Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. The organization focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, addressing urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA), initiated in 2009, is a key initiative under UN-Habitat that supports water and sanitation operators through peer support partnerships, enhancing their capacity and performance to provide better services in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GWOPA Secretariat, currently hosted by the Government of Germany, translates GWOPA’s mandate into actionable strategies and programs, collaborating with partners to implement annual work plans that scale up Water Operator’s Partnerships (WOPs).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UN-Habitat offers a vibrant learning environment where candidates will engage with pressing issues faced by water and sanitation operators globally. Interns will explore the connections between capacity development, partnerships, and service improvements, particularly in low-income urban settings. The daily responsibilities of the intern will vary based on their background and the specific needs of the GWOPA team. A tailored work plan will be developed for each intern, ensuring that they gain relevant experience while contributing to the organization's mission. The intern will report directly to a professional staff member of GWOPA and will work under the overall supervision of the Officer-in-Charge, providing a structured yet flexible framework for their internship experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include supporting GWOPA’s membership campaign by assisting in the vetting of applications, processing members’ applications, managing the membership database, and identifying potential new members. They will also draft and review communications and advocacy materials, conduct surveys to gather feedback from members, and assist in operationalizing GWOPA’s governance framework by liaising with national and regional utilities associations. Additional responsibilities may involve drafting guidance materials, contributing to governance-related communication efforts, and assisting in the management of Steering Committee and General Assembly activities. Other tasks may include preparing concept papers, conducting research on water and sanitation topics, managing data, and assisting with event planning and follow-up activities.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: 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 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, candidates should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes studies in Water and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Urban Development, Urban Planning, Urban Environment, Public Relations, Communications Studies, Media and Communications, Journalism, International Relations, and Development Studies. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be either students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed such programs.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This may include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to water and sanitation, urban development, or international relations. The focus is on candidates who are eager to learn and contribute to the mission of UN-Habitat and GWOPA.

Languages:
Fluency in 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 a candidate's application. Proficiency in additional languages can be beneficial, especially in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is hybrid, based in Bonn, Germany, and is expected to last for a duration of six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Germany 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.