INTERN - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT [Temporary]

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all (www.unhabitat.org). The current portfolio of UN-Habitat is expanding in Western Africa. Support is needed within the Regional Representation for Africa (RRA) for dealing with programmatic issues in the Francophone countries in the sub-region. Here below some examples of UN-Habitat's activities:

A. Ivory Coast
UN-Habitat is strengthening its presence in Ivory Coast with the development of a project proposal for the inclusion of migrant workers in the Greater Abidjan, as well as an Adaptation Fund proposal related to the preservation of coastal areas.
The Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) co-funded Project "Enhancing the opportunities of Labour Migrants and Local Communities in vulnerable conditions to integrate in Greater Abidjan" was approved and launched in November 2021. It aims to carry out a two-phased four-year Action Research project which focuses on broadening the sphere of opportunities for labor migrants and their host communities living in conditions of vulnerability to integrate with Greater Abidjan. In addition, UN-Habitat is working on developing a Country Programme in Cote d'Ivoire and progressively strengthening its presence to support resource mobilization and implementation.

B. Benin and Togo
Creation of a sub-regional Center of Excellence on Habitat serving as an innovative and sustainable knowledge hub that provides data, knowledge, expertise, and long-term capacity building and training services to develop skills of practitioners on sustainable urban development in the eight (8) countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA - Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d'Ivoire).
The Center of Excellence is being created at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (Higher Institute of Population Sciences), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with the support of the Cheikh Anta Diop University (Higher School of Applied Economics) in Senegal and UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat is expanding and developing its presence in those countries and needs support for its program implementation.

The intern will support the implementation and monitoring of technical cooperation activities in the following areas:
- Urban legislation, land and governance
- Housing and slum upgrading
- Research and capacity development
- Urban planning and urban and regional planning
- Basic social services (water, sanitation, and renewable energy)
- Cities and climate change
- Peace and Urban Security and Community
- Technical Writing
- Migration

C. Senegal
Senegal is one of the most prominent and strategic countries in francophone West Africa. Engaged in a series of large-scale projects contributing to its development, the country set up the Plan Senegal Emergent in 2014. It seeks to go further in the implementation of the orientations of this Plan. Improving the Senegalese living environment is one of the Plan's central priorities.
Senegal, like many different African countries, is facing urbanization challenges. The capital city, Dakar, concentrates one-third of the country's population and most of the main services and administrations. This hyper-concentration attracts populations searching for better living conditions and economic opportunities than the rest of the country. However, their arrival further stresses the housing market, the furniture of water and sanitation services, and the overall environment of the capital. A National Urban Policy is being developed in Senegal to face the challenges of rapid urbanization and take advantage of the increased capacities and interest in the urban issue. Thus, the overall objective of the Regional Office in Senegal is to support the country in achieving sustainable urbanization and improving its public spaces and urban environment in large metropolises and intermediate cities. UN-Habitat is also supporting the development of a National Public Space Programme for Senegal, as well as multiple small-scale projects related to slum upgrading, resource-efficient housing, and capacity building.

One (1) internship position is at the UN-Habitat Regional Representation for Africa (RRA) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The intern will work closely with the project manager and the UN-Habitat team based in Abidjan and will participate in the management and visibility of projects/ programmes. They will report to the National Programme Officer of Ivory Coast. Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Manager and the National Technical Advisor, the intern will provide substantive and administrative support in developing and implementing UN-Habitat's portfolio in Ivory Coast, Benin, and Togo, within the Regional Representation for Africa.

One (1) internship position is at the UN-Habitat Regional Representation for Africa (RRA) in Dakar, Senegal. The intern will work closely with the national focal point member and the UN-Habitat team based in Dakar and will participate in the management and visibility of projects/ programmes. They will report to the Programme Associate for West Africa. The intern will be responsible for providing substantive and administrative support for the development and implementation of UN Habitat's portfolio in Senegal within the Regional Representation for Africa.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Abidjan, Dakar, Regional Representation for Africa (RRA) internship is for six (6) months.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship. The work hours during the internship shall be determined based on individual discussion between the intern and the supervisor(s) taking into consideration the minimum requirements of the Organization and the time difference between the hosting office and the location of the intern.

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 interns' assigned office as well as the internship period.

Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Manager and the National Technical Advisor, the interns will:
PROGRAMME:
- Provide administrative support to the work unit in preparing various project documents such as work plans, budgets, reports, and proposals on programme implementation arrangements.
- Assist the programme team in reviewing and preparing documentation on the procurement of goods and services and support contract tracking.
- Identify sources, gather and compile data and information to prepare documents, guidelines, and other material as required.
- Participate in the planning, preparing, and implementing meetings, workshops, conferences, and expert group meetings.
COMMUNICATION:
- Assist with text editions of reports, articles, and concept notes as requested.
- Support the elaboration of PowerPoint presentations related to UN-Habitat mandates.
- Draft maps, dashboards, and diagrams.
- Translate complex concepts related to UN-Habitat mandates into infographics and other graphic materials in relation to the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11 in French and English.
- Assist in developing UN-Habitat urban planning policy documents, guidelines, information materials, and presentations by identifying and reviewing relevant publications and documents and drafting and commenting on documents.
- Assist in government, private sector, and community-based project engagement activities.
- Translate Project and Support documents from French to English and vice-versa.
- Support Communication and Visibility activities (publications, presentations, catalogs, folders, brochures, videos, online, and handbooks regarding all the projects and areas UN-Habitat works).
- Collect and share information on risk monitoring in implementing projects/programmes.
- Conduct literature reviews on specific topics and good practices in the areas involved.
- Other duties relevant to the candidate and RRA, as determined jointly.
- Any other tasks requested by the country team

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 Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent

Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office).

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 a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Preferred areas of study:
Urban or Town Planning, Project Management, Geography, Architecture, Social Science, Communication, or related fields.

Work Experience

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.

Knowledge of the New Urban Agenda and the SDG is desirable.

Experience in working effectively in a team setting is required.

Knowledge of urban development thematic is desirable.

Familiarity with the urban context in Côte d’Ivoire is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Your 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).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

“In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship".

United Nations Considerations

According 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.

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.

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 Fee

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.