Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to advance socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, serving as the focal point for urbanization matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with Member States and partners to foster inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities, aiming to leverage urbanization as a transformative force to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, with a focus on enhancing urban living conditions and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and is designed to support the Urban Crisis Response & Humanitarian Affairs Section within the Regional Programmes Division. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, contributing to the development, implementation, and monitoring of programs and projects that address urban crisis preparedness, response, recovery, and reconstruction. This role is particularly focused on contexts affected by urban displacement and humanitarian emergencies. The intern will engage in analytical work, desk-based reviews, and the preparation of substantive outputs, including internal documents, knowledge products, and reports. The position emphasizes the importance of linking emergency actions with long-term recovery and development priorities, thereby contributing to UN-Habitat's strategic goals for the period 2026-2029.

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

• Contributing to the development and monitoring of programs addressing urban crisis preparedness and response, particularly in crisis-affected countries. This involves conducting analytical work and desk reviews to identify best practices and opportunities for scaling interventions.
• Supporting the preparation of substantive outputs related to the Section's work, including drafting internal documents, knowledge products, briefing notes, and reports, as well as conducting background research on urban crises and displacement.
• Assisting in coordination and communication activities, preparing outreach materials for various audiences, and organizing internal and external meetings, including note-taking and tracking follow-up actions.
• Providing operational support to the Section's work, including assistance with flagship events and inter-agency coordination processes as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: a. Enrollment in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), b. Enrollment in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), c. Graduation with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The preferred areas of study for applicants include urban studies, humanitarian or development studies, social or political sciences, international relations, public information, business administration, or related fields. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study closely relates to the internship type they are applying for. This ensures that the intern can effectively contribute to the work of the UN-Habitat and gain relevant experience in their area of interest.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this internship position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, 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.