Intern - SDG Localization and Local Governments Team

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development. It focuses on building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries worldwide, working with various partners to address urbanization challenges and reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization is committed to impacting the lives of 1 billion people by promoting transformative change in 50 countries and 1000 cities through its strategic initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The intern will be part of the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team within UN-Habitat's Global Solutions Division. This position is designed to support the implementation of the UN-Habitat's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes participatory multilevel governance and the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intern will engage in various projects aimed at enhancing the capacities of local and national governments in SDG data, planning, and reporting. The role involves collaborating with the Communications team and project managers to create compelling narratives and communication materials that highlight the impact of SDG localization efforts. The intern will also assist in drafting speeches, developing storytelling content, and preparing communications briefs, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting UN-Habitat's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include drafting speeches, talking points, and keynote remarks for various speaking engagements, including conferences and high-level meetings. They will develop storytelling content that showcases the outcomes and human stories from projects in Ghana, Finland, and other initiatives. The intern will be tasked with transforming complex technical information into engaging narratives suitable for diverse audiences, including global partners and local governments. Additional duties involve conducting background research, editing written content for clarity and accuracy, and collaborating with designers and social media teams to ensure consistent messaging across platforms. The intern may also be required to assist in preparing scripts for multimedia projects and perform other writing and communication tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program, be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program, or have graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, as is a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions. Strong writing skills are mandatory, and applicants must provide writing samples that showcase their ability to communicate effectively.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes fields related to communications, journalism, international relations, public policy, literature, writing, public affairs, or any other area relevant to writing and strategic communication. Applicants should be in their final year of undergraduate studies or enrolled in a graduate program (Master's or PhD).

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship's focus. The internship is designed for students who are either in their final year of their first university degree or have completed a higher degree.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is required for this internship position, 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:
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. Candidates should discuss their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.