Communications and Research Intern

In-person, 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. This internship position will support the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section (LHISS) within the Global Solutions Division of UN-Habitat. LHISS provides support to the development of norms and standards in conventions, declarations, regulatory frameworks, agreements, guidelines, codes of practice, and other standard-setting instruments, at global, regional, national and sub-national level in support of a) the equitable supply of serviced land at scale; b) efficient and effective land management systems; c) freedom from arbitrary or forced eviction and the protection of the security of tenure for all; d) the progressive achievement of universal access to adequate housing meeting the requirements for an adequate standard of living; e) participatory urban regeneration and slum upgrading. The intern will be under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer of the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section (LHISS) of UN-Habitat and will collaborate closely with colleagues in LHISS. The internship is for six (6) months. Applicants may request to undertake the internship remotely for a short part of the internship in view of constraints regarding their travels. 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 intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Under the Associate Programme Management Officer and in collaboration with colleagues from LHISS, the intern will: • Develop and format knowledge products, including policy briefs, data analysis, case studies, and human-interest stories, in collaboration with Land, Housing and Informal Settlements technical teams. • Draft and edit communication materials to support advocacy efforts and knowledge sharing such as articles, newsletters, and social media content to promote land, housing, and Informal Settlements initiatives. • Support the communications team with media monitoring and assist in growing the number of subscribers and followers across the LHIS section’s communication channels. • Assist in summarizing and translating complex data and research findings into clear, accessible content to support the development of infographics. • Update and develop content for the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements knowledge management platforms, such as the Housing Knowledge Platform, the Arab Land Initiative and the Global Land Tool Network websites, ensuring resources are current, well-organized, and easy to access. • Assist in carrying out research activities and compiling and analyzing data and documents related to UN-Habitat’s land and housing projects within the LHS section and across regional and country offices. • Support the design and implementation of land and housing-related advocacy campaigns. • Support the preparation of background documents, agendas, and logistic presentations for events and meetings related to land and housing, and provide on-site or virtual support during Land, Housing and Informal Settlements -related workshops, webinars, and training sessions. • Map national, regional, and international events relevant to land and housing, with attention to cross-cutting themes such as human rights, climate change, and gender. • Contribute to the monitoring of project activities, collecting inputs for progress reports and tracking results. • Attend meetings and events as needed and prepare summaries or reports of key discussions and outcomes. • Perform any other related tasks as required to support the implementation of the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section’s work plan and objectives.

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: Journalism, Communication, Philosophy, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Gender Studies, International Development, Land Governance, Housing Studies, Urban and Rural Development, Migration or 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. Experience in research, technical writing, knowledge management and project development is desirable. Knowledge of land and housing policy is desirable.

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.