Intern – Urban Law and Governance, I at UN-Habitat

Job Description

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 Human Settlement Officer (PLGS), the intern will:

 Assist in carrying out research and studies on various urban law and governance topics such as urban planning law, housing law, public participation and climate smart urban planning legislation.  Provide backstopping support to ongoing and pipeline projects such as the Urban Development and Management Law for Vietnam; Review of the Town Planning Code in Comoros, Greater Amman, Jordan Planning Law Project, etc.  Analyze and present the data gathered from diverse sources.  Contribute to written outputs and other draft background papers, reports and studies and inputs to publications such as the housing, land and property rights: urban law assessment and the land law assessment report.  Assist in the population and maintaining of UrbanLex database.  Review and produce summaries on existing courses in urban law to support the Section’s effort to produce training packages on urban law for local authorities such as the upcoming capacity development training module on law and climate change.  Assist with the production of communication materials and updates for the Section’s websites.  Assist in organizing expert group meetings, consultative and other meetings and conferences, support outreach activities.  Any other duties as may be required.

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 twoway 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: Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).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:

Law, Governance, International Diplomacy or any other related field of study.

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. Experience in carrying out research on urban law /governance related to the thematic areas of urban planning, land, climate change, housing, among others, is required. Knowledge in reviewing and analyzing legal texts is desirable. Experience in organizing expert group meetings, consultative and other meetings and conferences or supporting outreach activities 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 is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.