UNFPA Gender Unit Internship – Gain Hands-On Experience in Gender Equality & Development

Are you passionate about gender equality, gender-based violence prevention, and reproductive health rights? The UNFPA Lao Office is offering an Internship Opportunity in the Gender Unit based in Vientiane, Lao. This four-month internship (with a possibility of extension) is an excellent chance for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in gender-related development work within an international organization.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan focuses on achieving three transformative goals:
- Ending preventable maternal deaths
- Ensuring universal access to family planning
- Eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices
As part of this mission, UNFPA Lao is looking for an Intern for the Gender Unit to support its work in gender equality, GBV prevention, and sexual and reproductive health. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Gender Programme Lead, contributing to research, policy development, and project implementation related to gender-based violence and reproductive rights.
A structured work plan will be established to ensure that the intern gains valuable learning experiences, and periodic progress reviews will be conducted to support their professional growth.
UNFPA Gender Unit Internship – Gain Hands-On Experience in Gender Equality & Development
Tasks
The Intern, Gender Unit will be responsible for:
- Conducting research and reviewing documents related to gender equality, gender-based violence (GBV), and reproductive rights.
- Drafting concept notes for workshops, meetings, and training sessions.
- Taking minutes of meetings and preparing reports on gender-focused events.
- Providing logistical and administrative support for gender-focused workshops, missions, and conferences.
- Preparing memos, briefing documents, and presentations on gender issues.
- Assisting in compiling and consolidating GBV-related data to support policy development.
- Supporting the Gender Unit in compiling quarterly narrative reports.
- Assisting in coordinating communications with the Japanese government, including preparing documents in Japanese.
- Representing UNFPA’s Gender Unit at meetings with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.
- Contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the UNFPA Gender Unit.
- Performing other tasks as assigned by the Gender Programme Lead.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program in development studies, administration, political science, social sciences, or a related field.
- Recent graduates (within the last six months) are also eligible.
Experience
- Prior experience (including volunteer work) with development agencies, NGOs, or social impact organizations is preferred.
- Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to structure and present information clearly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of additional languages (especially Japanese) is an asset.
- Experience in policy analysis, gender-related research, or project support is advantageous.
- Strong ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.
Additional Information
Learning Opportunities
This internship offers valuable professional development opportunities, including:
- Understanding UNFPA’s mandate, governance, and operations.
- Exposure to gender-focused program design and policy implementation.
- Familiarization with UN technical language, coordination mechanisms, and working procedures.
- Networking with UN and development professionals.
- Developing expertise in gender policy research and advocacy.
Financial Support & Stipend
- UNFPA internships are unpaid; however, a monthly stipend is provided to cover basic daily expenses.
- Candidates must arrange their own accommodation, travel, and health insurance.
- Interns must provide proof of medical insurance before starting the internship.
Work Environment & Diversity Commitment
- UNFPA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, ethnic minorities, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNFPA promotes a safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive work environment.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, submit your application to laos.office@unfpa.org before April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM (America/New_York time). Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Disclaimer
- UNFPA does not charge any application, training, or interview fees.
- UNFPA will not request bank account details from applicants.
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