Intern - Urban Practices Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. The organization focuses on building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, working with various partners to address urbanization challenges and reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization has a significant presence in multiple countries, engaging in various initiatives to support urban development and policy implementation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Urban Practices Branch of UN-Habitat, specifically in the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS). The intern will assist in research and policy-oriented work, particularly focusing on urban-rural linkages and territorial approaches. The role involves supporting projects aimed at strengthening urban-rural connections and regeneration initiatives. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks, including conducting research, preparing background documents, analyzing data, and contributing to the development of knowledge products and policy tools. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban development and eager to contribute to UN-Habitat's mission of promoting sustainable urbanization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and assigned office. Under the supervision of the Human Settlement Officer, the intern will conduct research on urban and rural development policies, prepare background documents and technical inputs for project development, analyze data related to urban-rural linkages, support the preparation of concept notes and reports, assist in organizing workshops and events, and develop a knowledge product or case study as a personal contribution to the team's work. The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work independently while delivering outputs in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate program, be in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or have recently graduated with a relevant degree. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. Additionally, applicants should have strong research, writing, and analytical skills, familiarity with urban regeneration and sustainable urbanization topics, and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Experience in research and copy editing is preferred, along with a background in urban thematic areas.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have recently attained a degree in urban regeneration, urban studies, urban and regional planning, geography, international development, or a related field. A master's or PhD candidate is preferred, and applicants must provide proof of their academic status at the time of application. The internship is designed for students in their final year of study or those who have completed their degree.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Experience in research, particularly in urban regeneration, is essential. Familiarity with database management and data analytics is desirable, as is the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely. The internship is suitable for individuals who are self-motivated and can work independently with minimal supervision.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) and another UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UN-Habitat are not financially compensated, and all costs related to 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 Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.