Intern – Climate Change, I at UN-Habitat

Job Description

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN 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. The Urban Economy Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to promote local capabilities of local governments to develop financial instruments to keep pace with the demands of rapid urbanization. The Urban Economy Branch has the mandate to promote plans and provide support for more efficient, socially inclusive, better integrated and connected cities that foster sustainable urban development.

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:

Support the development of climate vulnerability assessments and diagnosis for projects developed in the Urban Lab in Mexico and Nairobi. Support the analysis of green and blue infrastructure, the assessment of ecosystem services provision and the development of nature-based solutions in urban areas for climate adaptation and mitigation. Conduct research linked to climate change, urban regeneration, sustainable housing, energy efficiency, circular economy, and urban planning, and support the preparation of participatory workshops, trainings and presentations. Support the elaboration of concept notes and project proposals, for vertical climate funds (AF, GCF, GEF, etc.) in particular, as well as normative and technical documents related to urban planning and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Assist in the development of climate-related plans, solutions, strategies, recommendations, actions and projects to support UN-Habitat interventions at national and local level, in alignment with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

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 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.

Task Opportunities:

Familiarizing oneself with the United Nations. Familiarizing oneself with urban planning, urban environmental issues and urban development. Conducting research, develop and implement projects in state-of-the-art areas of urban planning such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, digital technologies for sustainable urban development and urban resilience. Assisting in the development of content and methodologies on urban planning and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Preferred areas of studies:

Geography, Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Climate Change Sciences, Sustainable Development, Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Urban Economy, or Architecture.

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. Familiarity with project planning is required. Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.