Intern

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 through positive urbanization.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located in the Governing Bodies Secretariat under the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director at UN-Habitat. The Office is responsible for formulating a clear vision for UN-Habitat, establishing operational priorities and strategies, and ensuring effective management and accountability of the program and budget. The intern will support the Governing Bodies Secretariat in organizing and servicing meetings of the Governing Bodies, including the UN-Habitat Assembly and the Executive Board. The role focuses on enhancing communication with Member States and preparing for meetings efficiently. The intern will report to the External Relations Officer and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of UN-Habitat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a range of responsibilities, including: drafting background papers, reports, speeches, and other correspondence; posting meeting documents on UN-Habitat’s Governance page; creating meeting links for Governing Bodies meetings; conducting research and preparing summaries of background materials; reviewing and updating information on relevant websites; providing support for meetings, conferences, and sessions of the Governing Bodies; responding to inquiries related to the secretariat; updating the Member States directory; and maintaining the roadmap towards key meetings. The intern may also be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
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 have graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, is essential. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are also required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or related fields. Applicants must be students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. It is important that the field of study is closely related to the internship role.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, experience in drafting correspondence is necessary. Proficiency in computer software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is also required. Experience in supporting meetings is considered desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

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

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they 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. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.