Job description
Location: New York or Remote
Full/Part time: Full-time
Duration: 24 weeks
Internship offering is limited to candidates applying from within the duty station of the hiring unit.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Guided by the UNFPA Strategic Plan, 2026-2029 a roadmap for resilience and renewal UNFPA works to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health, realize reproductive rights, and accelerate implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, with a heightened focus on addressing inequalities and leaving no one behind. As the third of three consecutive strategic plans, it drives continued progress toward three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, eliminating the unmet need for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices. In a time of global disruption and uncertainty, the plan calls for adaptation, innovation and leadership to protect and build on progress made so far as the world approaches the 2030 milestone.
The Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) is an operationally independent office at UNFPA that reports to the Executive Director. OAIS supports achieving UNFPA objectives by improving operations, risk management, and results through its internal audit, investigation, and advisory services. OAIS comprises the Office of the Director, an Internal Audit Branch and an Investigation Branch.
The Position:
OAIS is offering an internship opportunity to a communications student or graduate (see the educational requirements below). The intern will work under the overall guidance of the Director of OAIS and direct supervision of the Operations Manager.
Job Purpose:
The internship will help showcase ongoing work modernizing its oversight activities. This involves supporting communication initiatives that translate complex technical work into clear, easily accessible content for diverse audiences. Additionally, the intern will support the production of internal knowledge products, editorial and visual materials, and outreach content.
Responsibilities:
The intern will contribute to the following tasks:
Assist in copy editing and formatting briefs and advisories for clarity, consistency, and adherence to OAIS/UNFPA style and templates.
Support the design of visual products infographics, charts, dashboards and summary documents (e.g., one-pagers).
Help draft communications content, including OAIS newsletters, plain language summaries, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and explainer content on the OAIS mandate, internal audit processes and investigation procedures.
Help maintain and refresh OAIS content on the UNFPA Intranet Hive.
Assist in preparing presentation materials for OAIS’ outreach engagements with UNFPA personnel and other stakeholders.
Support tracking and analysis of OAIS’ communication products (e.g. intranet page views, newsletter opens) to inform future content.
Assist with organizing and archiving communication files, templates, and visual assets for OAIS.
Research and document best practices in oversight communications and share learnings internally.
Collaborate with the audit and investigation teams to identify key messages and communication opportunities for dissemination by the Office of the Director, OAIS.
Other activities, as approved by the supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience
All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:
Education:
Enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a bachelor's or master's programme in communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or other related field.
Demonstrated writing and editing skills, with the ability to explain technical or sensitive material clearly and concisely.
Knowledge of or strong interest in audit, investigations, risk management, ethics or accountability within international organizations.
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and stakeholders.
Knowledge and Experience:
Familiarity with design or visualization tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Power BI) is an asset.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; comfort working with web platforms is a plus.
Sound judgment, discretion and a demonstrated ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
Languages:
Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing.
Good knowledge of one of the other UN official languages is desirable but not a requirement.
Learning Elements:
By the end of the internship, interns can expect to gain:
A deeper understanding of the role of internal oversight within UNFPA;
Familiarity with UN policies and procedures related to accountability, ethics, and governance;
Hands-on experience with data analytics in oversight, particularly in development and humanitarian contexts; and
Exposure to collaborative work in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team environment.
Required Competencies
Demonstrates integrity;
Demonstrates the ability to remain objective, neutral, and independent;
Displays cultural sensitivity;
Produces timely, quality outputs;
Exercises sound judgment/analysis;
Ability to handle multiple tasks;
Writes clearly and effectively; and
Speaks clearly and convincingly.
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 programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the intern’s agreed place of work, which may be different from the duty station of the hiring office in cases of remote arrangements. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.