Apply Now: Youth, Peace and Security Internship at UNFPA in Dakar, Senegal (2025)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering an exciting internship opportunity in Dakar, Senegal for young professionals and students passionate about youth empowerment, gender equality, and peacebuilding. The Youth, Peace and Security Intern will join the Gender and Human Rights Unit and support critical programming at the intersection of humanitarian response, peace, and development.

This is your chance to contribute to a transformative agenda while gaining first-hand experience in a dynamic UN environment.

About the Internship

Position: Youth, Peace and Security Intern
Location: UNFPA Regional Office, Dakar, Senegal
Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025
Duration: Full-time internship
Grade: IN (Internship Level)
Start Date: Flexible, to be agreed upon with UNFPA
Stipend: Provided (if not financially supported by other institutions)

Internship Overview

The intern will work under the guidance of the Youth, Peace and Security Technical Specialist, contributing to UNFPA’s leadership in implementing youth-centered peace and development strategies. This includes supporting research, project implementation, policy advocacy, and coordination efforts within West and Central Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Conduct research on youth participation in peacebuilding and humanitarian contexts.

• Compile reports on national and regional youth peace and security (YPS) policies.

• Analyze lessons learned and identify good practices in youth-led peacebuilding.

• Prepare briefing notes and policy documents related to YPS themes.

Project Support

• Assist in planning and coordinating regional YPS projects.

• Support youth engagement in conflict resolution, peace processes, and mediation.

• Help design youth-led initiatives and training sessions.

• Contribute to program monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Communications & Advocacy

• Draft social media posts, newsletters, and blog articles.

• Create advocacy materials for youth-focused peace and security campaigns.

• Support virtual and in-person events like webinars and workshops.

Partnership & Coordination

• Engage with youth networks and civil society stakeholders.

• Assist in documenting best practices and lessons learned.

• Participate in inter-agency meetings and support national-level YPS frameworks.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and have completed at least one academic year.

• Be enrolled in a graduate (Master’s or PhD) program.

• Have graduated within the past 12 months from a university program.

Required Skills & Background:

• Demonstrated interest in peacebuilding, human rights, or youth development.

• Strong analytical and research skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

• Previous experience in youth-led initiatives or humanitarian work is a plus.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

Languages: Proficiency in English and French (written and spoken) is required.

Financial Support

While UNFPA internships are unpaid, a stipend is provided to cover basic daily expenses if no other funding is received (e.g. from a university or scholarship). Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation, travel, and insurance.

Applicants must have valid medical insurance for the duration of the internship and provide proof before starting.

Why Apply?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Work within a leading UN agency on youth-focused peace and security issues.

• Gain hands-on experience with program implementation and policy research.

• Build professional networks within the UN and beyond.

• Contribute meaningfully to sustainable peace and inclusive development.

UNFPA champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and underrepresented communities.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via UNFPA’s careers portal. You’ll need to create a profile and upload your resume and cover letter.

Apply here
Deadline: July 31, 2025, 01:59 AM (Dakar time)