Sustainable Urban Development and Housing Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and improve living conditions in cities and communities. Founded in 1978, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries, focusing on urbanization and human settlement issues. The organization aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, addressing challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat's work in Angola is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, emphasizing sustainable urbanization, housing, climate change, and community resilience. The organization collaborates with local governments and stakeholders to implement various projects, including the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP), and is actively involved in developing national urban policies to support sustainable development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Urban Development and Housing Intern position at UN-Habitat is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical 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 various projects aimed at promoting sustainable urbanization in Angola. The internship will last for six months and will be conducted in-person or in a hybrid format in Luanda. The intern will assist in identifying community opportunities, translating problems into project concepts, and supporting resource mobilization efforts. This role emphasizes the importance of communication and outreach, as the intern will help prepare meetings with potential partners and donors, develop communication tools, and ensure effective dissemination of information to stakeholders. The intern will also engage in data collection and analysis, support the implementation of UN-Habitat's portfolio, and contribute to solid waste management initiatives, making this a comprehensive learning opportunity for those passionate about urban sustainability.

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

• Assisting in identifying opportunities within communities and translating problems into project concepts.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts and preparing meetings with potential partners and donors.
• Developing communication and outreach tools to disseminate information to stakeholders, potential donors, and partners.
• 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 analyze and interpret data.
• Supporting the development of communication and outreach tools.
• 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 designing and testing community-based recycling and circular economy initiatives. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data on waste streams, generation, and disposal practices in 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
• Coordinating with municipalities, private operators, and local stakeholders on integrated solid waste management solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria 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 the 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 the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these programs. It is important that the field of study is closely related to the internship position being applied for, as this will enhance the relevance of the candidate's academic experience to the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that they have a field of study closely related to the internship. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in urban development and housing. Familiarity with concepts such as circular economy, recycling, and sustainable waste disposal is desirable, particularly for those supporting solid waste management initiatives. The intern will be expected to demonstrate initiative and keep the supervisor informed of progress, showcasing their ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Portuguese is required for this internship position, as effective communication with stakeholders is crucial. Proficiency in oral and written communication skills in both Portuguese and French is desired, as these are important for engaging with diverse partners. Knowledge of English is also considered a significant asset, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be prepared to communicate effectively in these languages, particularly during workshops and meetings, where presentations may be required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is non-paid and full-time, emphasizing the valuable experience it offers to aspiring professionals. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Angola may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to 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.