Overview

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is inviting applications for the Programme Coordination Unit Internship at its East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) located in Johannesburg. This internship offers a valuable opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates interested in international development, public health, and programme management to gain hands-on experience supporting regional development initiatives across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Support Country Programme Development:
- Support capacity-building sessions for country offices
- Contribute inputs to development documents such as Common Country Analysis (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and Country Programme Documents (CPDs)
- Monitor country programme development roadmaps to ensure progress remains on track
- Support review of country work plans and implementation reports
Programme Monitoring and Financial Oversight:
- Monitor regional programme implementation
- Support work plan and budget preparation
- Assist with programme performance analysis using key indicators
- Support implementing partner assurance and oversight activities
Knowledge Management and Documentation:
- Update programme documentation and knowledge repositories
- Prepare knowledge products highlighting lessons learned and best practices
- Support documentation of meetings and programme review outcomes
- Contribute to evaluation feedback discussions related to technical assistance

Requirements

Educational Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as International Development, Public Health, Gender Studies, or Population and Development.
- Or have recently graduated with a relevant degree and be able to start the internship within one year of graduation.
Professional Requirements:
- Strong interest in international development and UN programmes
- Experience working with development agencies, including volunteer work
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.

Benefits

UNFPA provides a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses during the internship if the intern is not already funded by another institution.
Interns must arrange their own medical insurance for the internship period and provide proof of insurance before starting.
Opportunities for professional development within the United Nations system, including practical knowledge of UN programme design and implementation.