Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative 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, acting as the focal point for 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 settlement projects to address the rapid urbanization challenges on the continent. The portfolio of UN-Habitat in West Africa has expanded significantly, growing tenfold between 2020 and 2025, with the number of active country programs increasing from six to twelve. This growth reflects the organization's commitment to addressing urbanization challenges and achieving sustainable development across 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, specifically in Praia, Cape Verde, and Bissau, Guinea Bissau. The intern will be expected to support the implementation of UN-Habitat's activities in the West Africa region, which focuses on three main thematic priorities: Land, Housing and Basic Services; Forced Displacement, Migration and Development Corridors; and Urban Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation. The intern will report to the National Programme Officers in both Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the organization's mission of promoting sustainable urban development. This role is designed for individuals who are eager to learn about urban development and contribute to meaningful projects that address pressing issues in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a range of responsibilities under the supervision of the National Programme Officers in Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau. Key duties include familiarizing themselves with UN-Habitat's mandate and tools, supporting GIS mapping and spatial analysis, assisting in the development of concept notes and project documents for resource mobilization in West Africa, and aiding specific country offices in monitoring and reporting to the Regional Office for Africa and headquarters. Additionally, the intern will contribute to the communication and visibility of UN-Habitat's activities in the countries, perform tasks such as note-taking, drafting minutes, providing translations, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and attending meetings as needed.

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 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 a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Town Planning, Architecture, Geography, or any 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 type is necessary. Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, 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, it is essential that they have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should ideally have academic experience or coursework that aligns with urban development and the specific responsibilities of the internship position.

Languages:
For this internship position, fluency in both oral and written English and Portuguese is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another UN language is also considered a plus. Proficiency in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools such as QGIS and ArcGIS for mapping and spatial analysis is highly desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that all 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 the country where the internship is undertaken 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, and does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.