Intern for Sustainable Urban Development

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Environment and Development Division’s Sustainable Urban Development Section of the United Nations. The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The Sustainable Urban Development Section focuses on advancing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban development across Asia and the Pacific, working with member states and key stakeholders. The organization employs thousands of individuals worldwide and operates in numerous countries, addressing various global challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed for individuals interested in sustainable urban development and urban climate resilience, particularly in the context of Asia and the Pacific. Interns will support the Sustainable Urban Development Section's initiatives, focusing on urban heat resilience. The role is full-time and requires in-person attendance in Bangkok, Thailand. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and are expected to engage in various tasks that contribute to the organization's goals. The internship is unpaid and is expected to last a minimum of four months, with a preference for six months. Interns will gain hands-on experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, research, and communications, all of which are critical for advancing sustainable urban development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that include:

• Supporting the organization and implementation of meetings, workshops, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities related to urban climate resilience and sustainable urban development initiatives. This includes drafting concept notes, agendas, workshop programs, meeting summaries, presentations, and communications materials, as well as coordinating follow-up activities (35% of the role).
• Assisting with program and project coordination tasks related to urban heat resilience initiatives, which involves maintaining project tracking tools, coordinating with consultants and partners, organizing project documentation, monitoring timelines and deliverables, and supporting implementation-related activities (30%).
• Conducting research and supporting knowledge management activities on urban climate resilience, urban heat adaptation, sustainable urban planning, nature-based solutions, and related policies and practices in Asia and the Pacific. This includes preparing background materials, case studies, and briefing notes (20%).
• Supporting communications, outreach, and operational tasks related to the Section’s work, which involves drafting website and social media content, preparing visual materials and presentations, organizing photo and knowledge assets, and updating webpages and project documentation (15%).

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) related to international development, sustainable development, urban planning, urban development, policy analysis, environmental management, social science, development practice, international relations, public health, or related disciplines; or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent) in a related field. Additionally, strong organizational and coordination skills are desirable, along with experience in supporting workshops, events, stakeholder engagement, or project coordination activities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is also desirable, as is familiarity with climate change, sustainable urban development, urban resilience, urban planning, or related policy areas. Experience with data visualization, GIS, graphic design, communications, or digital content creation is considered an asset, as is familiarity with the responsible use of AI tools to improve work quality and efficiency in line with UN guidelines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes either being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program in fields such as international development, sustainable development, urban planning, environmental management, or related disciplines. Alternatively, candidates may qualify by being enrolled in or having completed their final year of a bachelor's degree in a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable urban development and climate resilience.

Experience:
The internship is designed for individuals who may not have extensive professional experience but possess relevant academic knowledge and skills. While prior experience in supporting workshops, events, stakeholder engagement, or project coordination is desirable, it is not mandatory. The focus is on providing an opportunity for interns to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly in the context of sustainable urban development and climate resilience initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another language used in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Bengali, Nepali, Japanese, Urdu, Hindi, Sinhala, or Thai, is considered an asset and may enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand 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 that the application process is free from financial barriers.