GAM4DC Communications Internship

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 Unit within the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (ERSKI) Division of UN-Habitat. The focus of this internship is to support the communications and operationalization of the Global Alliance of Mayors for Digital Cooperation (GAM4DC), a recently launched global initiative aimed at strengthening capacities of mayors to respond to the growing challenges and opportunities related to digitalization, and to participate in global policy processes (e.g. the Global Digital Compact; the International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities) and identify common and joint ways to implement their principles at local levels.

The incumbent will report to the Programme Management Officer and relevant project coordinators in the Innovation Unit.

Responsibilities

• Support the drafting of outputs such as concept notes, background notes, technical studies, case studies and other thematic analyses for projects and initiatives within the Innovation Unit
• Conduct research on shared digital tools, and digital public goods and their application to local governments, including data collection and drafting of content and case studies
• Draft presentations, proposals and concept notes related to operationalizing the Global Alliance of Mayors for Digital Cooperation (GAM4DC), including for resource mobilization
• Contribute inputs and help draft relevant documents related to the Global Alliance of Mayors for Digital Cooperation, also in relation to UN-Habitat’s International Guidelines on People-Centred Smart Cities and the Strategic Plan 2026-2029
• Support the development of web articles, posters, infographics, presentations and other communication products to raise visibility of the Innovation Unit’s programmatic work related to the Global Alliance, in close collaboration with project teams within and outside the Unit
• Update the innovation and smart cities web pages on UN-Habitat’s website regularly
• Help organize the Innovation Unit’s relevant events, including webinars, in-person expert meetings, roundtables, and support in event advocacy and any other communications and capacity development activities
• Assist in planning, promoting and organizing meetings or substantive presentations and the day-to-day operations and the preparation of special events of the Innovation Unit, including taking notes
• Support the organization, promotion and coordination of new innovation projects, events, partnerships, and other initiatives, particularly related to the Global Alliance, as tasked by the supervisor
• Support the promotion of the Innovation Unit’s work in the preparations for key global events (e.g. COP30, World Cities Day, other smart city forums)
• 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 communications, strategic design and management, media studies, journalism, information design, web development, public relations, design thinking, or related areas. Any background in urban development, sustainability, smart cities, digital technology or innovation is desirable.

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 local government systems and the use of digital technology to solve urban challenges is highly desirable.

Proficiency in graphic design software (for creating posters, flyers, etc.) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in both oral and written English and French 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.