Application Guide
How to Apply for Resource Mobilization & Partnerships Intern
at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
🏢 About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA is the only UN agency specifically focused on reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment, making it unique in its mission-driven approach to global development. Working here offers direct exposure to international humanitarian efforts and the chance to contribute to programs that impact millions of lives worldwide, particularly women and young people in vulnerable regions.
About This Role
This internship involves hands-on support for UNFPA's fundraising efforts by researching donor opportunities, assisting with proposal development, and maintaining partnership databases. It's impactful because you'll directly contribute to securing resources that fund critical programs in maternal health, gender-based violence prevention, and youth empowerment across 150+ countries.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching new funding opportunities from government donors or foundations, updating donor contact databases, assisting with sections of a concept note for a youth empowerment program, and participating in virtual team meetings to coordinate partnership events. You'll likely spend time analyzing donor requirements and helping prepare progress reports for existing funders.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Is Looking For
- A current student or recent graduate in international development, public administration, or communications with coursework or projects related to fundraising/nonprofit management
- Demonstrated research skills through academic work or previous experience analyzing donor trends, funding requirements, or partnership landscapes
- Experience with proposal writing or grant applications, even from student projects or volunteer roles with NGOs
- Strong organizational abilities shown through managing databases, coordinating events, or maintaining systematic records in previous roles
📝 Tips for Applying to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Highlight any experience with donor research or fundraising databases (like Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or even Excel tracking systems) in your resume
Mention specific UNFPA programs you admire in your cover letter, such as their work on ending child marriage or improving maternal health in crisis settings
Include examples where you've helped organize partnership events or maintained stakeholder contact lists, even from student club or volunteer work
Demonstrate understanding of UNFPA's thematic areas by referencing their Strategic Plan 2022-2025 or recent donor reports in your application
Show how your skills align with UN's core values by mentioning experiences working with diverse teams or on inclusive projects
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in UNFPA's mission regarding reproductive health and youth empowerment, not just general UN interest", 'Concrete examples of research or organizational skills applied to fundraising or partnership contexts', 'Understanding of resource mobilization challenges in international development contexts', 'How this internship aligns with your career goals in international development or humanitarian work']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → UNFPA's Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and their four transformative results
- → Recent UNFPA donor reports and funding partners listed on their website
- → UNFPA's work in specific regions like humanitarian response in Yemen or adolescent programs in Latin America
- → The UN's resource mobilization framework and how it differs from corporate fundraising
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't mention UNFPA specifically or confuse it with other UN agencies
- Focusing only on wanting UN experience without demonstrating interest in reproductive health or gender equality
- Overlooking the remote nature of the role by not addressing how you'll maintain communication and organization virtually
📅 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)!