Programme Support Communications Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, with a specific focus on supporting national and local governments in implementing the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG11, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA), located in Istanbul, Türkiye, plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure coherent program delivery and effective partnerships across the region. UN-Habitat's commitment to sustainable urbanization is reflected in its initiatives that promote knowledge transfer and capacity building among regional counterparts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern will be based in the Office of the Regional Director of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA) and will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Director or a designated officer. The intern's primary role will involve supporting coordination, communications, and analytical tasks related to program support, partnerships, and reporting. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban development and sustainability, and who wish to gain practical experience in a dynamic international organization. The intern will engage in various activities that contribute to the overall mission of UN-Habitat, including drafting and updating communication materials, assisting in the preparation of presentations, and supporting the organization of meetings and events. This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about the workings of the UN and to contribute to meaningful projects that aim to improve urban living conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the ROEECA team, including:

• Drafting and updating talking points, briefing notes, and background documents for the Regional Director’s meetings, missions, and high-level engagements.
• Supporting the preparation of presentations, briefs, and visual materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Assisting in drafting and reviewing official communications, correspondence, and coordination notes with headquarters, regional offices, country offices, and partners.
• Supporting coordination functions across ROEECA, including tracking follow-ups, actions, and key priorities.
• Compiling and synthesizing information for reports, speeches, and strategic notes.
• Conducting basic data analysis and visualization, including the preparation of charts, tables, and summaries to inform decision-making.
• Contributing to knowledge management, filing, and maintenance of the Office of the Regional Director’s documentation.
• Assisting in organizing meetings, workshops, and regional events, including logistics, agendas, and summaries.
• Supporting UNFCCC COP31 mobilization activities in the ECCA region, including preparing briefing materials, mapping stakeholders, and follow-up coordination. 1
• Performing other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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 must be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also essential.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a background in fields related to urban studies, urban planning, international development, international relations, public administration, economics, environmental studies, or a related discipline. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This ensures that the intern can effectively contribute to the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the position description. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their academic background and any relevant projects or coursework that align with the internship's focus.

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 is desirable and may enhance the candidate's application, particularly in a multicultural environment where diverse languages are spoken.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Türkiye may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.