Intern - SDG Localization and Local Governments

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Position Title: Intern - SDG Localization and Local Governments
Location: Nairobi, Remote
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and has a mission to provide adequate shelter for all, focusing on urban development and human settlements. The agency plays a crucial role in coordinating activities related to human settlement development and collaborates with local and regional governments to achieve its goals. UN-Habitat is particularly focused on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by 193 Member States during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 201

• The agency emphasizes the importance of local action in achieving the SDGs and has developed various initiatives to support local governments in this regard.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team at UN-Habitat is designed to provide support in the coordination of program activities aimed at accelerating the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intern will work under the supervision of the Human Settlements Officer and will be involved in various aspects of project management, including drafting project concept notes, developing work plans, and providing technical advice to regional offices. The role requires analytical research skills to support the production of normative publications and strategic planning for projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. The intern will also assist in developing partnerships, planning events, managing databases, and coordinating communication with internal and external stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development and contribute to meaningful projects that aim to foster inclusive innovation and address local challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the coordination of program activities for the project "Accelerating SDG Localization through digital transformation" by drafting project concept notes and agreements, and developing work plans.
• Providing technical advice to UN-Habitat's Regional Office for Latin America and Sub Regional Offices on SDG Localization-related projects and tools.
• Conducting analytical research on technical materials related to SDG Localization and assisting in the production of normative publications.
• Supporting the development of partnership engagement by assisting in the creation of proposals and agreements.
• Planning and preparing for events and meetings, including logistical support, agenda development, and follow-up actions.
• Managing the program's database and monitoring ongoing and pipeline projects.
• Coordinating internal communication with UN-Habitat’s Regional and Country Offices and relevant teams in HQ regarding project implementation and reporting.
• Assisting in communications and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration.

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, candidates 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 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.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing or have recently attained an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Administration, Social and Political Sciences, International Relations, Urban/Public Policy, or other related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and the implementation of the SDGs.

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 position. Candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in these languages will be beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UN-Habitat are not financially remunerated, 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 Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important 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 financial information.