Intern - Urban Planner

Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya

6 months

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The Urban Lab of UN-Habitat supports countries in developing urban planning methods and systems that address current urbanization challenges. It promotes urban planning approaches to address urban expansion and transformation. The intern will report to Urban Lab Programme Management Managers. Responsibilities Assist in the urban planning and spatial analysis and mapping of the Urban Lab, with a strong focus on visual communication, including: • Spatial planning and analysis: Provide technical support for the elaboration of land use and strategic plans, diagnostic reports, and stakeholder engagement materials. Support the drafting of spatial plans, technical drawings, maps and developing urban planning reports. • Research and Data Analysis: Support producing desk and field research on topics related to urban planning projects and support data collection, and qualitative/quantitative analysis for ongoing research workstreams. Insert and manipulate data in GIS systems. • Graphic skills: Develop graphic materials, reports and publications. • Writing and Editing: Assist in drafting and editing technical papers, reports, background documents, and concept notes. Support also in preparation of presentations and briefing materials for stakeholders and research forums. • Knowledge Production: Ensure coherence of deliverables with UN-Habitat tools and frameworks. Support knowledge transfer and capacity-building activities in collaboration with local partners. • Collaboration and Team Work: Work collaboratively with other team members to undertake any other assignments necessary to support the implementation of the unit’s work programmes.

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 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: Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Geography or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban development. In addition, successful applicants are expected to show proven evidence in urban planning and design, including the use of computer-aided design and GIS software for spatial data management. 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. Experience working in urban planning using GIS is required. Knowledge of tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign is required. Knowledge of CAD software is required.

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 UN language is desirable.

Do you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

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.