Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a prominent organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, making it a focal point for urbanization matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, with its headquarters located in Nairobi, Kenya, and a significant office in New York that supports executive, program, and partnership functions. UN-Habitat is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of its New York Office to provide substantive support to the UN General Assembly and inter-governmental bodies, facilitating inter-agency collaboration across UN entities and reform activities.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UN-Habitat offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment focused on urbanization and human settlements. Interns will work under the supervision of the Director of the New York Office and will be involved in various substantive and administrative tasks. The role includes contributing to both in-person and virtual activities, such as webinars and online meetings, and engaging in collaborative research and analysis. Interns will draft and review documents on diverse topics and interact with stakeholders from various sectors worldwide. This position is designed to enhance the intern's understanding of the UN's work and the complexities of urban development, while also providing essential support to the office's functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: contributing to the organization of in-person and virtual events, assisting with the preparation of agendas, co-drafting background materials, and creating meeting reports. They will provide technical support during virtual events, manage outreach efforts, and prepare summaries and participant lists. Additionally, interns will support research for papers and reports by collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, organizing information, and identifying trends. They will also assist with stakeholder engagement programs, partnerships, and participate in relevant events at UN Headquarters. General office support tasks will include processing correspondence, maintaining online files in SharePoint, and taking meeting minutes.

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 equivalent), or have graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree. Candidates should be proficient 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. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program. Alternatively, applicants who have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program are also eligible. Preferred areas of study include MBA, international relations, social science, development studies, urban planning, urban design, geography, architectural studies, and related fields. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urbanization and human settlements.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship type they are applying for. This means that relevant academic experience or coursework is essential to ensure that interns can effectively contribute to the organization's goals and objectives. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the UN framework, making it suitable for those at the beginning of their professional journey.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory 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 can enhance the candidate's profile. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication within the diverse environment of the UN and for engaging with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of an extension up to six months. It is an in-person position located in New York, USA. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken 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, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.