Vacant Positions at UN-Habitat

The intern will perform the following tasks:

• Support internal work under the umbrella theme of capacity development and training, aligning capacity development and training with the strategic focus of the Section’s work, and make crosslinks and connections.
• Assist in drafting, organising, reviewing and editing course materials and multimedia files, reports and materials for publication or publicity.
• Undertake research on housing and urban development capacity development and training-related themes especially around global urban/local leadership and fellowship programmes, complemented by analysis of real-world project pipelines, investment opportunities, emerging market developments and trends.
• Collate information from various sources including technical reports, industry publications, webinars, training materials, etc.
• Monitor for academic and industry publications on related themes and convert these into digestible highlights and training materials.
• Draft concept notes, project documents, technical reports, presentations, briefing notes and speaking points.
• Provide project coordination, administrative and communications support on ongoing projects and initiatives for example tracking progress, milestones, indicators, maintenance, organizing and minuting meetings and calls.
• Produce inputs for outreach efforts including social media content, and website content.
• Assist in designing, organizing, planning and managing the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation, dissemination, and visualization of data, indicators, results.
• Assist in developing, implementing and managing database(s) and dashboards when needed.
• Assist in training and technical support on data collection and monitoring of capacity development programmes, country practices, and other related information.
• Assist in the organization of seminars, conferences, working groups, and expert meetings and training events. 

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 study:

• Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student or PhD student in Urban Studies, Housing, Finance, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Education, Social Sciences, or other related themes/areas, or recently graduated. 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.

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Responsibilities

• Programme/project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives, seeking guidance only in exceptional circumstances. The incumber is also responsible for research and compilation (analysis and summaries) of/for basic information on finance data on programmes and projects.
• Tracks resolutions and other decisions that affect programme/project (grants legal instruments processes and related amendments) as well as identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from departments, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action.
• Drafts budget and cash flow forecast; prepares monitoring checklists as well as monitoring/tracking sheets/tools on all HR/Admin related processes for the CCUE Section's members.
• Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligations documents in UMOJA for all financial transactions; prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to line manager.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.
• May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities, e.g. specific administrative, operational/control tasks for programme/project activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in administration, project management or other relevant field is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present programme, operational, and financial data to support management decision-making is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including internal sections/divisions, implementing partners, donors, consultants, and external service providers is required.
• Proven experience managing administrative processes related to recruitment, procurement, travel, contracts, and payment processing is required.
• Experience monitoring grants, agreements, legal instruments, amendments, or similar project governance and compliance mechanisms is desirable. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial analysis, budget tracking, and data management; knowledge of Power BI or other reporting tools is desirable.

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Duties may include the following tasks, depending on the profile of the intern and initial discussions with the team and supervisor:

Project Management and Coordination

• Assist with the management of the project Accelerating Urban Resilience and Pro-poor Climate Action in Belize, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (2025-2028), contributing to the project team based in Nairobi and in countries.
• Contribute to developing a pilot multi-partner competency- and knowledge-based methodology for capacity development.
• Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of capacity development projects at global, regional, and country levels, including workshops, expert consultations, training programs, and learning activities.

Research and Data Analysis

• Literature and Data: Assist in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and qualitative/quantitative analysis for ongoing research workstreams to support capacity needs assessments, competency framework development, and applied research on urban resilience and climate adaptation.

Knowledge Synthesis:

• Support the synthesis of research findings, technical evidence, and stakeholder inputs to inform capacity development support, strategic decision-making and program decision-making

Writing, Editing, and Knowledge Production

• Technical Drafting: Assist in drafting and editing technical papers, reports, background documents, and concept notes.
• Presentation and Communication Support: Prepare presentations and briefing materials, meeting summaries, and communication products for internal and external stakeholders.

 Project and Training Events Assistance

• Operational Support: Provide support in developing, tracking, and reporting on project and training activities to ensure all deadlines and objectives are met.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Assist communications with governments, universities, professional associations, UN partners, and other stakeholders, including scheduling meetings, organizing events including training and webinars, and preparing agendas/minutes.

Knowledge and Documentation Management:

• Support the systematic organization and maintenance of project documentation, technical resources, reports and knowledge products to facilitate institutional learning, reporting and audit requirements.
• Perform other duties which may be assigned.

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.

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Responsibilities Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned office, and the internship period. Under the direct supervision of the Legal Specialist (PLS), the intern will:

• Assist in conducting research and studies on various urban law topics such as urban planning law, housing law, public participation, and climate-smart urban planning legislation.
• Provide proactive and responsive backstopping support to ongoing and upcoming projects, ensuring smooth implementation and overcoming any challenges that may arise.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and presentation of data collected from diverse sources, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making.
• Contribute to written outputs, draft background papers, reports, and studies, and actively participate in developing publications on such topics as housing, land, and property rights, urban law assessment, and the land law assessment report.
• Assist in the population and maintenance of the UrbanLex database, ensuring its accuracy and relevance as a comprehensive resource in the field of urban law.
• Applying the Section's toolkits, ensuring their seamless integration and maximizing their impact in urban law and governance practices; Actively contributing to the enhancement of the Section's toolkits, incorporating any feedback and innovative approaches to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the creation of communication materials and updates for the Section's websites, fostering effective communication and dissemination of information.
• Organize expert group meetings, consultative sessions, conferences, and other events, support outreach activities, and promote knowledge-sharing within the urban law community.
• Produce a personal project that aligns with the goals and objectives of the Section, contributing to the overall mission of advancing knowledge and understanding in urban law and governance.
• Undertake any other duties as may be required to ensure the Section's effective functioning and the successful implementation of its initiatives.

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.

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The intern will support the implementation and monitoring of technical cooperation activities in the following areas:

Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Program Management Officer, the intern will contribute in the following ways:

• Provide substantive support in the implementation of the Improved resilience of coastal communities in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, financed by Adaptation Fund.
• Provide administrative support to the work unit in the preparation of various project documents such as work plans, budgets, reports, and proposals on program implementation arrangements.
• Participate in the planning, preparation and implementation of meetings, workshops, conferences, expert group meetings.
• Identify sources, gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, and other material as required.
• Participate in writing project concept note in the framework of resource mobilization.

COMMUNICATION

• Assist with text editions of reports, articles, and concept notes as per request.
• Support the elaboration of power point presentations related to UN-Habitat mandates.
• Draft maps, dashboards and diagrams.
• Assist in the development of UN-Habitat urban planning policy documents, guidelines, information materials and presentations through identification and review of relevant publications and documents, drafting and commenting on documents.
• Support Communication and Visibility activities (publications, presentations, catalogues, folders, brochures, videos, online and handbooks regarding all the projects and areas UN-Habitat works).
• Collect and share information on risk monitoring in the implementation of projects / programmes.
• Any other tasks requested by the country team.

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.