Intern - Policy, Legislation and Governance Section

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Intern - Policy, Legislation and Governance Section
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the mandated UN Agency focused on sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Established over 40 years ago, UN-Habitat operates in more than 90 countries, working collaboratively with governments and local partners to improve urban living conditions. The agency's mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat's Urban Practices Branch is dedicated to supporting local authorities with effective planning and governance strategies, ensuring that urban development is inclusive and sustainable, addressing social, cultural, economic, and environmental concerns.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) of UN-Habitat is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in urban policy, legislation, and governance. Interns will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Section and the Human Settlement Officer, contributing to various projects related to National Urban Policies, urban-rural linkages, and metropolitan management. The role involves assisting in the development of communication materials, outreach activities, and improving databases related to urban policies. Interns will also engage in administrative tasks, supporting the organization of meetings and the preparation of reports, thereby gaining insight into the workings of a major UN agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities, which may vary based on their background and assigned office. Key duties include:

• Contributing to written outputs such as background papers, reports, and publications.
• Assisting in outreach activities, including the production of awareness materials and communication tools.
• Improving the National Urban Policy database and assisting in debugging code and creating wireframes for user testing.
• Supporting the development of the PLGS app and the Urban-Rural Linkages database.
• Engaging in graphic design tasks for publications and social media outreach.
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as liaising with different offices, preparing presentation materials, and organizing meetings.
• Taking minutes for team meetings and following up on administrative actions.

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 equivalent).
• Have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. A commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should preferably be pursuing or have recently attained an advanced university degree in fields such as Communications and IT, Graphic Design, Application Development, Data Analysis, or related areas. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but a relevant field of study is necessary. Proof of enrollment or graduation must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should have experience in research, copy editing, communications, tools development, and project management. Experience in organizing events, such as meetings and conferences, is desirable. Additionally, familiarity with database management and data analytics is beneficial, and candidates should provide examples of relevant experience in their applications.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team's objectives.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. 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.