Local internship- GBV and Harmful Practices at UNFPA, Dar es Salaam March 2026

The Position:

We are looking for a candidate who will transform, inspire, and deliver high impact and sustained results.  We need interns who are exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Tanzania Deputy Representative and direct supervision of the  Head of Gender and Human Rights Unit, the Intern will contribute to the overall GBV and harmful practices technical team working, particularly on managing and monitoring GBV and harmful practices issues. The intern will specifically carry out the following duties and responsibilities

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

We are looking for a candidate that will transform, inspire, and deliver high impact and sustained results.  We need interns who are exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

• Program support:
  Assist in analyzing and implementing partners’ quarterly reports and documenting lessons learnt for dissemination and future programming on issues relating to GBV and Human rights.
  Undertake desk reviews on emerging Gender and GBV issues to inform the development of policy briefs and other communication and advocacy materials within the areas of maternal health.
  Contribute to writing briefing notes and talking points on the area of Gender, gender equality, GBV, and harmful practices  for the country office management;
  Assist in writing concept notes and potential proposals, and engage in other fundraising efforts to support the Tanzania GHR Unit and Programme.
  Work closely with M&E and Population and Development Units to monitor the emerging data in the area of Gender-based Violence and Harmful Practices.
  Keep self-updated on developments in assigned areas of work.
  Do other work as might be assigned to her/him time to time by the supervisor
• Secretariat support:
  Provide secretarial support to the GHR Unit-related technical working groups, sub-technical working groups, and committees.
  With guidance from the supervisor, assist in organizing GHR-related meetings, seminars, and workshops, including developing meeting agendas, preparing invitation letters and distribution, and maintaining an updated distribution mail list.
• Administrative support and general assistance:
  Provide logistical support and participate in organising events that promote UNFPA work on  GBV and harmful practices, such as International Women’s Day, FGM Day, and 16 Days of Activism against GBV and national days;
  Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Expected Output:

Document one or more good practices and human-interest stories on UNFPA’s support in the area of Gender
A tool tracking the development and emerging issues in the area of GBV and harmful practices.
Documented participation in GBV/harmful practice activities

Qualifications and Experience: 

Qualifying for an Internship

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:

Educational requirements
a. Be enrolled in a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed one full academic year;
b. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as master’s programme or higher);
c. Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation; or
d. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Other eligibility requirements
e. Demonstrate interest in the field of development;
f. Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations (English or French) and fluency in the official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) of the UNFPA office; and
g. Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Academic Education:  

• At least a bachelor’s degree, especially in the field of social sciences,  community development or development studies.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Some experience in working with development agencies, including in a volunteer capacity.
• Knowledge of any other UN languages is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with tight deadlines.
• Full computer literacy (Microsoft Applications)
• Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.

Other additional requirements
Demonstrate interest in the field of  Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, including GBV and harmful practices in both humanitarian and development settings.
Volunteer and/or work experience in gender programmes.
Familiarity with the use of social media and other digital and communication channels.

Learning Elements

The internship is intended to provide an opportunity for the position holder to get exposed to international development work through UNFPA-supported programmes. The internship will enhance capacity in programming for young people and provide an opportunity for working in a cross-cultural team and engage in partnerships with the government and other key stakeholders, including young people.

Upon completion of the internship, the Intern should have:

• Increased understanding of the UN system and internal policies and procedures of UNFPA.
• Gained understanding of the UNFPA mandate and policies, including the global, regional, and country office set-up.
• Understand UNFPA program design and delivery mechanisms
• Understand the dynamics of operational and program support and communications within the UNFPA country office and to the implementing partners.
• Learn the UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms.
• Learn writing and formulating substantive documents.
• Improved networking skills with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders in the field of adolescent and youth development.
• Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting.
• The purpose of the internship is to complement studies and career development. The granting of an internship does not entail any way the right to an extension thereof nor to employment within UNFPA.

Financial Aspects:
Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern’s participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, the Intern will receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the duty station.

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.
Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Compensation and Benefits:

The intern will be paid as per the UNFPA internship payment guidelines.
UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA is dedicated to fostering a work environment that upholds the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to equitable representation within our workforce and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our inclusive approach is central to our mission, and we welcome talent from varied cultural and professional backgrounds.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.