Sustainable Urban Development and Housing 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. The organization operates in over 90 countries worldwide, focusing on urbanization and human settlement matters. UN-Habitat aims to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and poverty. In Angola, UN-Habitat is working on sustainable urbanization, housing, climate change, and community resilience, among other initiatives. The organization collaborates with the Angolan government to develop urban and housing policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat's interventions in Angola are still in the operationalization phase, but they are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by the urban population, which is predominantly concentrated in major cities like Luanda, Benguela, Huambo, and Lubango. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable urban development through various programs, including the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP).

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Urban Development and Housing Intern position at UN-Habitat is designed for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in urban development, housing, and solid waste management. The intern will work under the supervision of the Regional Office for Africa's Programme Management Officer, contributing to the development of urban and housing policies in Angola. The internship is expected to last for six months and will be conducted in-person or in a hybrid format in Luanda. Although the internship is unpaid, it offers valuable experience in the field of sustainable urban development. The intern will assist in identifying community opportunities, translating problems into project concepts, and supporting resource mobilization efforts. The role emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including potential partners and donors, and involves the preparation of communication and outreach tools to disseminate information to project stakeholders. The intern will also engage in fieldwork related to urban development and housing projects, contributing to the overall implementation of UN-Habitat's portfolio in Angola.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Identifying opportunities within communities and translating problems into project concepts to support resource mobilization.
• Preparing meetings with potential partners and donors to foster collaboration.
• Developing communication and outreach tools to ensure effective dissemination of information to stakeholders.
• Supporting the implementation of UN-Habitat's portfolio and engagement within the UN Cooperation Frameworks.
• Tracking key indicators and monitoring reports and feedback with partners, including regional offices.
• Assisting in preparing layouts, engineering calculations, design drawings, specifications, and visual aids.
• Supporting fieldwork related to urban development and housing projects, including site inspections.
• Collecting and integrating data, applying technical principles to assist in data interpretation and analysis.
• Supporting the development of communication and outreach tools. 1
• Performing miscellaneous assignments as needed. 1
• Assisting with website and social media engagement. 1
• Supporting the identification and implementation of sustainable solid waste management practices in urban communities. 1
• Assisting in the design and testing of community-based recycling and circular economy initiatives. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data on waste streams, generation, and disposal practices in selected urban centers. 1
• Contributing to the preparation of reports, guidelines, and communication materials related to solid waste management, including awareness campaigns and training sessions. 1
• Supporting coordination with municipalities, private operators, and local stakeholders on integrated solid waste management solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), c. Have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
The ideal educational background for this internship includes fields of study such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Community Mobilization, Public Health, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Waste Management, and Environmental Science. 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 position.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in sustainable urban development and housing.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Portuguese is required for this internship position. Knowledge of English and French is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Familiarity with another UN language is also considered a plus. Effective communication skills in these languages are essential, especially since the intern will be responsible for sharing information between the organization and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is non-paid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Angola may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is crucial 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, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.