Intern - SDG Localization and Local Governments Team

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It 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 operates globally, with a mission to impact the lives of 1 billion people by promoting transformative change in 50 countries and 1000 cities. UN-Habitat's strategic focus includes adequate housing, land, and basic services for all, as well as the transformation of informal settlements and slums. The organization is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has a structured approach to capacity development and stakeholder engagement.

Job Overview:
The intern will be placed within the SDG Cities and Multilevel Governance Team, which is part of UN-Habitat’s Global Solutions Division. This division is responsible for providing programmatic direction and ensuring the effective delivery of UN-Habitat's Strategic Plan. The intern's role will involve supporting the implementation of the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs, which includes coordination with UN-Habitat regional and country offices and partners. The intern will assist in the development of National SDG Localization Frameworks, contribute to the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and support the organization of workshops and consultations. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including project managers and country focal points, to enhance the capacity of local and national governments in SDG localization. The intern will also engage in knowledge management activities, drafting communication materials, and updating internal databases, thereby playing a crucial role in advancing the goals of the SDG Cities Initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation of the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs, including coordination with UN-Habitat regional and country offices and partners.
• Assisting in the development of National SDG Localization Frameworks by conducting research, compiling data, and preparing background notes.
• Supporting the development of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) through desk research, preparing presentations, and reviewing documents.
• Assisting in organizing and implementing workshops, consultations, steering committee meetings, and mission preparations.
• Contributing to knowledge management by drafting briefs, communication materials, meeting minutes, and updating internal databases.
• Supporting monitoring and reporting activities related to the Partnership Platform workplan and country operations.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Candidates should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The preferred areas of study for applicants include: Master’s student in Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sustainable Development, International Development, Political Science, Governance, Economics (especially public finance or development economics), Environmental Policy, 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. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for. Candidates must demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the internship position.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which could enhance the candidate's ability to engage in a multilingual work environment. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, making proficiency in these languages particularly valuable.

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 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.