Intern - Project Support

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly. Established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, UN-Habitat aims to provide adequate shelter for all. The organization supports the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, and greener places, ensuring better opportunities for all residents to live with dignity. UN-Habitat operates in various countries, focusing on sustainable urbanization and housing initiatives, particularly in Kenya through the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) for 2023-2027, which aligns with the Government of Kenya's Mid-Term Plan and Vision 2030.

Job Overview:
The intern will be positioned within the Regional Office for Africa, specifically under the Kenya Country Programme, to support the EU-funded Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA) project. The role involves assisting in various project management tasks, including cost estimation, technical evaluations, and support for community-led contracts. The intern will work closely with architects and project managers to ensure the successful implementation of housing and infrastructure projects, contributing to the overall mission of UN-Habitat to improve urban living conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a range of responsibilities, including: preparing project cost estimates and technical evaluations for review by the project team; assisting architects with facilities planning and project support; developing work packages for community-led contracts and minor construction projects; preparing tender documents for contractors; analyzing contractor proposals for technical adequacy and cost soundness; supporting technical contract administration and physical implementation; participating in the Affordable Housing Design Lab; mapping the green materials value chain; drafting internal briefing notes and negotiation frameworks; collaborating with stakeholders to develop cost reduction strategies; ensuring compliance with safety and environmental policies; participating in technical meetings and community engagements; maintaining updated project documentation; and supporting the delivery of pilot houses and infrastructure under the guidance of a Projects Specialist.

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 enrolled 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. 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 its ideals are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
Preferred areas of study include Quantity Surveying, Building Economics and Finance, Building Science, Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering (structural), Facilities Management, or related fields. Applicants must be students in their final year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of construction science and technical estimating, as well as proficiency in reading technical drawings and understanding safety and occupational health principles.

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

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements 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. 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.