UN-Habitat Intern - Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. It aims to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries worldwide, collaborating with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in urban areas and ensuring that urbanization serves as a transformative force for people and communities. The Local2030 Coalition, part of UN-Habitat, focuses on accelerating the localization of the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that global goals align with local needs and priorities. This coalition is co-chaired by UN-Habitat and UNECE and involves 14 UN entities, working together to create impactful solutions for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The UN-Habitat Intern - Advocacy position is situated within the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat, which is part of UN-Habitat’s Global Solutions Division. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the advocacy efforts of the Coalition, which aims to engage local stakeholders in the design and implementation of development agendas. The intern will work under the supervision of the Team Lead for Programme Management and Partnerships, contributing to various advocacy initiatives and collaborating with partners and UN members. The role involves assisting in the organization of events and workshops, drafting communications, and developing key messages and materials that align with the Coalition’s advocacy strategy. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development and advocacy within the framework of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: organizing and planning events and workshops by preparing necessary documentation such as concepts, agendas, and logistical guidelines; drafting event descriptions that align with the Local2030 Coalition’s advocacy strategy; managing invitations for events, including drafting communications and maintaining tracking spreadsheets; developing key messages and briefing materials to support advocacy activities; creating presentations and other materials for events and meetings; providing logistical support for events, including setup and speaker coordination; assisting with travel logistics for the Coalition Secretariat and event speakers; taking meeting notes, drafting reports and minutes, and managing document filing and database management; and tracking follow-up actions for events and meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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), or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or having completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme. Preferred areas of study include Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, or other relevant fields. This educational foundation is crucial as it aligns with the responsibilities and expectations of the internship role.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This ensures that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the context in which they will be working. The internship is designed for individuals who are at the beginning of their professional journey, providing them with valuable exposure to the workings of the United Nations and international development.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required for this internship position. Applicants must possess an excellent command of both languages, with the ability to tailor their communication based on the audience. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable, as it can enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders within the UN system. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, making proficiency in these languages beneficial for effective communication.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Spain may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.