Research Volunteer: Women X Collective Innovation and Transformation Branch

Job Description

Location: Berlin, Germany

Full/Part-time: Part-time 50%

Remote/In person: Remote or In person

Duration: 16 February 2026 - 31 July 2026 (24 weeks)

Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment. In the case of a volunteer assignment outside the volunteer’s country of residence, the volunteer will be responsible for making their own visa and travel arrangements.

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Global Head - Women X Collective the UNFPA Volunteer will support the efficient functioning of WomenX Collective by conducting research to support forecasting and solution selection, assisting with external relations, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. The incumbent will work closely with the WomenX team and wider Innovation and Transformation Branch team, partners, and stakeholders especially in Berlin.

A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the volunteer assignment will be agreed upon. Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the UNFPA Volunteer, enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA’s mandate.

About UNFPA and How You Can Make a Difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes:

• Ending the unmet need for family planning;
• Ending preventable maternal deaths;
• Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices;
• Adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

The WomenX Collective (WomenX) is an innovative UNFPA programme designed to address critical health gaps for women and girls by identifying investment cases that leverage context-tailored and evidence-based advanced solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). By overcoming barriers such as limited adoption, restricted access, and low investment in women’s health, WomenX promotes the implementation of adaptable, locally relevant, and sustainable interventions. WomenX Berlin Hub was established to leverage the German innovation, research and health ecosystem.

You would be responsible for: A. Research and Analysis to Support WomenX Pipeline and Resource Mobilization.

The primary responsibility of this role is to conduct in-depth research and analysis to support WomenX’s pipeline development and resource mobilization efforts. Key tasks and deliverables include:

• Conduct research on health innovation trends, emerging and mature technologies and innovations, and market opportunities as it relates to WomenX mission.
• Prepare research reports, internal briefs, and data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
• Research prospects in the global health arena especially those that support and fund women’s health in the LMICs; draft donor profiles and dossiers, case for support etc.
• Research investor and financing landscape: Conduct in-depth research on potential investors and financing opportunities to support the WomenX resource mobilization strategy.
• Develop presentations, value proposition, infographics, and other visual assets to effectively communicate key messages and bolster funding and partnership requests.
• Draft donor and prospect profiles, presentations on pipeline solutions, talking points and briefing notes, as well as articles for communication purposes, in accordance with the guidance of the supervisor.

B. Project Support for External Engagement

In addition to research, the role will provide support for external engagement initiatives and governance meetings, including:

• Assist in the development of an external engagement plan, including scoping conferences, networks and events.
• Develop internal briefing notes, speaking notes and other communication materials as needed.
• Draft content to support the development of funder reporting, as required.

Qualifying for a Volunteer Assignment

All UNFPA Volunteers must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants from all over the world may express an interest in volunteering. Applicants must be over the age of 18. There is no upper age restriction as long as the person is fit for the required work.
• Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment.
• Volunteers may include professionals, technicians, and retirees.
• Spouses and family members of current UNFPA personnel may volunteer as long as there is no conflict of interest.
• Family relationships must be disclosed to the Ethics Office and Head of Unit prior to engaging a spouse or family member as a volunteer.
• Volunteers should not be in the same reporting line as spouses or family members and, where feasible should be in different organizational units.
• Normally a volunteer should have completed secondary education and should have a working knowledge of English.
• Fluency in the official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) of the UNFPA office may be required.
• Demonstrate interest in the field of development.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have: Your Education:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, law, social studies or a related area is required

Your Experiences:

• Some experience in project management and/or research is required.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to organize work independently with minimum supervision;
• Ability to work productively in a multicultural team and be able to work under pressure, gain support from others and produce quality work;
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required, while fluency in German is desirable.
• Knowledge of an additional United Nations language is an asset.

Financial Aspects:

UNFPA Volunteers do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with a UNFPA Volunteer’s participation in the programme must be assumed by the UNFPA Volunteer themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements.

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the volunteer assignment. Proof of adequate medical insurance, a medical certificate of good health, proof of any required vaccinations for the duty station will need to be submitted before the volunteer assignment begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for UNFPA volunteers.

DEADLINE: January 30, 2026 (America/New York)