UNFPA Volunteer Gender, Human Rights & Inclusion Branch, Programme Division

Location: UNFPA Office, UNON, Nairobi

Full/Part-time: Full-time 

Remote/In person: In person

Duration: 24 weeks   

Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment. In the case of a volunteer assignment outside the volunteer’s country of residence, the volunteer will be responsible for making their own visa and travel arrangements.

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Gender Advisor, Gender Human Rights Inclusion Branch, Programme Division, the UNFPA Volunteer will support the Gender Equality team in the areas of programme management, partnership tracking, knowledge management, and GEWE advocacy, programme implementation and international cooperation.

A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the volunteer assignment will be agreed upon. 

Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the UNFPA Volunteer, enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA’s mandate.

About UNFPA and How You Can Make a Difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

Research & Policy Support: Assist in conducting background research, synthesizing literature, drafting policy briefs, concept notes, operational guidance, and knowledge products related to gender equality, gender-based violence (GBV), social norms, youth engagement, and Leaving No One Behind.

Capacity Development Coordination: Support the planning, organization, and documentation of learning webinars, capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and technical assistance programmes for UNFPA Regional Offices.

Global Advocacy & Campaign Support: Assist in coordinating activities, communications, and logistical preparations for global advocacy campaigns, high-level events, and innovative gender initiatives.

Partnership & Inter-Agency Tracking: Help monitor and compile updates for inter-agency working groups, task teams, and strategic alliances with international partners, civil society organizations, and women's funds.

Knowledge Management: Maintain and organize resource repositories, knowledge-sharing platforms, and tracking mechanisms for cross-regional good practices in gender-transformative programming.

Consortium & Programme Support: Support multi-partner programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, work plan tracking, and donor compliance reporting.

GEWE Advocacy & Engagement: Identify and develop engagement plans for key Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (GEWE) moments for advocacy and intervention.

Resource Mobilization: Identify and support resource mobilization opportunities for GEWE.

Qualifying for a Volunteer Assignment

All UNFPA Volunteers must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Applicants from all over the world may express an interest in volunteering. Applicants must be over the age of 18. There is no upper age restriction as long as the person is fit for the required work.

Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment. 

Volunteers may include professionals, technicians, and retirees. 

Spouses and family members of current UNFPA personnel may volunteer as long as there is no conflict of interest. Family relationships must be disclosed to the Ethics Office and Head of Unit prior to engaging a spouse or family member as a volunteer. 

Volunteers should not be in the same reporting line as spouses or family members and, where feasible, should be in different organizational units. 

Normally a volunteer should have completed secondary education and should have a working knowledge of English.

Fluency in the official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) of the UNFPA office may be required.

Demonstrate interest in the field of development.

Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have:

Your Education: 

Masters Degree 

Your Experiences: 

Over 10 years of experience implementing and managing programmes across various regions.

Direct experience working with UN agencies,  including in volunteer capacity, on joint programmes, inter-agency working groups, and compliance with UN rules and procedures. 

Experience in supporting specialized working groups.

Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset. 

Strong analytical and writing skills.

Strong communication skills.

Initiative, sound judgment and 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 UNFPA Volunteer will gain the following knowledge assets:

Increased understanding of the UNFPA and the Programme Division within UNFPA

Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including regional set-up 

Understand and familiarize with UNFPA Governance and Executive Board  

Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms

Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications to the field, and at the level of HQ

Learn UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms 

Write and formulate substantive documents

Network with UN colleagues 

Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting

Financial Aspects:

UNFPA Volunteers do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with a UNFPA Volunteer's participation in the programme must be assumed by the UNFPA Volunteer themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. 

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the volunteer assignment. Proof of adequate medical insurance, a medical certificate of good health, proof of any required vaccinations for the duty station will need to be submitted before the volunteer assignment begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for UNFPA volunteers.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

How to Apply

Please email your applications to Khadija Mohammed, khamohammed@unfpa.org. 

Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.