Partnership Development and Communication Intern

General Information
Position Title: Partnership Development and Communication Intern
Job Category: Partnerships
Duty Station(s): Lilongwe
Seniority Level: Entry Level
ICS Level: Internship
Contract Type: Internship
Contract Level: Internship
Posting Start Date: 22-Jan-2026
Posting End Date: 11-Feb-2026
Duration: Initially for 6 months subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

Job Highlight
The Partnerships and Communication intern will work in the UNOPS Malawi Country Office based in Lilongwe and will report to the Partnerships Specialist. He/She will support the Country Office by conducting research on donors and market trends, developing communication materials, 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.

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.

About the Project Office
Established in 2023, UNOPS in Malawi partners with the Government and development stakeholders to support national efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By delivering high-quality infrastructure and procurement services, UNOPS is helping to expand access to education and healthcare while strengthening essential public infrastructure across the country. Current efforts focus on building resilient systems that improve service delivery and promote inclusive development. Key partners in this work include the Government of Malawi, the European Commission, UN Women, and the Government of Iceland, all committed to driving sustainable impact and long-term progress.

Job Specific Context
The Partnerships Development Office (PDO) is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with key partners in the country, and defines needs and matches partnering opportunities within the mandate of UNOPS.

Role Purpose
The Partnerships Development intern will play a pivotal role in supporting the Country Team, assisting with various tasks. Through hands-on experience, the intern will develop practical skills that will enhance their future career prospects. The intern will have access to the UNOPS Learning Zone Platform for skill development and will also have the opportunity to contribute innovative solutions to partnership development, leveraging their academic background.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Functional Responsibilities
The Partnerships and Communication intern will work in the UNOPS Malawi Country Office based in Lilongwe and will report to the Partnerships Specialist. He/She will support the Country Office by conducting research on donors and market trends, developing communication materials, 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.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks:

Business Intelligence

• Conduct analysis and mapping of donor priorities, areas of focus, and geographical priorities, as well as national country strategies
• Prepare business/market analysis reports for major donors in the country/region to support the development of new engagement opportunities
• Research events, publications, and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities

Partnerships and Project Development

• Support UNOPS Malawi in liaising with potential donors, funding partners, agencies, and institutions
• Participate in meetings with potential partners and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up
• Support in the development of project-related documents, including project descriptions, concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk register, and gender action plans

Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge Management

• Ensure that organizational systems are updated and populated frequently and as needed, including the internal Partnerships Unit Google Drive, business acquisition tracking tools, and databases
• When needed, provide regular reports on the business acquisition pipeline to the Partnerships Team

Impact of Results

The key results directly affect the overall efficiency of the team’s efforts, impacting the office’s capacity to efficiently and effectively service the operational needs of the office/programme. Timely and accountable delivery of services ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of the team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Learning Opportunities
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and gain professional experience within an international development and partnerships context. The intern will gain hands-on exposure to donor intelligence, partnership development, project formulation, and strategic communications by directly supporting the UNOPS Malawi Country Office Partnerships function.

1. Donor and Partner Landscape Analysis
The intern will learn how to analyse and map donor priorities, funding trends, and national strategies to identify partnership and funding opportunities.

2. Project and Proposal Development
The intern will gain practical experience in developing project documents such as concept notes, proposals, budgets, legal agreements, risk registers, and gender action plans.

3. Business Development and Resource Mobilisation Processes
The intern will understand how UNOPS identifies, tracks, and pursues new business opportunities, including market research and business intelligence reporting.

4. Professional Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
The intern will build skills in preparing communication materials, participating in partner meetings, and conducting systematic follow-up with donors and partners.

5. Knowledge Management and Reporting Systems
The intern will learn how to use internal knowledge management platforms and business acquisition tools to track partnerships, maintain databases, and report on the partnership pipeline.

Skills
Communication, General Administration, Industry Research, Market Research, Problem Solving, Learning Agility

Competencies

Education Requirements

Required:

• A minimum of first level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), or be enrolled in a post graduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.
• The area of study preferably in economic or management or international affair or political science or development studies or communication or other relevant disciplines from an accredited university is required

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, or communications, or related fields would be desirable but not mandatory.

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

Language:
Knowledge of the local language is an asset.

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