Urban Law Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established 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. The organization aims to leverage urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The Policy and Legislation Section (PLS) is one of the two sections within the Planning, Finance and Policy Branch of UN-Habitat, focusing on policies, legislation, urban-rural linkages, and metropolitan management for sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat plays a critical role in implementing relevant UN-Habitat Assembly resolutions, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda, emphasizing the need for clear legal frameworks for urban development that promote accountability and the rule of law.

Job Overview:
The Urban Law Intern position at UN-Habitat is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban law and its implications for sustainable development. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Specialist in the Policy and Legislation Section. The role involves conducting research and studies on various urban law topics, including urban planning law, housing law, public participation, and climate-smart urban planning legislation. The intern will provide support for ongoing and upcoming projects, ensuring smooth implementation and addressing any challenges that may arise. The position also requires the intern to analyze and present data collected from diverse sources, contributing to informed decision-making. Additionally, the intern will assist in drafting background papers, reports, and studies related to housing, land, and property rights, as well as urban law assessments. The intern will also help maintain the UrbanLex database, ensuring its accuracy and relevance, and contribute to the creation of communication materials for the Section's websites. The role includes organizing expert group meetings, consultative sessions, and conferences, promoting knowledge-sharing within the urban law community, and producing a personal project aligned with the Section's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background, assigned office, and internship period. Key duties include: conducting research on urban law topics; providing backstopping support for projects; analyzing and presenting data; drafting reports and publications; maintaining the UrbanLex database; applying and enhancing the Section's toolkits; creating communication materials; organizing events and outreach activities; and producing a personal project that contributes to the Section's mission. The intern may also undertake additional duties as required to ensure the effective functioning of the Section and the successful implementation of its initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: 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 equivalent), or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Candidates should 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 commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The preferred areas of study for applicants include law, international relations, or diplomacy. While professional work experience is not required for UN internships, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.

Experience:
Experience in conducting research on urban law related to urban planning, land, climate change, and housing is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in reviewing and analyzing legal documents. Experience in organizing events, such as expert group meetings and conferences, or supporting outreach activities is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs for 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 Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.