Career Openings at United Nations Development Programme

You would be responsible for:

Information and Data Support

• Support the organization and update of a secure central GBVF Information Repository.
•  Collect and catalogue relevant GBVF-related reports and resources from partners including civil society, government, and research bodies.
• Support regular updates of key documents (e.g., CSO reports, Response Fund submissions, progress briefs).
• Track data requests and usage in coordination with the team

Stakeholder Engagement Database

• Support the design and maintenance of the stakeholder engagement spreadsheet, including inputs such as names, sectors, contact info, and contributions to the NSP-GBVF.
• Assist in verifying and updating database records on a quarterly basis.

Meeting and Event Coordination

• Support the scheduling of meetings and engagements with stakeholders and implementing partners.
• Assist with preparing meeting agendas, recording key points during discussions, and circulating minutes.
• Help track follow-up actions and ensure timely updates from previous meetings.
• Provide logistical support during workshops, consultations, or dialogues organized by the GBVF Directorate.

Project Tracking and Scanning

• Support the team by conducting an online search of GBVF Projects and activities in South Africa
• Attend virtual meetings and events, and capture key messages and useful information
• Monitor  the progress of ongoing internal projects and share updates 

Qualifying for an Internship: 

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

Educational requirements

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

Other eligibility requirements

• Demonstrate interest in the field of development;
• Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations (English) 
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Education:  

Your Experiences: 

• Some experience in working with development agencies, including in volunteer capacity.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

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Activities and Tasks: 

UNESCO and UNFPA will jointly provide the administrative and logistical support necessary for implementing the project to undertake the following activities: 

• Gathering and consolidation of written input from the following structures into the draft of the protocol:
• Director-Generals of South African Police Service, Department of Social Development, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Health
• Chief Executive Officers of South African Council for Educators, Commission for Gender Equality as well SA Human Rights Commission.
• Make presentations to District Directors, CEM & HEDCOM and consolidate input received from all the above internal Basic Education structures into the finalisation of the document. 
• Lead the facilitation and presentation during the national stakeholders’ consultation with various Government Departments, Civil Society’s Organisations, Unions, SGB Associations, Research Institutions and Academics. Consolidate all input gathered from the consultation into the document.
• Develop a comprehensive one-day programme for consultative workshops with provincial and district officials from Education Department. The programme should include step by step practical application of the protocol, fusing low charts and case studies of real-life or simulated situation on issues of sexual abuse and harassment in schools. 
• Consolidate all input gathered from the consultation into the final draft. 
• Submit final protocol with flow charts, implementation guide and relevant forms

Deliverables:

Consolidated final drafts of protocols, including; 

• Literature review. 
• Summary reports of interviews with key informants.
• Flow charts.
•  Implementation plan/guide (indicating roles and responsibilities of all key stakeholders involved, communication, and referrals).
• Presentation of the reviewed and updated protocol. 
• All deliverables should be presented in a format agreed upon by Basic Education, UNESCO, and UNFPA.

Required expertise and qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field with a focus on adolescent and youth health. A PhD is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in programme evaluation, public health strategy, youth development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting multi-stakeholder assessments of national or provincial level strategies, especially in HIV, STI, TB prevention, and youth-focused programmes.
• Strong track record of participatory research methods with adolescents and young people, including facilitating youth consultations, co-creation workshops, and use of inclusive engagement tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of South Africa’s public health policy landscape, national strategic plans, and relevant youth-focused initiatives (e.g., She Conquers, NSP on HIV, TB & STIs).
• Experience in conducting SWOT analyses and applying other strategic assessment tools to evaluate programme effectiveness and alignment. 
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including experience designing and implementing surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with the social and cultural contexts affecting adolescents and young people in South Africa, including gender, socio-economic, and traditional factors.
• Working knowledge of official South African languages, with the ability to engage meaningfully with diverse youth populations.
• Previous collaboration with UN agencies or government departments at the national or provincial level on youth or public health initiatives is highly desirable.

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The assessment will include:

• Reviewing the strategy in line with the current AYP HIV status of the country (95-95-95 targets).
• Analyse the relevance and alignment of the strategy to the current situation through SWOT analysis to leverage on the strengths and opportunities.
• Reviewing the development and relevance of specific indicators related to the objectives of the  #ZikhalaKanjani Youth Prevention Strategy.
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the strategy's implementation across different stakeholders: DBE (Department of Basic Education), DSD (Department of Social Development), DOH (Department of Health), and other organizations like UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and different funders
  supporting the AYP program.
• Evaluating the strategy’s impact on the incidence rates of HIV and STIs. Reporting and dissemination of findings to all stakeholders.

Deliverables:

• Detailed report presenting findings, progress, and recommendations.
• Overview of strategy implementation across sectors.
• Provide actionable insights to refine and improve the strategy over time.
• Recommendations for policy adjustments, innovative approaches to enhance the overall effectiveness of the #ZikhalaKanjani Youth Prevention Strategy.
• PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations.
• Advocacy brief on prevention strategy in combating HIV, AIDS, TB, and STIs among youth in South Africa.

Duration of assignment:

Place where services are to be delivered:

• Consultancy will be home based and the consultant may be expected to travel to implementation sites.

Required expertise and qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field with a focus on adolescent and youth health. A PhD is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in programme evaluation, public health strategy, youth development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting multi-stakeholder assessments of national or provincial level strategies, especially in HIV, STI, TB prevention, and youth-focused programmes.
• Strong track record of participatory research methods with adolescents and young people, including facilitating youth consultations, co-creation workshops, and use of inclusive engagement tools.
•  Demonstrated understanding of South Africa’s public health policy landscape, national strategic plans, and relevant youth-focused initiatives (e.g., She Conquers, NSP on HIV, TB & STIs).
• Experience in conducting SWOT analyses and applying other strategic assessment tools to evaluate programme effectiveness and alignment.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including experience designing and implementing surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations. 
• Familiarity with the social and cultural contexts affecting adolescents and young people in South Africa, including gender, socio-economic, and traditional factors.
• Working knowledge of official South African languages, with the ability to engage meaningfully with diverse youth populations. 
• Previous collaboration with UN agencies or government departments at national or provincial level on youth or public health initiatives is highly desirable.

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You would be responsible for: 

• Providing support to monitor trends and new developments in the political, social and economic environments relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population and development in a selection of middle income countries; 
• Contributing  to the preparation  of  policy  briefs, reports  and  other  relevant research output in line with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action;  
• Assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes focused on sustainable financing to strengthen national development planning frameworks; 
• Supporting the organization of the MIC-Hub initiated trainings, consultations, and pertinent meetings and conferences as per MIC-Hub’s annual work plan; and
• Assisting in any other task as required by the MIC-Hub, ESARO  

You should have: 

Your Education: 

Applicants to UNFPA’s internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the  following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in a recognised university; 
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as  bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a recognised university; 
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (A) and (B) above) from a  recognised university and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme in a recognised university and  undertake the internship as part of this programme. 

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Scope of Work:

• The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Adolescent and Youth Specialist to:

Capture and document:

• Key points, decisions, and departmental commitments
• Thematic insights from plenary and breakout sessions
• Reflections and recommendations by the government, development partners, civil society, and youth representatives

Draft a comprehensive summary report that includes:

• Context and purpose of the Indaba
• Detailed summaries of each session
• Synthesized commitments and agreed actions
• Reflections on policy, implementation, and innovation pathways
• Annexes with attendance list and programme

Deliverables:

A final report detailing consolidated reflections, specific recommendations, and a clearly outlined list of key decisions and next steps resulting from the Indaba.

• Consult with the Adolescent and Youth Specialist to define roles and
• responsibilities, develop templates to capture the key deliberations of the meeting (0.5 days)
• Participate as and rapporteur on the deliberations of the Government-led Indaba on Menstrual Health and Sanitary Dignity (1 day).
• Develop a final report from the meeting and incorporate any changes resulting from comments on the report (10 days).

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

• Participate in an inception meeting to agree on roles, responsibilities, and the templates for capturing the deliberations of the Indaba on 23 May
• Rapporteur on the deliberations of the Indaba on Menstrual Health and Sanitary Dignity on May 30th, 2025.

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The Specialist will be responsible for:

• Resource Mobilization and Partnership management
• Financing for Development
• Knowledge management and Capacity development
• Representation support

Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Management 

• Provides support to Country Offices covering Middle Income Countries and the Regional Office on financing landscape analysis, identification of resource gaps and partnership opportunities including setting and tracking annual targets at Country and Regional Office levels.
• Co-lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the Regional Office and Country Office Resource Mobilization and Partnership strategies and plans with a special focus on Middle Income Countries.
• Support co-creation of UN Joint programmes guided by UN strategic priorities aligned with national development and humanitarian contexts. 
• Guided by a robust engagement strategy, advance key relationships to strengthen tailored UNFPA positioning in the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) with Bilateral and Multilateral Donors, IFIs, MDBs, Corporates, Foundations, Civil Society, Academia and High Net Worth Individuals. 
• Undertake regular scan of the Private Sector and corporate interests and partnership prospects for UNFPA mandate areas in the ESA Region with a special focus on the MICs. Facilitate the corresponding due diligence processes as may be required and ensure the Client Relationship Management System is up to date. 
• In collaboration with the Regional Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Advisor and Regional Communications team, develop corporate engagement packages, and marketing materials to advance towards universal access to SRHR in East and Southern Africa.
• Liaise with Regional and country offices to ensure programme implementation issues are resolved in a timely manner to ensure full implementation of programmes,  ensure on-time submission of donor grant documents and reports as per agreement with the donor. These include midyear and annual reports, midterm and final evaluation reports, quarterly financial reports, annual financial statements, to mention a few.

Financing for Development 

• Support COs in conducting analysis that leads to unlocking financing opportunities
• Strengthen capacities in COs and at the Regional level on Financing for Development, including greater proportions of Domestic Financing, Blended and innovative financing and digital fundraising, as may be guided by cause-related positioning, targeted engagement.
• Support UNFPA offices in the region to identify and develop investment cases and financial gap analysis for sustainable financing.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with a wide range of partners to optimize Innovative Financing opportunities, including through National governments fiscal and monetary policy actions, UN Joint Programmes, Capital markets with de-risking strategies, Philanthropy, individual giving and business development activities as applicable.

Knowledge Management and Capacity Development

• Co-lead capacity needs assessments guided by evidence in the prevailing country and regional contexts
• Develop training packages and tools in collaboration with UNFPA regional and country offices, as well as UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes to respond to capacity gaps where required
• Facilitate delivery of capacity development initiatives and plans for the regional and country offices in Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships
• Explore and co-create innovation solutions on resource mobilization and strategic partnerships to respond to identified needs.
• Document best practices on Strategic partnerships, Private Sector engagement and Resource Portfolio Compliance, Financing for Development, Domestic Resource Mobilization, and Resource Management to mention a few.

Representation support

• Ensure appropriate representation of UNFPA at resource mobilization and partnership platforms for MICs and the wider ESA region to promote UNFPA brand visibility, corporate resource acquisition, and enhanced partnerships for results.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Director

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Financing for Development, Sustainable Financing, Political Sciences or related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 5 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in fundraising, marketing, sponsorship, corporate social responsibility, CSR, Innovative Financing, 
• Experience working in a Middle Income Country is preferred, communications or project management, including work with the private sector, ideally with a minimum of one year at the international level.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of donor policies and procedures is a distinct advantage;
• Experience in editing/reviewing of donor agreements and reports;
• Proven experience in managing partners or a strong track record of developing effective partnerships with donors, media, and other stakeholders

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Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Support the positioning of UNFPA and the ICPD Agenda in Climate Change Advocacy and Policy Engagement, including but not limited to: 

• Supporting the design and organization of key virtual, in-person and hybrid events 
• Support delivery of UNFPA climate projects and knowledge management 
• Supporting the dissemination of UNFPA’s key messaging on climate change and SRHR
• Support the development of key proposals for mobilization of climate finance for adaptation and resilience action
• Supporting the Communications Unit in the development and dissemination of communication materials, ranging from social media posts, press releases, and newsletters to increase awareness of UNFPA ESARO’s work on climate change. 

Contribute to knowledge generation and capacity-building on the intersection of climate change, gender and SRHR, including but not limited to: 

• Support research on climate change and its impact on gender equality and SRHR in East and Southern Africa (ESA) countries to strengthen the evidence base and towards an improved country response 
• Support the Climate Team in developing knowledge products, such as country fact sheets on climate change and SRHR intersections for East and Southern Africa (ESA) countries
• Contribute to the development of resources, including training materials, and UNFPA advocacy tools, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) SRHR Dashboard Tracker
• Support in coordinating training and capacity-building workshops on SRHR, Gender, and Climate Change for government and non-government stakeholders in  ESA countries.

Qualifying for an Internship

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

Educational requirements 

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in a relevant field (such as master’s programme or higher in international development, public health, women or gender studies, population and development);
• Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.