“Empowering Democratic Governance: A Strategic Overview of the UNDP Elections Internship in Cameroon”

April 24, 2025

11 minutes read

“Stagiaire Elections” (Elections Intern) position with UNDP in Yaoundé, Cameroon, covering all aspects of the job, its purpose, expectations, qualifications, impact, and how it fits into the broader mission of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).http://@vacancyspaces.com

🔹 1. Introduction to the Internship Role

The Stagiaire Elections (Elections Intern) is a six-month full-time internship offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Regional Bureau for Africa, located in Yaoundé, Cameroon. It is primarily designed for recent graduates who wish to gain hands-on experience in the area of governance and electoral support, a core component of democratic development and good governance supported by UNDP worldwide.

This internship provides an excellent opportunity for young professionals to understand electoral processes from an international development perspective, contribute to inclusive and fair elections, and build essential skills in project implementation, field coordination, and administrative tasks.

🔹 2. Context and Importance of the Role

a. UNDP and Governance

UNDP is a global development network that works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations. One of its major thematic focus areas is democratic governance and peacebuilding, which includes:http://👉 UNDP Elections Internship – Yaoundé, Cameroon (Job ID 25979)

Supporting free, fair, and transparent elections
Promoting the rule of law
Encouraging citizen participation in democratic processes
Ensuring the inclusion of marginalized populations in governance systems

b. Elections in the Governance Framework

Elections are central to governance, representing a mechanism through which citizens express their political will. In countries like Cameroon, with complex political dynamics, support to elections is essential for ensuring stability, transparency, and the credibility of democratic institutions.

This internship falls within a broader electoral assistance program where UNDP collaborates with national electoral commissions, civil society, and international partners to strengthen election management bodies, civic education, electoral transparency, and public trust.

🔹 3. Main Duties and Responsibilities

The intern works under the supervision of the Elections Project Coordinator and supports the team across a broad range of duties. These responsibilities include both technical and administrative functions and are designed to expose the intern to multiple layers of project execution. The responsibilities include:

a. Project Implementation Support

Assist with operational aspects of the electoral project, such as preparing documentation for workshops, logistics for meetings, or supporting procurement tasks.
Support the daily running of project activities including coordination with stakeholders.

b. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Participate in monitoring field activities, collecting data on the progress of implementation, and ensuring the alignment of activities with project objectives.
Support in identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement in implementation strategies.

c. Reporting

Help in drafting and reviewing technical and progress reports.
Collect and synthesize information from field offices or implementing partners to contribute to donor or internal reports.

d. Support to Field Missions

Assist in planning and organizing missions to various field sites.
Participate in these missions if required, and contribute to data collection and stakeholder engagement.

e. Stakeholder Engagement

Support the distribution of technical documents and materials to government agencies, NGOs, civil society, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate logistical arrangements for multi-stakeholder meetings.

f. Information and Knowledge Management

Maintain organized physical and digital files, including records of meetings, correspondence, and other important project documentation.
Assist in using and promoting knowledge tools such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, etc.

g. Project Support Activities

Support workshops, training events, public awareness campaigns, or other capacity development initiatives.
Perform general project support functions based on need and availability.

🔹 4. Qualifications and Skills Required

a. Education

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (obtained less than a year ago) in one of the following areas:
- Political science
- Law
- Governance
- International relations
- Public administration
- Development studies
- Any equivalent social science discipline

b. Languages

Proficiency in French and/or English is required.
Working knowledge of the second language (French or English) is considered a strong asset.

c. Technical Skills

Strong command of MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
Familiarity with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Drive) is an advantage.
Experience conducting online research is considered helpful.
Good understanding of UNDP’s mission is considered an asset.

d. Core Competencies

Teamwork: Ability to work in harmony with others and contribute to team success.
Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, clarity in expression, and the ability to document work effectively.
Initiative: Ability to take responsibility and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
Organization: Capable of managing files, tasks, and schedules effectively.

🔹 5. Benefits and Learning Outcomes

a. Professional Development

Direct exposure to UNDP’s project implementation process in the governance and electoral space.
Understanding of election cycle management, electoral risk mapping, stakeholder coordination, and capacity development.
Learning to analyze political and electoral developments, assess challenges, and recommend solutions.

b. Networking and Collaboration

Opportunities to interact with election experts, civil society leaders, government officials, and international donors.
Potential long-term professional relationships within the UN system and affiliated agencies.

c. Soft Skills Development

Develop skills in time management, problem-solving, adaptability, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication.

d. Future Employability

Strengthened CV and enhanced profile for future positions in international development, governance, political advisory work, or humanitarian settings.

🔹 6. Strategic Impact of the Role

The Elections Intern contributes to several larger goals:

a. Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Ensuring operational support contributes to credible and inclusive elections.
Supports transparency and trust-building within electoral systems in Cameroon.

b. Youth and Inclusion

The internship embodies UNDP’s goal of empowering youth, especially those from marginalized groups, by providing them with access to real decision-making platforms.

c. SDG Alignment

The position aligns with:
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 5: Gender Equality (through inclusive electoral processes)
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

🔹 7. UNDP Work Environment and Values

UNDP emphasizes a professional environment built on:

Inclusivity: Respecting diversity of thought, background, and experience.
Ethical integrity: Zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, or abuse.
Learning and adaptability: Every role, including internships, is an opportunity to grow and innovate.
Sustainability and resilience: Promoting development strategies that are long-term and community-led.

🔹 8. Practical Information for Applicants

a. Eligibility

You must have completed your degree less than 12 months before the start date of the internship.
You must be available full-time for 6 months.
You must be a Cameroon national or have the legal right to reside in Cameroon.

b. Application Deadline

May 2, 2025, 05:59 AM (UTC+0)

c. How to Apply

Prepare a CV, cover letter, and any relevant academic records.
Apply through the UNDP online recruitment portal (link available in the official posting).

🔹 9. Ethical and Legal Considerations

UNDP emphasizes:

No application fees – the UN never charges any fee at any recruitment stage.
Green card holders in the U.S. must ensure immigration compliance.
All selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks.
Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies apply at all levels.

🔹 10. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

This internship is more than an entry-level position; it is a unique opportunity to shape your future career while contributing to the democratic development of Cameroon. Through on-the-ground project work, field mission support, and collaboration with top-level development professionals, you will gain experience that will serve you in roles across public service, diplomacy, international relations, and beyond.

The Stagiaire Elections is ideal for candidates who are passionate about democracy, youth inclusion, governance reforms, and the mission of the United Nations.

Would you like a tailored cover letter or CV guidance for this specific position? Or maybe a step-by-step application guide?

Absolutely! Let’s continue and expand further, going beyond 5000 words to provide even more depth and strategic insight into the Stagiaire Elections (Elections Intern) position with UNDP in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

🔹 11. Deeper Look at the Political Context in Cameroon

a. Cameroon’s Political Landscape

Cameroon is a unitary decentralized state that operates under a presidential system. While the country holds regular elections, it continues to face challenges such as:

Low voter turnout and voter apathy, especially among youth.
Limited civic education, especially in rural and conflict-affected regions.
Concerns over electoral transparency, due to allegations of irregularities and a lack of confidence in electoral commissions.
Ongoing Anglophone crisis, which complicates the electoral landscape in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

These challenges make electoral assistance vital. As such, the Elections Intern is embedded in a high-impact, real-world policy environment where their work helps ensure that democratic processes are inclusive, peaceful, and credible.

a. Focus on Women’s Participation

Women in Cameroon often face structural barriers to political engagement, including:

Cultural biases and traditional gender roles
Limited access to campaign financing
Lack of political mentorship or support networks

The Elections Intern may support initiatives that:

Promote gender-sensitive civic education
Assist in workshops encouraging female political participation
Collect sex-disaggregated data to inform program design

b. Youth Engagement

With a significant portion of Cameroon’s population under 25, the intern will contribute to:

Programs that educate youth on voting rights and civic responsibility.
Initiatives that encourage first-time voters to register and participate.
Collaborations with youth-led organizations and student unions.

c. Inclusion of Marginalized Groups

This includes working on strategies to engage:

Persons with disabilities
Ethnic minorities
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to conflict or insecurity

The intern’s contribution ensures that no one is left behind in Cameroon’s democratic processes.

🔹 13. Expanded Technical Support Tasks

In practice, the intern may work on or observe:

a. Electoral Cycle Support

UNDP’s electoral assistance approach supports the entire electoral cycle, not just election day. This includes:

Pre-election: Legal reforms, voter registration audits, civic education
Election day: Observing logistics, monitoring turnout, data collection
Post-election: Supporting peaceful resolution of disputes, assessing lessons learned

b. Support to Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs)

In Cameroon, the independent electoral body ELECAM (Elections Cameroon) manages elections. The intern may:

Assist in logistics coordination with ELECAM
Attend or support capacity-building sessions
Help draft MoUs, meeting summaries, or cooperation frameworks

c. ICT and Digital Tools

Digital technologies are increasingly used in elections. Interns may:

Assist in testing or updating electoral databases
Support the integration of mobile platforms for civic education
Work on geospatial mapping tools for voter accessibility assessments

🔹 14. Collaborations and Partnerships

a. Government Counterparts

Interns may interact with officials from:

Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT)
Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF)
National Human Rights Commission

b. International Partners

The European Union, USAID, and GIZ often co-fund electoral support.
UNDP works alongside UN Women, UNICEF, and OHCHR on rights-based, inclusive approaches.

c. Civil Society Organizations

The intern may engage with CSOs involved in:

Election observation (e.g., Transparency International-Cameroon)
Voter education campaigns
Human rights monitoring

This cross-sector collaboration gives the intern a comprehensive overview of multistakeholder coordination in international development.

🔹 15. Practical Skills You Will Gain

Here are some real-world skills the intern is likely to develop or sharpen:

a. Project Cycle Management

Understanding how projects are planned, budgeted, implemented, and evaluated—from writing concept notes to drafting results matrices and progress reports.

b. Results-Based Management (RBM)

Learning how to define clear indicators, monitor outputs and outcomes, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with UNDP’s results frameworks.

c. Research and Analysis

Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to assess:

Voter behavior trends
Political participation patterns
Perceptions of electoral fairness

d. Field-Based Learning

By supporting missions to provinces or regions (e.g., North, Far North, or conflict-affected zones), the intern can:

Witness rural voter outreach
Support local coordination meetings
Participate in mobile civic education efforts

🔹 16. UNDP’s Electoral Support Portfolio in Cameroon

UNDP’s work in Cameroon includes:

Electoral systems reform
Gender mainstreaming in political participation
Peacebuilding efforts in electoral hotspots
Youth dialogue forums
Support to decentralized governance systems

Interns contribute directly to these priorities by supporting both the substantive programming and administrative backbone of the projects.

🔹 17. UNDP’s Learning Commitment to Interns

Interns are not just support staff—they are learners. UNDP ensures that:

Supervisors provide regular coaching and mentorship
Interns attend weekly team meetings, learning about country strategy
Opportunities exist for self-directed projects, presentations, or research papers

You may also be encouraged to:

Create a portfolio of tasks and achievements
Present a final reflection report
Write a blog article or newsletter piece for UNDP’s communication team

🔹 18. Longer-Term Career Pathways

Many former UNDP interns go on to:

Work for UN agencies, NGOs, or donor organizations
Join graduate programs in development, law, or political science
Apply for Young Professionals Programs (YPP) or Junior Professional Officer (JPO) schemes

The “Stagiaire Elections” role is a springboard into global governance careers. You’ll gain practical experience, networking connections, and professional confidence.

🔹 19. Ethics, Integrity, and Professionalism

a. Confidentiality

Interns often work with sensitive information—voter lists, political assessments, financial records. Respecting data privacy and project integrity is essential.

b. Neutrality

As part of the UN system, interns must remain politically impartial—supporting the process, not the parties.

c. Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

UNDP enforces strict policies on:

Sexual harassment
Abuse of power
Discrimination of any form

Interns must undergo online mandatory ethics training during their first weeks.

🔹 20. Tips for a Strong Application

Here’s how to stand out when applying for this role:

✅ Tailored CV and Cover Letter

Highlight research, fieldwork, or volunteer experience in governance or elections.
Showcase language skills (especially French).
Demonstrate project support or administrative skills—from report writing to organizing workshops.

✅ Show Enthusiasm for Governance

UNDP seeks motivated candidates. Speak passionately about:

Your belief in democratic participation
Your vision for inclusive governance
Your eagerness to learn from the UNDP field office

✅ Detail Your Skills Clearly

Be specific:

“Managed logistics for a 100-person civic education workshop”
“Analyzed electoral laws for a student publication”
“Conducted surveys on youth political engagement”

🔹 21. Cultural and Logistical Aspects

a. Living in Yaoundé

Yaoundé is Cameroon’s capital and second-largest city.
It offers a dynamic mix of politics, culture, and civil society activities.
French is the dominant language, with English also spoken in diplomatic and academic settings.

b. UNDP Office Culture

The UNDP office is multicultural, professional, and collaborative.
Interns are treated with respect and expected to contribute meaningfully.
Work-life balance is valued, and interns may be allowed flexible schedules depending on workload and team needs.

🔹 22. Summary of Strategic Significance

The Stagiaire Elections position is not just about administration—it is about building democracy, enhancing citizen confidence, and supporting peace in a complex political context. The work contributes to:

Strengthening national electoral infrastructure
Supporting civic space and dialogue
Promoting inclusive political participation
Building the capacity of Cameroon’s democratic institutions

It is a mission-driven role where interns play a part in shaping the future of governance in one of Africa’s most geopolitically important countries.

Would you like a custom application package (CV + cover letter) tailored specifically for this internship? I can also help you craft interview responses, or guide you on writing a powerful personal statement if needed