UN Women South Africa is recruiting two Programme Support Interns for its EntreprenHER Programme, working on-site with the Local Economic Development units of Blouberg and Musina municipalities in Limpopo. The internship suits final-year students and recent graduates in business, development studies or public administration who speak English plus Sepedi or Xivhenda. A stipend is provided to interns without other financial support. Applications close on 28 July 2026 at 05:59, so apply online immediately.
About the Programme
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide. In South Africa it runs the EntreprenHER Programme, funded by the De Beers Group, which supports women-owned micro-enterprises through training, digital literacy, mentorship, market access and small grants.
The two intern posts support delivery of this programme in partnership with the Local Economic Development units of Blouberg and Musina municipalities in Limpopo. Interns work alongside a UN Women Programme Analyst and municipal leads, helping run trainings, mentorship sessions, graduations and exhibitions for low-income women entrepreneurs in rural communities. For a young South African from Limpopo, this is a rare chance to gain United Nations work experience close to home, build a track record in community development, and see how international organisations, municipalities and entrepreneurs work together on the ground.
What You Will Learn
- Programme and logistical support for trainings, mentorship sessions and stakeholder events
- Preparing materials such as attendance registers, name tags and certificates
- Administrative coordination: programme files, trackers, beneficiary contact lists and schedules
- Basic data collection, data entry and monitoring support on programme platforms
- Communications and branding support at programme events
- Stakeholder engagement with municipalities, trainers and women entrepreneurs
- Note-taking and meeting coordination in a professional UN environment
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Who Can Apply
- University or TVET students or graduates in Entrepreneurship, Business Studies, Development Studies, Social Studies, Public Administration or related fields
- You must meet one of these criteria: enrolled in a graduate programme (second degree or higher); enrolled in the final year of a first university degree; graduated with a university degree within the last two years; or enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship that requires an internship
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Excellent written and spoken Sepedi and/or Xivhenda, to work effectively with local beneficiaries
- Willing to work on-site in Blouberg or Musina, including rural community settings
Required Documents
- Completed and signed P.11 form (the UN personal history form – mandatory)
- Proof of current enrolment or a copy of your degree certificate
- Proof of a valid health insurance plan at the duty station
- Certified or scanned copy of your ID or passport (plus visa if not a South African national)
- An updated CV and short cover note highlighting relevant experience and language skills
How to Apply
- Download and complete the P.11 form, and sign it.
- Gather your proof of enrolment or degree, ID and health insurance documents.
- Open the official UN Women application page for the Programme Support Intern post.
- Complete the online application and upload your P.11 form and documents.
- Submit and keep checking your email – UN Women contacts shortlisted candidates only.
Closing Date
The closing date for the UN Women EntreprenHER Programme Support Internship is 28 July 2026 at 05:59. No late applications will be accepted, so submit yours immediately.
Why It Matters
Most internship opportunities in South Africa are concentrated in Gauteng and the Western Cape, leaving young people in provinces like Limpopo with far fewer options close to home. These two posts flip that pattern: they are based in Blouberg and Musina and specifically require local languages, which means rural youth are not competing at a disadvantage but are exactly who UN Women is looking for.
United Nations experience on a CV opens doors at NGOs, development agencies, government and international organisations for years afterwards. Just as importantly, the work itself matters: helping women micro-entrepreneurs access training, digital tools and markets strengthens whole communities. If you are a final-year student or recent graduate who speaks Sepedi or Xivhenda and cares about development, this internship turns that background into a professional asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internship paid?
Interns who do not receive financial support from other sources, such as a university, receive a stipend from UN Women to partially subsidise basic living costs.
Where exactly will I work?
The two posts are on-site in the Blouberg and Musina municipal areas in Limpopo, one intern per municipality, with field visits to community activities.
What is the P.11 form and where do I get it?
The P.11 is the United Nations personal history form that replaces a standard application form. It is available through the UN Women application page and must be completed, signed and attached to your application.
Do I need to speak both Sepedi and Xivhenda?
No. Excellent English is required, plus excellent written and spoken skills in Sepedi and/or Xivhenda – one of the two local languages is sufficient.
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