An exciting internship opportunity is currently open in Pretoria, South Africa, offering young graduates and university students a chance to gain invaluable experience within an international development agency. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a dedicated Administrator and Project Support Intern to assist the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Directorate.
This internship offers a unique gateway for individuals passionate about development, gender equality, and human rights to contribute to meaningful work that impacts communities across South Africa.
About the Internship
The Administrator and Project Support Intern will work directly under the supervision of the Gender M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) Analyst, providing essential support to enhance the Directorate’s efficiency and effectiveness. The intern’s role focuses on administrative tasks, information management, stakeholder coordination, and project tracking to help advance UNFPA’s mission.
The internship is full-time and runs for a two-week application timeline, with a carefully structured work plan designed to ensure the intern gains practical skills and valuable learning opportunities aligned with UNFPA’s strategic goals.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is open to a broad range of candidates who meet specific educational requirements, including:
- University students who have completed at least one full academic year of a bachelor’s degree.
- Postgraduate students enrolled in master’s or higher degree programs.
- Recent graduates who have completed their university degree within the past year.
- Postgraduate professional trainees undertaking an internship as part of their program.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in development, excellent written and spoken English skills, and the ability to adapt and work well within diverse cultural environments.
Key Responsibilities
The intern will support a variety of tasks crucial to the GBVF Directorate’s work, including:
Information and Data Support:
- Organizing and maintaining a secure central GBVF Information Repository.
- Collecting and cataloguing GBVF-related reports and resources from government, civil society, and research partners.
- Updating key documents such as civil society reports, response fund submissions, and progress briefs.
- Tracking data requests and usage in collaboration with the team.
Stakeholder Engagement Database:
- Designing and maintaining a database of stakeholders, including contact details, sector affiliations, and contributions to the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
- Conducting quarterly verification and updates of stakeholder records.
Meeting and Event Coordination:
- Scheduling and organizing meetings with partners and stakeholders.
- Preparing meeting agendas, recording minutes, and following up on action items.
- Providing logistical support for workshops, consultations, and dialogues.
Project Tracking and Scanning:
- Conducting online research on GBVF projects and activities across South Africa.
- Attending virtual meetings to capture key messages and information.
- Monitoring progress of internal projects and sharing regular updates with the team.
Learning and Development Opportunities
Interns will gain a comprehensive understanding of the UNFPA’s work and mandate, including:
- Insight into UNFPA’s strategic plans, governance structures, and programme delivery mechanisms.
- Familiarity with the policies and operational procedures at both regional and headquarters levels.
- Development of technical skills in project coordination, data management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience working in a multicultural environment and networking with UN colleagues.
- Improved professional writing and analytical skills through preparing substantive documents.
Application Process and Important Notes
Interested candidates should apply before 29 May 2025. Selection may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, and visa issuance if applicable. It is important to note that UNFPA does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes.
By joining the UNFPA GBVF Directorate as an Administrator and Project Support Intern, candidates will be contributing to a vital cause that directly impacts the safety, health, and rights of women and girls in South Africa. Interns play a key role in supporting the data and coordination efforts that underpin effective interventions against gender-based violence and femicide.
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