Posting Title: INTERN – Writing, Reasearch and Coordination Support, I (Temporary Job Opening)
Job Code Title: INTERN – PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Posting Period: 06 October 2023 – 12 October 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Programme Management-UN-HABITAT-219519-J-Nairobi (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. For close to forty years, UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements throughout the world, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. In total, UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries to advance the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level, in accordance with the commitments and principles set out in the New Urban Agenda. The position is located within the front office of the Urban Practices Branch, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi, Kenya. The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is responsible for developing normative guidance and tools to lead and implement sustainable urban practices. It provides technical and policy advice, approaches and methodologies to regional and country offices, governments and partners and mainstreams them throughout its programme portfolio. The Branch is home to several of the Agency’s large global programmes. It also ensures that the cross-cutting areas of safety, social inclusion and human rights; gender; children, youth, older persons, and disability are developed and mainstreamed across the Agency. Finally, the Branch maintains and disseminates UN-Habitat’s repository for knowledge, tools, methodologies, and products, in support of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Urban Practices Branch includes five sections/units: The Policy, Legislation, and Governance Section; the Planning, Finance, and Economy Section; the Land, Housing and Shelter Section; the Urban Basic Services Section; and the Human Rights and Social Inclusion Unit. The front office oversees work done across the branch, engaging with projects from all of the above sections and units. Its role is to be the direct support team of the Chief of Branch (e.g., writing talking points, preparing missions) while ensuring daily coordination of the full branch (e.g., reporting to other Offices on behalf of the branch; supporting projects and activities that involve different/all teams across the branch – our Catalogue of Services and our Communities of Practice). This office sits in a unique position, allowing interns to get a comprehensive understanding of the work and mission of UN-Habitat while interacting with and supporting the work of a large number of in-house urban experts. The front office is committed to making our normative work accessible and engaging to all, across our agency and across the world. This internship position is aimed at supporting the communication work of the Branch. This internship may be carried out remotely or in-person, based on the availability and needs of the selected intern (if remote internship, time zone differences will be taken into consideration but the intern must be available for a minimum of agreed meetings during EAT work hours to ensure a regular communication flow). Part-time internships are possible. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Human Rights and Gender Mainstreaming internship is for six (6) months. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week 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 direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will: – Drafting talking points & notes. – Drafting written communication products. – Leading desk-research tasks in autonomy. – Supporting coordination and reporting tasks.
CompetenciesCommunication: 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.
EducationEducation 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). 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 Geography, International Development, Journalism & Communication or any other related field of studies.
Work ExperienceNo 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. Experience in writing for communication purposes is required. Proficiency in computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is desirable. Familiarity with urban studies is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish 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 official UN language is desirable.
AssessmentPotential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.
Special NoticeYour 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). The intern will either work remotely or in person at Nairobi. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. 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 FeeTHE 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.