Intern - Programme Management

Job Description

Intern – Regional Office for Africa (UN-Habitat)

Work Location

• In-person, Nairobi, Kenya and Dakar, Senegal

Expected Duration

• 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting and Reporting

• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities.
• UN-Habitat serves as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.
• Works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, promoting urbanization as a positive transformative force to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty.
• The Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) supports African countries in developing human settlements projects to address rapid urbanization and achieve sustainable development.
• The West Africa portfolio has expanded significantly between 2020–2025, growing from 6 to 12 active country programmes.
• Support is needed for implementing activities in West Africa under three thematic priorities:
• • Land, Housing and Basic Services:
    • Establish solid land management systems.
    • Develop housing and urban transformation strategies within urbanization policies.
    • Enhance access to affordable housing and basic services with a focus on sustainable finance and local revenue enhancement.
  • Forced Displacement, Migration and Development Corridors:
    • Provide durable solutions for displaced populations through urban integration.
    • Apply an integrated territorial approach to enhance regional integration.
  • Urban Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation:
    • Implement City RAP initiatives.
    • Advance climate coastal adaptation programmes in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau.
    • Promote energy efficiency, sustainable construction, flood risk reduction, and initiatives like the Great Green Wall.

Internship Locations

• Nairobi, Kenya (1 position)
• Dakar, Senegal (1 position)
• Reports to the Senior Human Settlements Officer overseeing West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Familiarize with UN-Habitat’s mandate and tools.
• Support GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
• Assist in developing concept notes and project documents for resource mobilization.
• Support country offices in monitoring and reporting to ROAF and headquarters.
• Contribute to communication and visibility of activities in West Africa.
• Perform additional tasks such as note-taking, drafting minutes, translation, preparing presentations, and attending meetings.

Qualifications / Special Skills

• Must meet one of the following at application time:
• • Enrolled in a graduate programme (second degree or equivalent).
  • Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor’s or equivalent).
  • Recently graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Interest in the UN’s work and commitment to its values.
• Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Preferred studies: Urban Planning, Town Planning, Architecture, Geography, or related fields.
• Knowledge of urban development required.
• GIS skills (QGIS, ArcGIS) desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English and French required.
• Knowledge of another UN language desirable.

Additional Information

• Internships are unpaid.
• Travel, visa, accommodation, and living costs are the intern’s responsibility.
• Non-residents may require appropriate visa/work authorization.

Deadline : Aug 21, 2025