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.
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.
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.
