Capacity Development 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. It operates globally, focusing on building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat has a long history of technical cooperation and capacity development, which is central to its mission. The organization works with various partners to address urban challenges and enhance individual and institutional capacities, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Development Intern will be part of the Capacity Development Section (CDS) within the Knowledge and Innovation Branch (KIB) at UN-Habitat. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban development and eager to contribute to innovative initiatives that promote global urban leadership and capacity building. The intern will support the alignment of capacity development and training with the strategic focus of the Section’s work, engaging in a variety of tasks that include research, drafting materials, and assisting in project coordination. The role is pivotal in enhancing the effectiveness of UN-Habitat's capacity development efforts, which are essential for addressing pressing urban challenges such as climate change and rapid urban growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, including: supporting internal work related to capacity development and training; assisting in the drafting, organizing, reviewing, and editing of course materials and multimedia files; conducting research on housing and urban development themes; collating information from various sources; drafting concept notes, project documents, and technical reports; providing project coordination and administrative support; producing outreach content for social media and websites; assisting in data collection and monitoring; organizing seminars and training events; and performing other duties as assigned. This role requires a proactive approach to learning and collaboration, as the intern will work closely with the Chief of the Capacity Development Section and other team members.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 have graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes students in their final year of undergraduate studies or those pursuing a Master's or PhD in fields such as Urban Studies, Housing, Finance, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Education, Social Sciences, or related areas. Applicants must provide proof of their academic status at the time of application, and those who have recently graduated are also encouraged to apply.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship's focus. This allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable experience in the field of urban development and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory 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 considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered for a duration of six months and is available in-person or in a hybrid format in Nairobi, Kenya. 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 Kenya may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information.