Urban planning and Design at UN-Habitat

Responsibilities

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

The intern will work under the direct supervision of an Urban Planning Expert from the CPEDU and assist in development of the Urban Planning agenda activities of the Urban Planning and Design Branch as well as other Units in UN-Habitat. The specific positions offered for the interns are:
•Support the UPDB/CPEDU Coordinator and Head of Unit (Policy and management profile)
•Support the Urban Planning and Design LAB (Urban planning and design profile)
•Support the Kenya Programme (Urban planning and design profile)
•Support the Public Space Programme (Urban planning and design profile)
•Support the Communication Strategy of the UPDB, CPEDU and Urban Planning and Design LAB (Communication and technology profile)
• Support the Planning and Technology workteam (Technology, web design and programming profile)
Responsibilities
Assist in the definition and implementation of the UPDB and CPEDU activities and outputs, such as urban planning methodology review, development of projects and tools, documentation and evaluation of practice, and organization of expert meetings, preparation of field missions and scoping missions.
•Support the designated programme (LAB, Kenya, Public Space, Planning and Technology) in the development of concrete urban planning and design projects, workshops, trainings, Charrettes and different tools to promote urban planning and design
•Assist in the development of UN-Habitat/UPDB urban planning policy documents, guidelines, information materials, presentations through identification and review of relevant publications and documents, drafting and commenting on documents, and assisting in producing information materials.
•Update and maintain records of the Urban Planning work being undertaken by UN-Habitat and partners
•Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies

Core 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 or attained advanced degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies or Architecture (Master or PhD candidate preferable). As different positions are advertised, candidates with background in Urban Policy, Governance, Communications and Information Technologies, Nee Technologies, Graphic Design, Web Design and Programming are encouraged to apply.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable.

Assessment

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