Application Guide
How to Apply for Humanitarian Programme Intern
at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
🏢 About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA is the United Nations' lead agency for reproductive health and rights, uniquely focused on creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe. Working here means contributing directly to global efforts that expand choices for women and young people, with a specific emphasis on data-driven humanitarian programming. The organization's commitment to using evidence-based approaches to improve lives makes it a distinctive place for those passionate about international development.
About This Role
This Humanitarian Programme Intern supports UNFPA's mission by ensuring accurate data collection and management for reporting, maintaining digital tools and databases, and assisting with document preparation and translation between English and Turkish. The role is impactful because clean, reliable data directly informs life-saving humanitarian interventions and policy decisions, while translation work bridges critical communication gaps in UNFPA's operations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing and cleaning incoming programme data from field reports using tools like KoBo Toolbox, ensuring accuracy for weekly updates. You could then spend time updating a SharePoint database with verified information, followed by drafting or formatting a Standard Operating Procedure for the team. The day might wrap up with translating a technical document from English to Turkish, supporting UNFPA's communications with local partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with data verification and cleaning, specifically using tools like KoBo Toolbox, ODK, or similar humanitarian data platforms
- Demonstrates proficiency in both English and Turkish translation, particularly for technical or programmatic documents related to public health or humanitarian aid
- Is detail-oriented with experience drafting and formatting SOPs, reports, or similar structured documents in a professional setting
- Shows familiarity with digital filing systems (like SharePoint or Google Drive) used by international organizations for remote collaboration
📝 Tips for Applying to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Highlight any experience with humanitarian data tools (e.g., KoBo, ActivityInfo) or databases explicitly, as UNFPA relies on these for field operations
Provide concrete examples of Turkish-English translation work, especially if related to health, gender, or humanitarian topics—consider including a short sample if permitted
Tailor your resume to mention UNFPA's key initiatives, such as the 'Three Transformative Results', to show alignment with their mission
Emphasize remote collaboration skills, as the role is fully remote and requires coordination across time zones
If you have prior internship or volunteer experience with NGOs, UN agencies, or humanitarian groups, detail your specific contributions to data or documentation tasks
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your data skills directly support UNFPA's goal of evidence-based programming, referencing their use of data in reports like the 'State of World Population'", "Detail your Turkish-English translation experience, noting its relevance to UNFPA's work in Turkey or with Turkish-speaking communities", "Connect your background to humanitarian principles, such as the 'do no harm' approach, especially when handling sensitive programme data", "Express specific interest in UNFPA's focus areas, like maternal health or youth empowerment, and how this internship aligns with your career goals in international development"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore UNFPA's current humanitarian responses, such as their work in crisis regions like Ukraine or the Middle East, to understand their field operations
- → Review UNFPA's 'Strategic Plan' and 'Three Transformative Results' to grasp their core objectives and how data supports them
- → Look into UNFPA's partnerships in Turkey or Turkish-speaking areas, as translation skills are key for this role
- → Familiarize yourself with UNFPA's digital tools, like their data dashboards or publications, to discuss their tech ecosystem
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning UNFPA's specific focus on reproductive health or humanitarian data—this shows lack of research
- Overstating language skills; if claiming Turkish proficiency, be prepared for practical translation tests during the interview
- Neglecting to provide examples of remote work or collaboration, as this is a fully remote internship requiring strong self-management
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)!