Intern - Knowledge and Innovation Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. The organization focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates in multiple countries worldwide, addressing urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. UN-Habitat's Knowledge and Innovation Branch is integral to its mission, leading the development of flagship reports and gathering urban data to inform policy and practice.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Knowledge and Innovation Branch of UN-Habitat, specifically in the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division (ERSKID). The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the Senior Information Systems Assistant, contributing to the strategic planning and operationalization of UN-Habitat's role in the New Urban Agenda and SDG 1

• The intern will engage in various activities related to monitoring and implementing the New Urban Agenda, drafting and reviewing strategies, concept notes, reports, and technical papers. Additionally, the intern will assist in organizing conferences, events, and capacity-building activities, as well as supporting IT-related tasks associated with the New Urban Agenda. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about urban development and the work of the United Nations, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience in a dynamic international environment.

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

• Supporting activities related to the monitoring and implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA).
• Producing written inputs and assisting in the drafting and reviewing of NUA-related strategies, concept notes, reports, and technical papers.
• Supporting the preparation of NUA sessions and engagement towards the World Urban Forum 1
• Assisting in the planning, preparation, and organization of conferences, events, and capacity-building activities.
• Supporting IT-related activities on NUA.
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the team. These responsibilities require collaboration with team members and a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the organization's goals.

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 demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes at least one university degree in a relevant field of study, such as urban planning, architecture, international relations, information and communication technology, or related areas. 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. program, or have completed such programs. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and the UN's role in promoting sustainable cities.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study closely relates to the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should have a strong academic background in areas pertinent to urban planning, sustainable development, or related fields. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, and thus, a keen interest in the UN's work and the specific responsibilities of the internship is vital.

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, such as French, is desirable and can enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial in a multicultural work environment, allowing for better communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UN-Habitat are not financially remunerated, and all costs associated with 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 before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, 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.