Intern - Urban Energy Solutions

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an 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 collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization works towards the long-term goal of ensuring sustainable cities and communities as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals framework, particularly focusing on SDG 11, which addresses sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging in numerous countries to implement its mission and initiatives, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to urban development and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located at the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, specifically within the Global Solutions Division, Urban Practices Branch, Urban Basic Service Section (UBSS), and Urban Energy Solutions. The intern will provide technical support in the development of designs and drawings for Multifunctional Clean Energy Centres (MCECs), which are integrated hubs aimed at addressing issues related to inadequate access to water, sanitation, and modern energy in urban communities, particularly in low-income and informal settlements. The intern will work under the supervision of the Lead of the Urban Energy Solutions Team, assisting in various aspects of project development, implementation, knowledge management, outreach, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement. This position is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with interns expected to work five days a week.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will assist in several key areas, including:

• Project Development and Implementation: Planning, designing, and producing architectural designs and drawings for energy-efficient mass housing, neighborhood development, and MCECs. Mainstreaming urban energy and low-carbon interventions into housing design and human settlement development.
• Knowledge Management and Outreach: Documenting case studies on mass housing and energy-related practices, preparing publications and outreach materials, and assisting with external communication and social media activities.
• Resource Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement: Drafting project proposals and concept notes for donor submissions, supporting stakeholder engagement to identify potential partners and investment opportunities.
• Research and Reporting: Conducting research and analysis to support MCEC and MRF projects, generating periodic progress reports, and undertaking additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
Preferred areas of study include Architecture, Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Development, or related fields. Applicants must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these programs. Good knowledge of energy efficiency in buildings is required, and applicants should be prepared to discuss ideas for promoting advocacy of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, experience in research, technical writing, knowledge management, and project development is desirable. Familiarity with AutoCAD, 3D modeling software, and Adobe Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) is also preferred. Applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for and must meet the educational criteria outlined above.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, 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. The application process requires a completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note through the UN careers portal, along with proof of enrollment or a certified copy of the degree certificate. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.