United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) About
UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.
Job Description
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 improve living conditions in cities and communities. UN-Habitat's mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, acting as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. The organization has been operational for several decades and has a presence in numerous countries worldwide, working collaboratively with various partners to address urban challenges and promote inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development. In Lebanon, UN-Habitat has been active since the aftermath of the 2006 July War, focusing on housing reconstruction, shelter provision, and upgrading basic services while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainable solutions through urban profiling and policy analyses. Over the past 15 years, UN-Habitat Lebanon has effectively collaborated with community, national, and international urban planning actors to implement programs that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UN-Habitat in Beirut is designed to provide support to the Urban Governance and Development unit. The intern will work closely with the technical team and report directly to the unit manager. The role involves a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the unit's operations and contributing to the overall mission of UN-Habitat. The intern will be responsible for collecting and organizing field data, assisting in the design and editing of communication materials, and helping to coordinate meetings and training sessions. Additionally, the intern will participate in field missions and community-level meetings, liaise with various stakeholders, and assist in preparing procurement and administrative documentation. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in urban governance and development while contributing to meaningful projects that aim to improve living conditions in Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties and responsibilities will include the following:
  • Support the collection and organization of field data and updates from partners to ensure accurate and timely information is available for project implementation.
  • Assist in designing and editing communication materials such as presentations, brochures, and reports to effectively convey project objectives and outcomes.
  • Help organize meetings, training sessions, and field visits, including managing logistical arrangements and communication with participants.
  • Participate in field missions and community-level meetings as required, providing support and gathering insights from local stakeholders.
  • Liaise with municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to collect information and facilitate coordination of activities related to urban development projects.
  • Assist in preparing procurement and administrative documentation to ensure compliance with UN-Habitat's operational procedures.
  • Support tracking project progress, monitoring deliverables, and maintaining activity databases to ensure effective project management.
  • Assist in drafting and editing reports, minutes of meetings, and project documentation in both Arabic and English to maintain clear communication and record-keeping.
  • Maintain proper documentation (both soft and hard copies) of project-related materials to ensure accessibility and organization of information. 1
  • Support the preparation of project summaries, stories, and communication content for social media and other platforms to promote project visibility and engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), c. Have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, applicants 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. Candidates 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 a Bachelor’s degree (or final-year student) in Social Sciences, Communication, Public Administration, Development Studies, or related fields. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience; however, a field of study closely related to the internship type is required. Candidates must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the internship position they are applying for. This internship is particularly suited for students who are in the final stages of their academic programs or have recently graduated, allowing them to gain practical experience in a real-world setting while contributing to UN-Habitat's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required for this internship position, as these are the primary languages used in the work environment. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's application. Proficiency in English and Arabic will enable effective communication with team members and stakeholders involved in urban governance and development projects.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UN-Habitat are not financially remunerated, 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 before starting the internship. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization 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. Furthermore, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.
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