Job description
The Position
Under the direct supervision of the Population Data Advisor, the intern will support the Population Dynamics, Data, & Policy unit in carrying out its routine work program on research and evidence generation on population dynamics and sustainable development in West and Central Africa. This entails supporting the implementation of census-related activities, the regional initiative on the centrality of population in the development of West and Central Africa (RICoP) which is designed to address the region's diverse population challenges and opportunities, as well as megatrends such as rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, climate change, digitalization, shifts in security and governance, and economic transformations. Specifically, the intern will provide technical support to meet the geospatial data needs in all areas of UNFPA mandate including population dynamics, adolescents and youth, SRH, family planning, and gender and across the humanitarian and development nexus.
About UNFPA and 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. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2026-2029) reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on four interconnected outcomes: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; end gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change for strengthening societal resilience while upholding individual rights and choices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results. We need interns who are exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Main Responsibilities
● Geospatial Analysis and Data Management:
○ Develop and implement geospatial databases, geospatial data collection systems, geospatial data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
○ Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns, using basic machine learning techniques and statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data.
○ Develop new approaches for geospatial data management, interpretation, analysis, and utilization, including generating population estimates (such as Small Area Estimation/SAE) from census data and other sources, focused on achieving lowest-level disaggregation for UNFPA indicators.
● Mapping and Visualization
○ Create online databases, dynamic web maps and visualization dashboards.
○ Lead the geospatial analysis such as mapping people's geographic access to sexual and reproductive health services including family planning services.
○ Generate semi-auto tools, models, code packages to automate the analytical process as possible.
● Evidence Generation and Research
○ Prepare and contribute to statistical tables, maps and annexes for the WCARO’s reports and technical briefing notes.
○ Research and conduct geospatial analysis for the generation of a global population database on population exposure and vulnerability to climate change.
○ Compile and analyze background documentation and prepare briefing notes and talking points as required.
○ Contribute technical support for the population data portal (PDP).
Qualifying for the Internship Education
● Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a 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.
● Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
● Preferred field of study: Geoinformatics (geomatics), geospatial information, Earth sciences, environmental science, remote sensing, or other related geoscience field.
Knowledge and Experience
● Technical knowledge of population dynamics and their relationship to sustainable development.
● Knowledge of application of GIS to areas of UNFPA mandate (sexual and reproductive health, family planning, gender-based violence and harmful practices).
● Knowledge of data processing and analysis software (e.g., R, Python, or Stata).
● Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
● Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of French is an advantage.
Learning Elements
Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern will gain:
● An increased understanding of the UN system.
● An understanding of the UNFPA mandate and regional set-up.
● An understanding of the WCARO unit operations.
● Technical knowledge as a result of the research and data analysis work.
● Familiarity with UN technical language and working procedures.
● Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment.
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.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and 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.