Intern - Programme Management - Urban Planning and Design Branch, Nairobi

Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Job Title
INTERN - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT (Urban Planning and Design Branch), I
Department/ Office
United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station
NAIROBI
Posting Period
29 October 2013-13 November 2013
Job Opening number
13-PGM-UNHABITAT-31502-R-NAIROBI (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
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.
The UN-Habitat – Research and Capacity Development Branch internship is for 3 months with an opportunity for extension, pending 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.
General:

• The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Leader, City Planning, Extension and Design Unit of the Urban Planning and Design Branch (UPDB) and assist in the development of the Urban Planning agenda activities in collaboration with other Units in in the Branch and, depending on the need, with other Branches in UN-HABITAT. The Intern will be involved in supporting the Branch activities, in particular:
• The development of the normative outputs of the City Planning, Extension and Design Unit by assisting in analyzing planning projects, contributing to preparation of documents, preparation of presentations and other dissemination materials;
• The implementation of field projects, by supporting Urban Planning projects of the City Planning, Extension and Design Unit in reviewing project reports, participating in briefing and assisting in project management;
• The development of new activities by participating in identification activities and development of project proposals.

Specific Duties:

• Assist in the definition and implementation of the Urban Planning and Design Branch outputs, such as urban planning methodology review, development of tools, documentation and evaluation of practices;
• Contribute to the organization of expert meetings, preparation of field missions and scoping missions.
• Assist in the development of UN-HABITAT/UPDB urban planning policy documents, guidelines, information materials, presentations through identification and review of relevant publications and documents, drafting and commenting on documents, and assisting in producing information materials.
• Update and maintain records of the Urban Planning work being undertaken by UN-HABITAT and partners.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Competencies
Core 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 at least the third year of a first university degree program or in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) program at the time of application, commencement and during the internship.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a 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 the 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.
• Advanced studies in Urban or Town Planning or Architecture (Master or PhD candidate preferable).

Work Experience

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

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable.

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 INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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