Are you a recent graduate or university student passionate about making a difference in development, gender equality, and community support? The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering an exciting full-time internship opportunity in Pretoria, South Africa. This role is ideal for young professionals eager to gain hands-on experience supporting vital projects aimed at ending gender-based violence and improving reproductive health.
About the Internship
The Administrator and Project Support Internship is based within the GBVF Directorate under the direct supervision of the Gender Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Analyst. This internship provides practical experience in administration, information management, and stakeholder coordination to help the Directorate run smoothly and effectively. The intern will work closely with a dynamic team committed to UNFPA’s mission of promoting safe pregnancies, preventing gender-based violence, and empowering young people.
Interns will follow a tailored work plan to develop specific skills and achieve meaningful results. Regular progress meetings ensure that interns receive constructive feedback and learn about UNFPA’s core programs and strategies.
The Impact of UNFPA
UNFPA is the global lead agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person reaches their full potential. The organization’s current strategic plan (2022-2025) focuses on three transformative goals:
- Ending preventable maternal deaths
- Meeting the unmet need for family planning
- Eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices
This internship is an opportunity to contribute to these crucial goals at a time when women’s and girls’ rights face new challenges, especially following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Responsibilities
The Administrator and Project Support Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the GBVF Directorate’s work:
- Information and Data Support: Organize and maintain a secure, central repository of GBVF-related reports and resources collected from government, civil society, and research partners. Update key documents regularly and track data requests.
- Stakeholder Engagement Database: Help design and update a comprehensive database with information on stakeholders contributing to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF). Ensure records are accurate and current.
- Meeting and Event Coordination: Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and tracking follow-up actions. Provide logistical support for workshops and consultations.
- Project Tracking and Research: Conduct online research on GBVF projects and activities across South Africa, attend virtual meetings to capture key messages, and monitor project progress.
Who Can Apply?
The internship is open to individuals who meet the following educational criteria:
- Enrolled in or recently graduated from a university bachelor’s or postgraduate degree program.
- Must start the internship within one year of graduation if recently completed.
- Ability to communicate well in English (additional languages are an advantage).
Applicants should have an interest in development work and the ability to adapt to diverse cultural environments. Some experience in development agencies or volunteer work will be beneficial.
What Will You Gain?
This internship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Learn about UNFPA’s mandate, policies, and regional structures.
- Understand program design, delivery mechanisms, and governance.
- Develop skills in technical writing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
- Work in a multicultural team environment.
- Build a professional network within the UN system.
UNFPA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNFPA values gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization actively encourages women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority groups, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities to apply. Equal opportunity in training, compensation, and career advancement is a core principle at UNFPA.
Important Notes
- There are no application or processing fees for this internship.
- Appointment is subject to background checks and other administrative requirements.
- Candidates who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may need to renounce this status upon appointment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply before 29 May 2025. This is a valuable opportunity to kickstart your career in development and contribute to meaningful social change in South Africa.
This Administrator and Project Support Internship with UNFPA in Pretoria is an excellent chance for young graduates and students to gain meaningful work experience in development, gender equality, and project coordination. It offers valuable learning opportunities within an international organization committed to improving the lives of women, girls, and young people across South Africa.
If you are eager to contribute to ending gender-based violence and supporting reproductive health initiatives, don’t miss this chance to build your career with UNFPA.
Check also: DHL South Africa: Yes 4 Youth Programme 2026