Local intern-Family Planning at UNFPA Dodoma March 2026

The Position:

UNFPA is seeking candidates who 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 Programme Analyst, Family Planning, the Intern will contribute to the overall SRH technical team, working particularly on reproductive and maternal health-related issues.

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 that 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:

The intern will specifically carry out the following duties and responsibilities
Program support:
Assist in analyzing and implementing partners’ quarterly reports and documenting lessons learnt for dissemination and future programming on family planning program areas.
Undertake desk reviews on SRH-specific topics to inform the development of policy briefs and other communication and advocacy materials within the areas of family planning.
Contribute to writing briefing notes and talking points on the area of family planning for the country office management.
Assist in writing concept notes and potential proposals and engage in other fundraising efforts to support the country office SRH/Family Planning Programme.
Work closely with M&E and Population and Development Units to support the development of a simplified database for the key SRH/Family Planning indicators relevant to the UNFPA programme.
Keep self-updated on developments in assigned areas of work.

Secretariat support:
Provide secretarial support to the SRH/Family Planning-related technical working groups and sub-technical working groups.
With guidance from the supervisor, assist in organizing SRH/Family Planning 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 organizing events that promote UNFPA work on SRH/Family Planning, such as international and national days.
Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Expected Output:
Document one or more good practices and a human-interest story on UNFPA’s support in the area of family planning.
A database with key SRH/Family Planning indicators relevant to the UNFPA mandate.
An M&E tool for effectively tracking the SRH/Family Planning results.
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 postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in a recognized university.
  B) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a recognized university. Added advantage field of sociology, health, community development, or development studies.C) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (A) and (B) above) from a recognized university and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation
  D) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme in a recognized university 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 English.
  G) Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Qualification

• Academic Education

At least a bachelor’s degree, especially in the field of  medicine, sociology or public health,
Knowledge and Experience: 

Experience 
Some experience in working with development agencies, including in a volunteer capacity.
Fluency in English and Kiswahili. 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 and 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.

Other additional requirements
Demonstrate interest in the field of sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health.
Volunteer and/or work experience on SRH and/or maternal health programs.
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 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.

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.
Languages: 

• Fluent in English and Kiswahili

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.