Internship – Innovation and Smart Cities

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.

UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty.

The position is located in the Innovation Section within the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (ERSKI) Division of UN-Habitat. The focus of this internship is to support the unit in their day-to-day work, in particular supporting in the organization of the upcoming resumed second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly in May. The Section is responsible for the development of international guidelines on people centred smart cities. The incumbent will report to the Head of Unit and relevant project coordinators in the Innovation Unit.

Responsibilities

• Draft minutes of meetings with Member States as part of the intergovernmental process to the development of international guidelines on people centred smart cities.
• Support the organization of events, including agenda preparation, communication materials, and logistics.
• Conduct mappings, analysis and other research exercises about innovative approaches in key urban sectors, such as housing, basic services, mobility and transportation, environment, land management etc.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy and support partnership-building efforts.
• Support the development of communication products such as web articles, posters, infographics, presentations, and other materials to enhance the visibility of the Section’s programmatic work related to urban innovation and smart cities, in close collaboration with internal colleagues and partners.
• Regularly update the innovation and smart cities web pages on UN-Habitat’s website.
• Help organize the Innovation Unit’s relevant events, including webinars, in-person expert meetings, and roundtables, and support event advocacy, communications, and capacity development activities.
• Assist in planning, promoting, and organizing meetings or substantive presentations, including taking notes and supporting the day-to-day operations and special events of the Innovation Unit.
• Support the organization, promotion, and coordination of new innovation projects, events, partnerships, and other initiatives as assigned by the supervisor.
• Contribute to the promotion of the Innovation Unit’s work in preparation for key events, such as the World Urban Forum 2025, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, among others.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the team or supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills

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 Suite).

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 study: Graduate or post-graduate studies related to political science, international relations, economics, communications, business and administration, management, IT/ web development, public relations, or related areas. Any background or training in urban development, sustainability, smart cities or innovation is an asset.

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme.

Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Knowledge of innovation practices in urban contexts is highly desirable. Please describe how you have been exposed to them in your studies or professional experience.

Knowledge of Microsoft Package, including Word, Excel and Power Point and design software (e.g. Illustrator) is desirable. Describe your level of knowledge of those and explain how you have been using them in your studies or work.

Experience in international organizations or exposure to global work is desirable. Please describe if you have any international experience and in which context.

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 UN language is desirable.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.