Intern - Climate Change Team

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. Founded nearly forty years ago, UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on urbanization and human settlement issues. The organization aims to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, addressing challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat is also dedicated to strengthening climate action among member states, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, while supporting vulnerable urban communities through investment mobilization from climate funds.

Job Overview:
The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Climate Change Team within the Programme Development Branch (PDB) of UN-Habitat. This position involves assisting in the planning and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, particularly those related to the flagship programme RISE UP: Resilient Settlement for the Urban Poor. The intern will also support the roll-out of the COP27 presidential initiative SURGe – Sustainable Urban Resilience for the next Generation, as well as other related initiatives and global climate processes. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to develop new projects at different levels and to assist in the implementation of UN-Habitat’s Environmental and Social Safeguards System (ESSS). Additionally, the intern will engage in knowledge management, research, and communication efforts to support the objectives of the Climate Change and Urban Environment Sub-Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include assisting in the planning and implementation of climate change projects, supporting the development of new initiatives, and contributing to the monitoring and reporting of the Climate Change and Urban Environment Sub-Programme. The intern will conduct research on topics related to cities, climate change, and sustainable urbanization, which will aid in the production of normative publications. The intern will also support partnerships with urban climate change stakeholders and assist in preparations for global events such as Innovate4Cities 2024 and Climate COP2

• Communication tasks will involve planning and delivering outreach events, drafting materials for various audiences, and enhancing UN-Habitat's online presence.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level), or have graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in UN work, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Preferred areas of study include Urban Planning, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, International Development, and related fields. Excellent communication skills are essential, and experience in content creation and social media is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, International Development, or Communication. A Master's degree or PhD candidacy is preferred. The application should include a cover letter explaining how the internship aligns with the candidate's academic interests and professional development.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship type. Candidates must be students in their final year of a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programme or have completed such a programme. Previous UN internship experience is a plus but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of French is essential as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish and other UN languages is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.