Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization has a significant presence in Africa, particularly through its Regional Office for Africa (ROAF), which supports African countries in developing human settlements projects to address the rapid urbanization challenges faced by the continent. The portfolio of UN-Habitat in West Africa has expanded dramatically, increasing from 6 to 12 active country programs between 2020 and 2025, reflecting the growing need for sustainable urban development in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) of UN-Habitat in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The intern will report directly to the Burkina Faso Country Programme Officer and will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UN-Habitat's activities in the West Africa region. The intern will be expected to familiarize themselves with UN-Habitat's mandate and the tools developed by the organization. They will assist in GIS mapping and spatial analysis, contribute to the development of concept notes and project documents aimed at resource mobilization, and support country offices in monitoring and reporting activities. Additionally, the intern will help enhance the communication and visibility of UN-Habitat's work in West Africa and Burkina Faso, and perform various administrative tasks as needed, such as note-taking, drafting minutes, providing translations, preparing presentations, and attending meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Familiarizing themselves with UN-Habitat’s mandate and the tools developed by the organization.
• Supporting GIS mapping and spatial analysis efforts.
• Assisting in the development of concept notes and project documents for resource mobilization in West Africa and Burkina Faso.
• Supporting country offices in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, in monitoring and reporting to the Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) and headquarters.
• Contributing to the communication and visibility of UN-Habitat’s archives in West Africa and Burkina Faso.
• Performing other tasks as needed, including note-taking, drafting minutes, providing translations, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and attending meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (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 must be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. They should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also required.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Town Planning, Architecture, Geography, or any other related field. 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 necessary. Candidates must be students 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 professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship they are applying for. Knowledge in the thematic area of urban development is essential, and proficiency in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools such as QGIS and ArcGIS for mapping and spatial analysis is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is required for this internship position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Therefore, 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 Burkina Faso may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before 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 concern itself with information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.