The Partnerships Development Office (PDO) oversees the cultivation of strategic alliances with vital stakeholders throughout the Multi-Country Office’s jurisdiction, identifying requirements and aligning collaboration prospects with the UNOPS mandate. Serving as a cornerstone of the PDO unit, the Partnerships Development intern provides essential assistance across a variety of initiatives. By engaging in practical applications, the intern will acquire substantive expertise to bolster their long-term professional growth. Furthermore, the intern will utilize the UNOPS Learning Zone for professional advancement while offering creative partnership strategies informed by their academic studies.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Job Specific Context

The Partnerships Development Office (PDO) is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with key partners in the countries covered by the Multi-Country Office, and defines needs and matches partnering opportunities within the mandate of UNOPS.

The Partnerships Development intern will play a pivotal role in supporting the PDO team while gaining valuable hands-on, on-the-job learning. This internship is structured as a professional development opportunity; the intern will develop practical skills that will enhance their future career prospects, gain access to certain professional certifications, and utilize the UNOPS Learning Zone Platform for continuous skill development. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to contribute innovative solutions to partnership development, directly leveraging and expanding upon their academic background.

Role Purpose

The Partnerships intern will work in Zambia based in Lusaka and will report to the Partnerships Specialist. He/She will support the Partnerships Unit by conducting research on donors and market trends, managing internal business acquisition organizational systems, and providing administrative support to the development and finalization of project documents, including but not limited to project descriptions, concept notes, budgets, legal accords, gender action plans, and risk registers.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Partnerships Intern, based in the East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office (ESAMCO) in Lusaka, will report to the Partnerships Specialist. This role provides crucial support to the Partnerships Unit across business intelligence, project development, and knowledge management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Intelligence & Market Analysis

• Conduct research and mapping of donor priorities, geographical focus, and alignment with national country strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive business/market analysis reports for key donors and countries to identify new engagement opportunities in the region.
• Track and screen relevant events, publications, and announcements to spot trends and potential UNOPS intervention opportunities.

2. Partnerships and Project Development Support

• Assist the Hub in coordinating with potential donors, funding partners, agencies, and institutions.
• Participate in partner meetings, ensuring systematic and timely follow-up actions.
• Provide support in developing essential project documentation, including project descriptions, concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk registers, and gender action plans.
• Liaise with the Africa Regional Office and Headquarters as necessary to secure clearances for finalizing engagements and moving projects to implementation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

3. Knowledge Management

Ensure organizational systems, such as the internal Partnerships Unit Google Drive, business acquisition tracking tools, and databases, are maintained and frequently updated.

Provide regular reports on the business acquisition pipeline to the Partnerships Team when required.

Skills

Client Development, Client Relations, Communication, Concept Development, Donor Management, Partner Management, Partnerships, Planning, Business Case Development

Competencies

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.

The applicant should have completed a Minimum First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or other relevant disciplines, or be enrolled in a postgraduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.

Experience Requirements

Desired:

While no prior work experience is required, some experience in government, diplomatic, non-governmental or international civil service in the field of partnerships, development, would be an asset.

A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite Applications is desirable.

Language Requirements

Language: English

Proficiency Level: Fluent

Requirement: Required

• Conduct research and mapping of donor priorities, geographical focus, and alignment with national country strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive business/market analysis reports for key donors and countries to identify new engagement opportunities in the region.
• Track and screen relevant events, publications, and announcements to spot trends and potential UNOPS intervention opportunities.
• Assist the Hub in coordinating with potential donors, funding partners, agencies, and institutions.
• Participate in partner meetings, ensuring systematic and timely follow-up actions.
• Provide support in developing essential project documentation, including project descriptions, concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk registers, and gender action plans.
• Liaise with the Africa Regional Office and Headquarters as necessary to secure clearances for finalizing engagements and moving projects to implementation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Ensure organizational systems, such as the internal Partnerships Unit Google Drive, business acquisition tracking tools, and databases, are maintained and frequently updated.
• Provide regular reports on the business acquisition pipeline to the Partnerships Team when required.

• Client Development
• Client Relations
• Communication
• Concept Development
• Donor Management
• Partner Management
• Partnerships
• Planning
• Business Case Development

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
• Minimum First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or other relevant disciplines, or be enrolled in a postgraduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.
• Some experience in government, diplomatic, non-governmental or international civil service in the field of partnerships, development, would be an asset.
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite Applications is desirable.
• Fluent in English.