Programme Support at United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Nairobi

Job Title: INTERN - PROGRAMME SUPPORT (Office of External Relations), I

Department/ Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Job Opening number: 13-PGM-UNHABITAT-29576-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 – Office of External Relations Unit internship is for 3 months with an opportunity for extension, pending 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;
Under the direct supervision of the Office of External Relations, the intern will:
Support the Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net) secretariat in its major activities and events for 2013, such as: (80%):
Organization of SUD-Net events at the World Urban Forum, including the SUD-Net film event and the SUD-Net meeting on public space.
Development of a network of knowledge node cities that have expertise on public space.
Preparation of programs and informative documents on public space.
Support in the development of SUD-Net strategic plans.
Support to other upcoming events (20%)
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 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 Creativity:
Actively seeks to improve programmes or services
Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs
Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas
Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks 'outside the box'
Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things
Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches
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.
Enrollment in a Master's degree programme in urban development & design, urban planning, political science, law, economics, physical planning or other development-related field that include an international and local government's perspective.
Documented experience from work with or in an urban environment.
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.
How to Apply:
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=29576
Deadline: 21/08/2013.