Intern - Programme Management (Urban Governance Programme)

Job Title:INTERN - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT (Urban Governance Programme), I

Department/ Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Duty Station: NAIROBI

Posting Period:30 May 2013-14 June 2013

Job Opening number:13-PGM-UNHABITAT-28372-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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Organizational 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.

UN-HABITAT Urban Legislation Land and Governance Branch is for 3 months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the department.

The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) 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. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

1. Research-related activities:

1.1. Research assistance to support on-going research on multi-level governance, inter-municipal cooperation, analysis of decentralized frameworks (particularly Kenya's devolution), youth participation and ICT and/or other topics that are part of the work plan of the Unit.

1.2. Research assistance to initiate research on urban governance in fragile states and post-conflict situation.

1.3. Assist in ad-hoc literature/web searches and data collection.

2. Project implementation:

2.1. The candidate will be able to participate in activities related to the implementation of ongoing urban governance projects, including organization of events (workshops, conference), being involved in stakeholders' mobilization, logistics and communication.

2.2. The candidate will also undertake some day-to-day operational tasks which may include building and/or updating databases, drafting concept notes and PowerPoint presentations; updating websites; etc.

2.3. Assist in the development of project proposals and formulation of notes, work plans and activity briefs. Draft synthesis on urban challenges and best practices to document project formulation and implementation.

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 Planning & Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently 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 be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.

Be computer literate in standard software applications;

Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and

Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Students currently enrolled in Postgraduate studies in Urban Planning preferred. Should also have a first degree in Economics.

Currently enrolled in a Master degree programme in Development Studies, Social Studies, International Relations or related discipline.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

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) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In your Personal History Profile (PHP), be sure to include all past work experiences, IT Skills, and three references.

2.An accompanying letter (cover note) that includes; Title of degree you are currently studying, Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme), List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in using, and Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship and what you hope to gain from the internship.

3. A letter from your university clearly indicating the status of your enrollment, what programme you are enrolled in and the anticipated date of graduation from the programme.

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

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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