Internship in Urbanism

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It was mandated by the UN General Assembly and serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works collaboratively with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. The organization aims to promote urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) was established in 2011 in Cairo, Egypt, and provides technical cooperation and capacity building for 18 countries across the Arab region. The office implements policies, programs, and operational projects aimed at achieving sustainable urban development at regional, national, and local levels, and offers technical cooperation services upon request from governments. Currently, the Regional Office oversees 12 active country programs and is involved in various operational activities and projects across the Arab region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Egypt country programme at the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States in Cairo. The primary function of this internship is to support the implementation of UN-Habitat's urbanism-related programs in Arab states and conflict-affected countries. The intern will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager. The role involves assisting in the management of urban-related projects and programs, which includes drafting and monitoring the implementation of activities, preparing relevant contract documents, and providing frequent progress reports to the organization and donors as needed. The intern will also support the development of project documents and resource mobilization efforts, which may involve drafting concept notes, proposals, and communication materials. Additionally, the intern will participate in relevant events related to urbanism, such as the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which includes preparing for missions, coordinating sessions, and developing presentations as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting urbanism-related activities. Specific duties may include:

• Assisting in the management of urban-related projects and programs, including drafting and monitoring the implementation of activities.
• Preparing relevant contract documents and ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
• Providing frequent progress reports to the organization and donors as necessary.
• Supporting the development of project documents and resource mobilization efforts, including drafting concept notes, proposals, and communication materials.
• Participating in relevant events related to urbanism, such as the World Urban Forum, which includes preparing for missions, coordinating sessions, and developing presentations.
• Engaging with stakeholders and partners to facilitate collaboration and support for urbanism initiatives.
• Conducting research and analysis on urban development issues and trends in the Arab region.

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. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Preferred areas of study include urban planning/development, business management, international relations, political science, or related fields.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or having completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. Related education or research in urban planning/development, business management, international relations, political science, or a related field is required. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status and may need to submit an official certificate at a later stage.

Experience:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, related education or research experience in urban planning/development, business management, international relations, political science, or a related field is required. Candidates with related technical skills in project/programme management, development of project documents, or support for events participation related to the urbanism field are preferred.

Languages:
For this internship position, fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required, 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 the country where the internship is undertaken may be required 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, meeting, processing, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.