The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has opened applications for its prestigious Youth, Peace and Security Internship Programme 2026 at the West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) in Dakar, Senegal. This six-month internship offers an exceptional opportunity for students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are passionate about peacebuilding, youth engagement, humanitarian action, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
Hosted by the United Nations agency responsible for advancing sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment worldwide, this internship provides hands-on experience within a multicultural and international work environment. Selected interns will work closely with the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Specialist and contribute to impactful regional initiatives that support young people’s participation in peacebuilding and security processes across West and Central Africa.
Application Deadline: 19 June 2026
About the United Nations Population Fund
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Through its Strategic Plan, UNFPA focuses on three transformative goals:
- Ending preventable maternal deaths
- Ending unmet need for family planning
- Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices
The organization works closely with governments, civil society organizations, youth groups, and international partners to advance human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
The Youth, Peace and Security Internship aligns with these priorities by strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding, mediation, conflict prevention, and humanitarian action.
Internship Overview
Position Details
- Position Title: Youth, Peace and Security Intern
- Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Regional Office: West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO)
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Internship Duration: 6 Months
- Employment Type: Full-Time Internship
- Internship Modality: In-Person (Remote arrangements may be discussed)
- Vacancy Number: 34675
- Required Language: French
- Desired Language: English
- Additional Advantage: Portuguese and/or Spanish
- Application Deadline: 19 June 2026
The selected intern will work under the direct supervision of the Youth, Peace and Security Specialist while collaborating with multiple programme teams across the regional office.
A structured work plan will be developed to ensure meaningful learning opportunities and measurable achievements throughout the internship period.
Key Responsibilities
Interns will contribute to several strategic areas of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
1. Research and Analysis
Successful candidates will support research and evidence generation activities related to youth participation in peacebuilding and security initiatives.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting background research on youth participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and humanitarian action
- Monitoring national and regional Youth, Peace and Security policies
- Compiling reports and policy updates
- Supporting the preparation of briefing notes
- Assisting with fact sheets and policy documents
- Contributing to knowledge products related to Youth, Peace and Security themes
2. Project Support
Interns will assist in the implementation and coordination of regional programmes and initiatives.
Key activities include:
- Supporting regional planning and coordination of Youth, Peace and Security projects
- Assisting country offices with project implementation activities
- Supporting youth engagement initiatives in peace processes
- Contributing to mediation and conflict-prevention programmes
- Assisting with the design of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives
- Supporting the delivery of training sessions and capacity-building activities
3. Communication and Advocacy
The internship also provides valuable communications experience.
Tasks include:
- Drafting social media content
- Preparing newsletters and blog articles
- Developing advocacy materials for youth-focused campaigns
- Supporting public awareness initiatives related to peace and security
- Assisting in organizing webinars and virtual dialogues
- Supporting workshops involving young peacebuilders and youth organizations
4. Partnership and Coordination
Interns will gain exposure to stakeholder engagement and partnership management.
Activities include:
- Supporting collaboration with youth networks
- Engaging civil society organizations and strategic partners
- Documenting best practices and lessons learned
- Participating in inter-agency coordination meetings
- Providing administrative support for Youth, Peace and Security coordination efforts
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet UNFPA’s educational requirements and demonstrate a strong interest in development and peacebuilding.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
Option A
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme or equivalent
- Have completed at least one full academic year
Option B
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme such as a master’s degree or higher
Option C
- Have recently graduated from a university programme
- Begin the internship within one year of graduation if selected
Option D
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee programme
- Complete the internship as part of the programme requirements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in development, peace and security, and youth engagement
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work independently
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Good communication abilities
- Adaptability and cultural sensitivity
- Capacity to work effectively in multicultural environments
Preferred Qualifications
The following experiences are considered advantageous:
- Volunteering experience in youth-led initiatives
- Experience in peacebuilding programmes
- Humanitarian work experience
- Engagement in community development activities
- Participation in youth advocacy projects
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
Required
- Written and spoken proficiency in French
- Written and spoken proficiency in English
Additional Assets
- Portuguese language skills
- Spanish language skills
Candidates with multilingual abilities may have an added advantage in the selection process.
Learning Opportunities and Professional Development
One of the most attractive aspects of this internship is the extensive learning experience provided by UNFPA.
Upon completion of the programme, interns will gain:
Institutional Knowledge
- Understanding of the UNFPA mandate
- Knowledge of regional office structures and operations
- Familiarity with United Nations systems and procedures
Technical Expertise
- Deep understanding of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda
- Knowledge of programme design and implementation
- Exposure to development and humanitarian programming
Professional Skills
- Experience drafting substantive policy and programme documents
- Exposure to UN technical language and reporting standards
- Understanding of coordination mechanisms within the UN system
- Practical communication and advocacy experience
Networking Opportunities
Interns will have opportunities to:
- Engage with UN professionals
- Build professional networks
- Collaborate with experts across multiple sectors
- Gain international work experience
Multicultural Work Experience
Participants will:
- Work within diverse international teams
- Strengthen cross-cultural communication skills
- Develop global professional competencies
- Build leadership and collaboration capacities
Financial Support and Stipend Information
UNFPA internships are unpaid positions; however, eligible interns may receive a stipend.
Important details include:
- A stipend may be provided to help cover basic daily expenses
- Stipends are available for interns who are not financially supported by another institution, scholarship, foundation, university, or government programme
- Stipend amounts vary depending on the agreed duty station and work arrangement
Medical Insurance Requirement
Applicants should note that:
- Medical insurance is mandatory
- Proof of insurance must be submitted before the internship begins
- UNFPA does not provide medical insurance coverage for interns
Core Competencies Sought by UNFPA
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
Values
- Integrity
- Commitment to UNFPA and the United Nations system
- Respect for diversity
- Openness to change
Core Competencies
- Results orientation
- Accountability
- Professional expertise
- Strategic thinking
- Teamwork and relationship management
Functional Competencies
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Client orientation
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment
UNFPA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity.
The organization particularly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Indigenous populations
- Minority ethnic groups
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- Other underrepresented populations
Reasonable accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.
Why This Internship Stands Out
The Youth, Peace and Security Internship at the United Nations Population Fund offers a unique opportunity to contribute to regional peacebuilding initiatives while gaining practical experience within the United Nations system.
Participants will work directly on issues affecting youth participation in peace and security, gain exposure to international development programming, strengthen their research and communication skills, and build valuable professional networks that can support future careers in international development, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and public policy.
For aspiring professionals seeking meaningful experience within a leading United Nations agency, this internship represents an outstanding pathway into international development and peacebuilding careers.
Application Deadline
19 June 2026
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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