United Nations Population Fund has announced new internship opportunities at its South Africa Country Office in Pretoria, offering young professionals and recent graduates the chance to gain hands-on experience in international development, public health, gender advocacy, and operations management within the United Nations system. The six-month non-rotational internship programme includes three positions across programme and operational portfolios. Two interns will support Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV, Gender, and Adolescent and Youth initiatives, while one intern will work within Operations and Administration. Applications for the positions officially opened on May 15, 2026, with submissions closing on May 30, 2026. UNFPA Expands Youth Engagement and Development Opportunities The internship programme forms part of UNFPA’s broader strategy to strengthen youth participation and professional development in global health and sustainable development initiatives. As the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics, United Nations Population Fund continues to invest in emerging professionals capable of supporting its global mission of ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fulfill their potential. The organization’s current strategic plan for 2026–2029 prioritizes four transformative goals: ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet family planning needs, eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices, and supporting demographic resilience through rights-based policies. UNFPA stated that the Pretoria internship programme is aimed at candidates who can contribute innovative ideas, demonstrate strong ethical standards, and support high-impact programme delivery. Programme Interns to Support Health and Youth Initiatives The two programme-focused interns will assist in supporting SRHR, HIV, gender, and youth-related projects across the South Africa Country Office. Responsibilities include coordinating stakeholder meetings, supporting inter-agency forums, preparing programme summaries and communication materials, assisting with workshop logistics, and monitoring project implementation activities. Interns will also help strengthen internal communications and support collaboration between national, regional, and international UNFPA teams. The programme offers direct exposure to public health advocacy, youth empowerment programmes, gender equality initiatives, and international development coordination mechanisms. Operations Internship Focuses on Financial and Administrative Support The Operations and Administration internship will provide practical experience in financial management, budgeting, and administrative coordination within a major international organization. The selected intern will assist with VAT management and recoveries, expenditure monitoring, donor financial reporting, budget adjustments, and payment processing support. Additional responsibilities include helping prepare annual work plans and supporting administrative efficiency across the country office’s operational systems. The role is designed for candidates interested in finance, operations management, international administration, and organizational support within the development sector. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants According to the vacancy announcement, applicants must either be enrolled in a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree programme, have recently graduated within the past year, or be participating in a postgraduate professional training programme. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate interest in international development, possess strong analytical and writing skills, and show the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments. Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage. UNFPA noted that previous experience with development agencies, including volunteer work, will strengthen applications. Internship Provides Exposure to UN Systems and Global Development Work The internship programme is designed to provide participants with broad exposure to the operational and programme structures of the United Nations system. Successful interns will gain understanding of UNFPA governance, programme delivery mechanisms, technical communication processes, and coordination systems used across international development operations. Participants will also have opportunities to network with UN professionals, contribute to substantive documentation, and build professional experience in multicultural team settings. The organization emphasized that interns will gain practical insight into global health programming, operational support systems, and policy implementation frameworks that shape international humanitarian and development work. Financial Support and Inclusive Recruitment Policy Although interns are not considered salaried employees, UNFPA provides a stipend intended to help cover daily living expenses for participants who are not financially supported by external institutions such as universities or scholarship programmes. Applicants are responsible for securing medical insurance and covering costs related to accommodation, travel, and personal expenses during the internship period. United Nations Population Fund also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, and underrepresented groups. The organization stated that reasonable accommodation can be provided to applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. Interested candidates can access full application details and submit applications through UNFPA Careers Official Website. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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