The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Established in 2023, UNOPS in Malawi partners with the Government and development stakeholders to support national efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By delivering high-quality infrastructure and procurement services, UNOPS is helping to expand access to education and healthcare while strengthening essential public infrastructure across the country. Current efforts focus on building resilient systems that improve service delivery and promote inclusive development. Key partners in this work include the Government of Malawi, the European Commission, UN Women, and the Government of Iceland, all committed to driving sustainable impact and long-term progress.

The Partnerships Development Office (PDO) is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with key partners in the country, and defines needs and matches partnering opportunities within the mandate of UNOPS.

The Partnerships Development intern will play a pivotal role in supporting the Country Team, assisting with various tasks. Through hands-on experience, the intern will develop practical skills that will enhance their future career prospects. The intern will have access to the UNOPS Learning Zone Platform for skill development and will also have the opportunity to contribute innovative solutions to partnership development, leveraging their academic background. 

Functional Responsibilities

The Partnerships and Communication intern will work in the UNOPS Malawi Country Office based in Lilongwe and will report to the Partnerships Specialist. He/She will support the Country Office by conducting research on donors and market trends, developing communication materials, and providing administrative support to the development and finalization of project documents, including but not limited to project descriptions, concept notes,  budgets, legal accords, gender action plans, and risk registers.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks:

Business Intelligence 

Conduct analysis and mapping of donor priorities, areas of focus, and geographical priorities, as well as national country strategies 

Prepare business/market analysis reports for major donors in the country/region to support the development of new engagement opportunities 

Research events, publications, and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities 

Partnerships and Project Development 

Support UNOPS Malawi in liaising with potential donors, funding partners, agencies, and institutions 

Participate in meetings with potential partners and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up 

Support in the development of project-related documents, including project descriptions, concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk register, and gender action plans 

Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge Management 

Ensure that organizational systems are updated and populated frequently and as needed, including the internal Partnerships Unit Google Drive, business acquisition tracking tools, and databases

When needed, provide regular reports on the business acquisition pipeline to the Partnerships Team

Impact of Results 

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the team’s efforts, impacting the office’s capacity to efficiently and effectively service the operational needs of the office/programme.  Timely and accountable delivery of services ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Learning Opportunities
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and gain professional experience within an international development and partnerships context. The intern will gain hands-on exposure to donor intelligence, partnership development, project formulation, and strategic communications by directly supporting the UNOPS Malawi Country Office Partnerships function.

1. Donor and Partner Landscape Analysis

The intern will learn how to analyse and map donor priorities, funding trends, and national strategies to identify partnership and funding opportunities.

2. Project and Proposal Development

The intern will gain practical experience in developing project documents such as concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk registers, and gender action plans.

3. Business Development and Resource Mobilisation Processes

The intern will understand how UNOPS identifies, tracks, and pursues new business opportunities, including market research and business intelligence reporting.

4. Professional Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

The intern will build skills in preparing communication materials, participating in partner meetings, and conducting systematic follow-up with donors and partners.

5. Knowledge Management and Reporting Systems

The intern will learn how to use internal knowledge management platforms and business acquisition tools to track partnerships, maintain databases, and report on the partnership pipeline.

Required:

• A minimum of first level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), or be enrolled in a post graduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.
• The area of study preferably in economic or management or international affair or political science or development studies or communication or other relevant disciplines from an accredited university is required

Desired:

• While no prior work experience is required, some experience in government, diplomatic, non-governmental or international civil service in the field of partnerships, development, or communications, or related fields would  be desirable but not mandatory.

• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite Applications is desirable

Language:

Knowledge of the local language is an asset.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.