Organization: UNHABITAT – United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Internship – Internship
Occupational Groups:
Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
Urban Development, planning and design
Closing Date: 2024-09-25
Work Location
In-person, Nairobi, Kenya
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. Setting and Reporting About UN-Habitat The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, the Habitat Agenda, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/56/206. About the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is the thematic department at UN-Habitat with a mandate to support national and local government in urban planning, design and management related areas of work, such as national urban policies, metropolitan planning, strategic and detailed planning, urban-rural linkages, urban regeneration, public space, urban planning and innovation and urban planning and climate change. About the Planning, Finance and Economy Section (PFES) The Planning, Finance and Economy Section (PFES) is responsible for coordinating the Agency’s substantive, normative and operational work on various dimensions of planning, finance and economy. The Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate planning policies, norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures and practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels in support of (a) urban and territorial planning at all scales including urban design and public space design; (b) urban finance (municipal finance and urban development/projects finance); and (c) local economic development. About the Flagship Programme Inclusive Communities, Thriving Cities The Flagship Programmes support the implementation of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan by reducing fragmentation of the agency work and increasing predictability of funding, establishing long term partnerships, strengthening visibility, and enhancing horizontal and vertical integration of the dimensions of work. The Flagship Programme 1 ‘Inclusive Communities, Thriving Cities’ aims to promote urban regeneration, transforming socially, economically, environmentally deprived areas and strategic locations of the city into connected, dynamic, diverse, and vibrant neighbourhoods. By establishing global norms and monitoring frameworks, creating an enabling institutional environmental with governance mechanisms, and implementing strategic initiatives for urban regeneration, the programme addresses the need to establish and mainstream inclusive and sustainable urban regeneration approaches. This regeneration work will lead to social inclusion, shared economic prosperity and physical functionality and environmental sustainability. Responsibilities The intern will be part of UN-Habitat’s Global Flagship Programme ‘Inclusive Communities, Thriving Cities’. The intern should be able to provide thorough, well-reasoned written support, including background studies, concept notes, first draft project proposal, speaking notes, e-mail and oral communications, and meeting and research materials. Provide strong reviews and feedback for project proposals, based on pre-determined criteria and clear guidance. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Be able to assist in data collection and analysis. Efficiently uses resources and identifies opportunities. Thematic areas of work within the Programme: • Urban planning and design, development studies, social/political science, or economic development: Urban regeneration, spatial planning, and social inequality; Environmental social governance Urban economics, digital systems, blended finance; Resilience, urban environment, impact assessments; Capacity development and knowledge management. • Communications and digital content creation; • Database management, data analysis and visualization.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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 Bachelor’s degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent. Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite). Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Preferred areas of study: Architecture, Urban Development, Urban Planning and Design, Urban Policy and Governance, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, Data Analytics, Environmental Science, Climate Studies, or related field. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.