Work Location
In-person, Nairobi, Kenya
Expected Duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. 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 is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. It promotes urbanization as a transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty.
The position is in the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, located within the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge, and Innovation Division (ERSKID) of UN-Habitat at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. ERSKID is responsible for strategic planning, programmatic direction, and operationalizing UN-Habitat’s focal point role for the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 in the UN system. The Knowledge and Innovation Branch (KIB) is responsible for leading the development of UN-Habitat’s flagship reports, gathering urban data, and producing cutting-edge knowledge and innovation on cities and urban development.
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the Senior Information Systems Assistant, the intern will report to the Chief of the Knowledge and Innovation Branch. Familiarity with the New Urban Agenda, SDG 11, and other issues related to UN mandates (gender equality, human rights, etc.) is required.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the Senior Information Systems Assistant, and working with other team members, the intern will:
Support activities related to the monitoring and implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA)
Produce written inputs and support the drafting/reviewing of NUA-related strategies, concept notes, reports, and technical papers
Support preparation of NUA sessions and engagement towards the World Urban Forum 13
Assist in the planning, preparation, and organization of conferences, events, and capacity-building activities
Support IT-related activities on NUA
Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the team
Qualifications/Special Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
Have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, PhD, or equivalent
Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite)
Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
Demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
Preferred Areas of Study:
At least one university degree should be in a relevant field of study, such as urban planning, architecture, international relations, information and communication technology, or related areas.
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience; however, a field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Program.
Applicants must meet the criteria above and provide proof with the application (e.g., official certificate).
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), interactive webinar tools (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom, Miro, Mentimeter), and design tools (Adobe Creative Suite) is required. Work samples may be requested later.
Familiarity with the New Urban Agenda, SDG 11, and other UN mandates (gender equality, human rights, etc.) is required. Evidence or certificates will be requested later.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Intern Specific Text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
Deadline : Apr 17, 2025
