INTERN - Sustainable Urban Development Researcher

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It 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.

UN-Habitat is currently present in all Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. In these countries, the Country Offices develop a series of activities, of both normative and operational nature, which support governments at the national and local levels to implement the principles established in international frameworks, such as the New Urban Agenda and the Agenda 2030, as well as local agendas on sustainable urban development.

An intern will be required to operate off -site and no travel request will be approved, either as part of on boarding, nor during the tenure of internship.

The UN-Habitat Sustainable Urban Development Researcher internship is for 5-6 months.

The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period.

Under the Supervision of Human Settlements Officer (HSO) stationed in Nairobi and under the direct supervision of a Country Coordinator stationed in teach country the intern will:

- Provide administrative support to the work unit in the preparation of various project documents such as work plans, budgets, reports and proposals on programme implementation arrangements. - Assist the programme team in reviewing and preparing documentation on the procurement of goods and services, and support contract tracking. - Identify sources, gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, and other material as required. - Familiarize him/herself with UN-Habitat’s mandate and the Habitat Country Programme Document, by reviewing various publications and relevant documents; - Support the Senior Officer in the activities related to the country’s ongoing projects; - Assist in the development of UN-HABITAT's urban planning policy documents, guidelines, information materials and presentations, through identification and review of relevant publications and documents, drafting and commenting on documents, and assisting in producing information materials; - Support the preparation and adaptation of informative and promotional materials for both the programme team and online platforms (website, Facebook and YouTube), including publications, presentations, catalogues, folders, brochures, videos, and handbooks regarding all the projects and areas UN-Habitat works. - Assist with elaboration and edition of presentations, reports, articles and concept notes as per request. - Support the planning and realization of events that promote UN-Habitat’s work along with partners. - Perform any other tasks requested by the HSO or the Senior Officer.

Competencies Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education 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 a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Have demonstrated 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 include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Preferred area of study: Currently pursuing an advanced degree in Urban or Town Planning, Architecture, Social Science, Economics, Geography or International Development (Preferably: Master or PhD candidate; Minimum: 5th Year Undergraduate student) or recently graduated at one of the previously mentioned areas.

Work Experience Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the Programme. Are you a student in a Bachelor’s (final year), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have you completed a Bachelor's degree, Masters,Ph.D or equivalent?

Languages For this internship, fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Knowledge of French is desirable

Assessment Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice Your application for this internship must include:

1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

- Title of the degree you are currently pursuing - Graduation Date - IT skills and programmes you are proficient in - Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship

Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).

2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).

3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.