Intern - Urban Planning & Design

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat has been operational in Lebanon since the aftermath of the 2006 July War, focusing on housing reconstruction, shelter provision, and upgrading basic services. Over the past 15 years, it has collaborated with local and international urban planning actors to implement programs that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive and sustainable. UN-Habitat operates in multiple countries, engaging in various urbanization projects worldwide, and employs a diverse team dedicated to addressing urban challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Urban Planning & Design unit at UN-Habitat in Beirut is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban development and sustainability. The intern will work closely with the technical team and report directly to the unit manager. The role involves a combination of desk-based tasks and fieldwork, focusing on data collection, management, and analysis. Interns will be expected to support the design and development of digital tools for data collection, prepare base maps for assessments, and assist in the validation and cleaning of data. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that aim to improve urban living conditions and promote sustainable practices in Lebanon. The intern will gain hands-on experience in urban planning and data management while working within a dynamic international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include performing desk-based data capturing, applying digitizing, data entry, and georeferencing techniques. They will support the design and development of digital data collection tools in both Arabic and English. The intern will prepare base maps to facilitate assessments conducted by field surveyors and may participate in fieldwork to collect and validate data. Additionally, they will store, sort, manage, and update data generated by the teams, assist in data processing, including validation and cleaning of spatial and non-spatial data, and contribute to the production and updating of information products such as dashboards, charts, maps, infographics, and other graphic products. The intern may also undertake any other relevant tasks that contribute to the successful implementation of the UN-Habitat Programme.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: 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), 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 preferred educational background for this internship includes being currently enrolled in or having completed a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, or any other related field. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have professional work experience, they should possess relevant academic knowledge and skills related to urban planning and data management. Experience in fields closely related to the internship, such as urban studies, geography, or engineering, will be beneficial. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the local context. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is an in-person position located in Beirut, Lebanon, with an expected duration of 6 months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, 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 Lebanon 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 at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.