Internship

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Founded to address the challenges of urbanization, UN-Habitat has been operational since its inception and has grown to oversee 15 country offices across 42 countries in the Asia and Pacific region. The organization aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, working in partnership with various stakeholders to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific was established in 1997 in Fukuoka, Japan, and has since been actively involved in various urban development initiatives. The organization is committed to addressing pressing urban issues through its Strategic Plan 2026-2029, which focuses on equitable prosperity, environmental sustainability, and disaster preparedness and recovery.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UN-Habitat is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Interns will work under the supervision of UN-Habitat staff members and will be involved in various thematic and operational areas relevant to the country office they are assigned to. The internship is a full-time, unpaid position, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 35 hours. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in a vibrant learning environment, contributing to local and country-level technical assistance and normative work. The role will involve supporting country-level and sub-regional programs, project monitoring, reporting, evaluation, and research. Interns will also assist in communication efforts, knowledge management, and the preparation of various documents and publications. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates who are passionate about urban development and wish to contribute to the mission of UN-Habitat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of UN-Habitat. These duties may include assisting in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of regional and country-level projects and programs. Interns will support inter-agency collaboration and facilitate cooperation between country teams on development and humanitarian issues. They will assist in the administration and budgeting of ongoing projects, track funding calls, and aid in resource mobilization efforts. Additionally, interns will help manage information and knowledge, prepare concept papers, project documents, and publications, and assist in communication efforts, including drafting web stories and managing website content. They will also support the organization and follow-up of meetings and workshops, and undertake other assignments as required to contribute to the development and implementation of the country office's work program.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Candidates 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 its ideals are essential. Applicants should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the internship should ideally have a background in fields related to urban development, such as Architecture, Urban Design, Geography, Environmental Management, Climate Change, Humanitarian Management, or related disciplines. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in their final year of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program or have completed such programs. Good communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, as well as research skills in sustainable urban development or climate change.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on candidates who are in their final year of study or have recently graduated, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of the field and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of UN-Habitat.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations. Proficiency in French is particularly beneficial, given that it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa arrangements, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is expected to last for six months, and candidates should indicate their preferred modality (in-person, hybrid, remote), their availability, and the number of months they can commit. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.