UN Women EntreprenHER
UN Women EntreprenHER Internship 2026: Paid Internship, Closes 28 July
Role Overview
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.
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.
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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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The P.11 is the United Nations personal history form that replaces a standard application form. It is available thro
Key Responsibilities
As an intern, your responsibilities will typically include assisting senior team members with daily tasks and project deliverables, conducting research and preparing reports as directed by your supervisor, and attending team meetings to contribute ideas. In this internship, you will be expected to learn and apply company processes, systems, and tools, complete assigned projects within specified deadlines, and maintain accurate records of your work and learning progress.
Entry Requirements
South African citizenship or valid work permit, and a relevant qualification or current enrolment at a recognised tertiary institution. Strong communication skills in English and basic computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office are required for this role.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
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. Apply at UN Women
About UN Women EntreprenHER
This internship is offered by UN Women EntreprenHER.
Why This Is Good for Starters
Internships are one of the most effective ways to break into the South African job market. According to the National Youth Development Agency, candidates with internship experience are up to 3 times more likely to secure permanent employment. This UN Women EntreprenHER internship gives you real workplace exposure, professional references, and a chance to prove yourself before committing to a long-term role. Many South African companies convert their top interns into permanent staff.
CV Tips for This Application
- Highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that show initiative
- Include your university or college details prominently — GPA if above 65%
- Mention any software, tools, or technical skills you learned during your studies
- Keep your CV to one page — hiring managers reviewing intern applications spend under 30 seconds per CV
- Add a short "Career Objective" at the top explaining why you want this specific internship
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are a good fit
- Submit before the closing date: 28 July 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this internship paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 28 July 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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