Intern - Planning & Finance Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, working collaboratively with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. The organization aims to leverage urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging in numerous initiatives across various countries to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The intern will be positioned within the Planning & Finance Section of UN-Habitat, which is responsible for coordinating the agency's substantive, normative, and operational work on urban planning, finance, and economy. The intern will report directly to the Chief of the Planning, Finance and Economy Section and will be expected to assist in various tasks that support the development and dissemination of integrated planning and finance policies, norms, standards, and methodologies. The role will involve engaging with urban and territorial planning at multiple scales, urban finance, and local economic development, with a focus on climate adaptation and social inclusion. The intern will gain valuable exposure to the workings of the United Nations and the complexities of urban development policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: assisting in tracking developments and innovations in urban planning and finance; supporting the preparation of content and logistics for workshops, surveys, assessments, and seminars; coordinating with various teams within the Section; conducting research for the development of papers and strategies related to urban development; assisting in the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within urban planning and finance frameworks; handling administrative tasks such as organizing meetings and maintaining filing systems; and performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The intern will also have opportunities to familiarize themselves with UN processes and engage in dialogues with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 have graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Candidates should be proficient in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. Additionally, applicants should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The preferred areas of study for applicants include Urban Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Policy, Geography, Architecture, Economics, Finance, Local Economic Development, International Development, or related fields that are relevant to sustainable urban development. A strong academic background in these areas will be beneficial for the internship.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Previous experience in urban development contexts will be considered an asset, as will any demonstrated ability in writing, research, and interaction with diverse cultural backgrounds.

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

Additional Notes:
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 Kenya 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. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.