programme seeks to improve income security, create employment opportunities, and strengthen entrepreneurial sustainability.
Supporting Programme Delivery at Community Level
To strengthen implementation within local communities, UN Women is appointing interns to support programme activities in partnership with municipal stakeholders.
The interns will work closely with the EntreprenHER Programme Analyst and municipal leadership teams, contributing to the successful execution of programme activities and community-based initiatives.
This role provides practical exposure to programme management, stakeholder engagement, development work, and community empowerment initiatives.
For individuals interested in pursuing careers within the development sector, the internship offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in implementing large-scale social impact programmes.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Programme Support Intern will contribute across several operational and programme-related functions.
Programme and Logistical Support
Interns will assist in organizing and coordinating programme activities, including:
- Training sessions
- Mentorship programmes
- Graduation events
- Community exhibitions
- Stakeholder engagements
- Field visits
They will also help prepare event materials such as attendance registers, certificates, visibility items, and participant resources.
Administrative and Coordination Support
Strong administration forms the foundation of successful programme delivery.
Interns will assist with:
- Maintaining programme records
- Updating beneficiary databases
- Organizing electronic and physical files
- Tracking programme activities
- Supporting communication with beneficiaries and partners
These responsibilities help ensure efficient programme management and accountability.
Data Collection and Monitoring Support
Monitoring and evaluation are critical components of development programmes.
Interns will gain exposure to:
- Data collection processes
- Attendance tracking
- Documentation management
- Programme reporting support
- Data entry and verification
This experience can be particularly valuable for individuals interested in programme management, research, monitoring and evaluation, or development consulting.
Communications Support
Visibility and stakeholder engagement are essential to programme success.
The internship includes exposure to communication activities such as:
- Event visibility support
- Branding coordination
- Stakeholder communications
- Community engagement activities
These experiences help interns understand the importance of strategic communication within development initiatives.
Valuable Exposure to Stakeholder Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship is the opportunity to observe and participate in partnerships involving multiple stakeholders.
Interns will gain exposure to collaboration between:
- UN Women
- Local municipalities
- Community organizations
- Trainers and facilitators
- Women entrepreneurs
- Development partners
This interaction provides valuable insight into how development programmes are coordinated and implemented at local and regional levels.
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Skills and Competencies Developed
The internship is designed to help participants strengthen both technical and professional skills.
Key competencies include:
- Programme coordination
- Administrative management
- Data management
- Community engagement
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Professional communication
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
These transferable skills are highly valuable within the development, public administration, NGO, and social impact sectors.
Eligibility Requirements
The internship is open to individuals pursuing or recently completing studies in relevant disciplines.
Suitable academic backgrounds include:
- Entrepreneurship Studies
- Business Studies
- Development Studies
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration
- Related Fields
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme.
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
- Have graduated within the past two years.
- Be undertaking a postgraduate traineeship programme linked to academic requirements.
Language Requirements
Given the community-focused nature of the programme, language skills are particularly important.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Sepedi and/or Xivhenda.
These language capabilities help ensure effective engagement with local communities and programme participants.
Internship Benefits
While this internship is primarily focused on professional development and learning, UN Women provides a stipend to interns who are not receiving financial support from another institution.
This financial assistance helps offset basic living costs during the internship period.
Beyond financial support, participants gain:
- Practical development sector experience
- Exposure to international development frameworks
- Professional networking opportunities
- Experience working with United Nations programmes
- Enhanced employability and career readiness
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| P.11 Form | Completed and signed |
| Academic Records | Proof of enrollment or qualification |
| National ID or Passport | Certified copy |
| Health Insurance Proof | Required upon selection |
| Additional Documents | As requested during recruitment |
Key Application Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Programme Support Intern – EntreprenHER Programme |
| Organization | UN Women |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Employment Type | Full-Time Internship |
| Location | South Africa |
| Closing Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Job ID | 34997 |
| Functional Area | Economic Empowerment |
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UN Women is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
The organization recruits based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs while maintaining a zero-tolerance approach toward discrimination, harassment, abuse of authority, and misconduct.
This commitment helps create a supportive environment where interns can learn, contribute, and grow professionally.
Final Thoughts
The UN Women EntreprenHER Programme Support Internship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for students and graduates who are passionate about entrepreneurship, gender equality, community development, and social impact. Through exposure to programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, data management, and community empowerment initiatives, interns gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful change.
For aspiring development professionals seeking practical experience within a globally respected organization, this internship provides a strong foundation for future careers in international development, public administration, social impact programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives.
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