SRH Internship - ASRO

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist, Arab States Regional Office, and in collaboration with the SRH Adviser, the Intern will support the Arab States regional team to advance its work on sexual and reproductive health. A comprehensive work plan outlining achievable milestones and learning opportunities will be mutually agreed upon. Regular progress meetings will foster a supportive environment, significantly enhancing the Intern's skills and capacity in areas aligned with UNFPA’s mandate.

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the leading UN agency dedicated to achieving 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) reinforces its core mission, focusing on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. These outcomes underscore our commitment to accelerating progress towards realizing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.

Responsibilities

As an Intern with the SRH Team, you will be responsible for assisting in strengthening SRH across the region:

• Programme Support and Coordination:
  • Conduct background research and develop concept notes for the SRH team.
  • Provide logistical support to the coordination of the Arab Regional Midwifery Advisory Group (ARMAG) to support communication, follow up, and monitoring of their work plan.
  • Monitor and support the implementation of midwifery activities across the region.
  • Follow up on the validation and early roll-out of a multi-year, multi-media communication plan to promote women-centered care and midwives in the Arab region.
  • Consolidate reports and findings related to emergency preparedness for learning briefs and to inform action.
• Administrative and Logistical Support:
  • Assist in organizing online regional meetings, including preparation of agendas and meeting notes.
• Knowledge Management and Communications:
  • Help document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from the region.
  • Contribute to the preparation of presentations and internal reports.

Requirements

• Educational Requirements:
  • Be currently enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed at least one full academic year;
  • OR Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a Master’s program or higher);
  • OR Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation;
  • OR Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
• Other Eligibility Requirements:
  • Demonstrated interest in sexual and reproductive health and ideally in maternal health or health workforce issues.
  • Demonstrated written and spoken proficiency in English; Arabic fluency preferred.
  • Ability to adapt to new environments and establish and maintain positive working relations with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Academic background in midwifery, medicine, public health, social sciences, conflict resolution, or public health.
• Some experience working with development, including in a volunteer capacity.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; knowledge of French is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and a demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Learning Elements

Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern will gain valuable knowledge and experience, including:

• Increased understanding of UNFPA and the Arab States Regional Office within the broader UNFPA structure.
• A deeper comprehension of the UNFPA mandate and policies, including its regional setup and humanitarian mandate.
• Insight into UNFPA’s program design and delivery mechanisms.
• Understanding the dynamics of operational and program support and communications between field, regional, and HQ levels.
• Familiarity with UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms.
• Enhanced ability to write and formulate substantive documents.
• Opportunities to network with UN colleagues.
• Valuable work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting.

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 program must be assumed either by the nominating institution or by the students themselves. Interns are responsible for meeting their living expenses and making their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, and other requirements. However, interns will receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if they are not financially supported by any other institution or program. The stipend amount is based on the intern’s agreed place of work. Additionally, applicants must have medical insurance for the entire duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will be required before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.

UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.