Internship Opportunities at UN-Habitat

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Planning, Finance and Economy Section, the intern will contribute to the Urban Practices Branch team in the following ways;

• Supporting the development of the technical and normative outputs of PFES by assisting in gathering data, analyzing, contributing to preparation of reports and technical documents, preparation of presentations and other dissemination materials.
• Support the capacity building on a variety of planning themes.
• Assist in the development of content and methodology on Urban Economics, Local Finance, and Local Economic Development.
• Support PFES in carrying out research on Urban Economics, Urban Finance and Local Economic Development issues.
• Support PFES in preparing communication and fundraising materials in the space of Urban Economics, Urban Finance and Local Economic Development. This can include Project Proposals and or PowerPoint Presentations.
• Support PFES in preparing and delivering capacity building initiatives with stakeholders in the space of Urban Economics, Urban Finance and Local Economic Development.
• Support in designing the participatory workshops structures and materials, advising on communication strategy for the design project.
• Participate in brainstorming discussions with the Finance and Economy team and assist in developing new strategies for developing the Urban Economy work of PFES. 
• Assist in development of design guidelines and policies, drafting and commenting on documents, comment revision and producing information materials and supporting visuals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Task Opportunities:
Accessibility

• Familiarizing oneself with the United Nations and the Urban Finance and Economy work of UN-Habitat.
• Familiarizing oneself with Capital Investment Planning, Circular Economy, Urban Economy in relation to spatial planning, Land and Urban Value chains, and Local Economic Resilience planning. 
• Participating in the dialogues with country offices, regional or local institutes, NGOs.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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).
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel).
• 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 studies:

• Public Finance, Local Finance, Economic Development, Local Economic Development, or any other 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and graphic software such as Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop is desirable.

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 official UN language is desirable.

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Under the direct supervision of the Programme Managers of the Planning for Humanitarian-Development Practices Umbrella Programme of the Planning, Finance & Economy Section,
the intern will contribute to the team in the following ways;

Specific Duties:

• Support the data collection for the baseline assessment reports.
• Support the spatial analysis and mapping for the development of plans, maps and strategies.
• Participate in spatial planning discussions on the transformation of refugee settlements into integrated settlements, on Urban Migration responses.
• Assist in the drafting of content for reports, and preparation of presentation materials.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Task Opportunities:

• Familiarizing oneself with urban planning and development, data collection and analyses, territorial planning, humanitarian-development-peace nexus, refugees and displacement response, climate migration.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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).
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office).
• 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 studies:

• Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban development and urban planning and design.
• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
• Strong mapping and graphic representation skills are required.
• Working proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop; AutoCAD, GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, etc. is desirable.
• Previous experience in urban planning and design or GIS, with direct proven experience in drawing, cartography and preparing graphical material using computer assisted design tools is desirable.

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 official UN language is desirable.

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Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will support the coordination of UN-Habitat’s work on urban crisis prevention and response at Headquarters in the following ways;

• Implementation of the UN-Habitat global programme on urban migration and displacement.
• Development and coordination of UN-Habitat response to crises in urban contexts, including development and backstopping of selected country programmes of UNH.
• Engagement of UN-Habitat in the implementation of the Secretary General’s Action Agenda for Solutions to Internally Displaced People (IDPs).
• Preparation of UN-Habitat’s contribution to flagship events in 2024, including the 12th World Urban Forum (4-8 November 2024).
• Coordination of programme development, reporting and monitoring.
• Depending on his/her profile, the intern will support the activities related to the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes/projects, strategies and work tools outreach activities of UN-Habitat, and ad hoc operational support to the related functions of the team in charge of urban crisis prevention and response (Subprogramme 4 in UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2025), within the Programme Development Branch, Global Solutions Division.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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).
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office).
• 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 studies:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Urban, Humanitarian or Development studies, Social or Political Science, Business Administration, Public Information or any other related studies.
• 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.
• Proficiency in computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is desirable.
• Experience in communication and/or support in event management is desirable.

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 official UN language is desirable.

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Responsibilities
Programme Implementation: Ensure the implementation of the organization vision, work programme, operational resource mobilization strategies in countries:

• Promoting broad-based policy dialogue with national constituencies and development partners in the respective counties.
• Providing inputs to the development of the global campaigns and implementation strategies of the same.
• Providing direct inputs to human settlements analyses and needs assessments and other activities aimed at human settlements policy, strategy and programme development.
• Co-ordinating relevant activities within the work-programme through interaction within national level public institutions, local governments, NGO’s, civic society and private sector as well as external support agencies; and 
• Facilitating dissemination of information on good practices and their adoption at the national and local levels.

Project/Programme Development:  Develop programme and projects of strategic value in partnership with other UN agencies, bilateral/multilateral donors and national partners by:

• Identifying priority interventions in human settlements sector within the framework of Habitat Agenda, SDGs, Country Strategy Notes, national plans and sector reviews.
• Developing requisite project documentation, gaining consensus on the strategies and funding suggested therein.
• Participating the appraisal, revision and approval of project design(s) by all relevant parties in accordance with established guidelines and lead the Regional Program Committee Review.
• Supporting negotiations, as required with multilateral/bilateral donors for resource mobilization and promoting/coordinating joint activities of strategic importance and securing approval by the appropriate authority on agreed activities.

Project management: Ensure effective and efficient execution of UN-Habitat executed projects and programmes by;

• Providing timely and appropriate technical and management advice to the projects or co-ordinate its provision by others from headquarters through periodic field visits (missions), group meetings and training in-depth review and evaluation of the work plan as well as technical working papers and reports originating from the projects.
• In consultation with funding agencies and related partners, assist the project(s) in developing performance criteria for monitoring the implementation.
• Monitor project activities and progress on continuous basis (1) ensuring periodic reporting from the filed and providing critical assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of results achieved and (ii) undertaking in-depth participatory internal review and evaluations.
• In liaison with the Governments, UNON and with support from the Administrative Officer, conduct the process of identification and selection of international staff and consultants and make recommendations to the Director in this respect.
• Prepare/review terms of reference (TORs) and/or job descriptions (JDs) for project/programme managers, CTAs and consultants.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of status reports as required by donors, other partners and management.

Normative programme support:  support the development and implementation of the UN-Habitat’s operational, information and capacity building activities in the Africa States. 

• Preparation of reports and documentation of lessons learned, case studies, and best practices derived from the Regional Office’s operational activities.
• Development of normative publications (guidelines, manuals, eton the themes addressed by the various activities, for example poverty alleviation. 
• Ensure collaboration with the academia, i.e. UN-Habitat partner Universities, in an effort to facilitate transfer of knowledge and experiences particularly from and within the Region.

Strategic Planning: Support the ROAF strategic planning and management processes in line with the overall UN-Habitat organizational plan, and the regional office strategic direction.

• Develop annual workplan and implementation strategy.
• Prepare regular meetings with the Africa Diplomatic Corpse
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in urban planning and governance, business administration, land management and legislation, environmental, economic, social sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2)  additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university 
• degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience with the development and implementation of programmes and/or a portfolio of projects of operational activities in support of developing countries is required.
• At least three (3) years working experience in housing, municipal finance, urban climate resilience, urban planning and governance or slum upgrading within Africa is desirable.
• Experience in human settlements and urban development fields, projects/programme design and implementation with the UN or other international agencies is desirable.
• Experience in developing and managing projects in the sector of development assistance is desirable.
• Experience in managing a project/program with multiple parties, including team members, in a collaborative effort, and in a changing environment is desirable.
• A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable,

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post  advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is  desirable.

Deadline : Jan 26, 2024

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Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Planning, Finance and Economy Section, the intern will:
Specific Duties:

• Support the development and preparation of the urban profile of Douala 3, and for the selected vulnerable neighborhoods.
• Support spatial planning discussion, spatial analysis, data collection and mapping and reporting of Douala 3 and Douala 4.
• Support on the preparation of participatory activities of Douala 3 and Douala 4 in logistics and elaboration of technical material.
• Participate in spatial planning discussions and development of territorial, urban planning strategies, Plans and Projects.
• Assist in the development of content and methodology on inclusive and sustainable urban planning and development.
• Assist in the SDG’s localization in urban planning policy frameworks, guidelines, policies, presentations through identification and review of relevant publications and documents, drafting and commenting on documents, and assist in producing information materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Task Opportunities:
Accessibility

• Familiarizing oneself with the United Nations.
• Familiarizing oneself with climate adaptation, social inclusion, migration, urban regeneration, urban-rural linkage, and urban territorial planning topics.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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).
• 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 studies:

• Urban Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Policy, Geography, Architecture, or any other related field.
• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
• Strong knowledge on urban planning analyses and diagnostic is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, etc. and graphic software such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc is required.
• Strong graphic representation skills, good hand drawing/sketching is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

go to method of application »

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Managers of the Planning for Humanitarian-Development Practices Umbrella Programme of the Planning, Finance & Economy Section, the intern will contribute in the following ways;
Specific Duties:

• Support data collection and conduct research on Climate Migration and Mobility global trends.
• Support the development of normative products on the role of Urban Planning and design strategies in responding to Climate Migration and Mobility in different regions, building upon
• existing UN-Habitat work.
• Analyze the risks and solutions for refugee settlements and camps in climate hotspots.
• Analyze the risks and solutions for urban areas in climate hotspots.
• Assist in the drafting of content for reports, and preparation of presentation materials.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Task Opportunities:
Accessibility

• Familiarizing oneself with urban planning and development, data collection and analyses, climate change, climate mobility, migration, humanitarian-development-peace nexus, refugees and displacement response.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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).
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint).
• 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 studies:

• Climate Change, Migration Policy, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban development and urban planning and design.
• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
• Strong research and report writing skills are required.
• Working proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop; AutoCAD, GIS softwares such as ArcGIS, QGIS, etc. is desirable.
• Mapping and graphic representation skills are desirable.

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 official UN language is desirable.