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 human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. For nearly forty years, UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements worldwide, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. The position is in the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (ERSKI) Division, Communications Branch.
External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (ERSKI) is organized into External Relations and Partnerships Branch. ERSKI is responsible for strategic planning, programmatic direction and operationalization of UN-Habitat's focal point role for the New Urban Agenda, and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the UN system and for coordination of Emergency Programmes. The External Relations and Partnerships Branch is charged with promoting strategic alliances to support the achievement of the goals of adequate shelter for all, and sustainable urbanization and human settlements development. The Knowledge and Innovation Branch is responsible to lead the development of policies and procedures on results-based management and coordinates the preparation of the strategic plan, programme and budget plans and monitors and reports on global agendas and policy implementation; it leads and facilitates an enabling environment for use and deployment of innovation and data.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Nairobi, Kenya, External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (ERSKI) Division/Communications Branch is for 6 (six) months.
The work hours during the internship shall be determined based on individual discussion between the intern and the supervisor(s) considering the organization's minimum requirements and the time difference between the hosting office and the location of the intern.
The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.
Interns work five days per week 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 interns' assigned office as well as the internship period.
Under the direct supervision of the Social Media Assistant, the intern will:
- Assist in drafting, editing and preparing communication materials on behalf of the Communications branch, including social media posts, emails, letters, messaging and outreach material.
- Assist in taking and summarizing meeting notes
- Assist in compiling statistics and undertaking analysis on various issues
- Assist in the implementation of a communication strategy as instructed by the Communications team.
- Assist in the development of the UN-Habitat internal communications strategy
- Assist in research, drafting and editing of editorial content for UN-Habitat newsletters, magazines and periodicals.
- Support development of UN International Day statements for the Executive Director and follow up to ensure that they have been uploaded into the UN-Habitat website and shared through the Executive Director’s social media platforms.
- Support the daily management & promotion of UN-Habitat`s Social Media presence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms as directed.
- Monitor the social media accounts and respond appropriately, in close cooperation with the Communication Branch (External Relations Division).
- Ensure follow-up as appropriate on social media platforms on activities of Senior UN-Habitat Officials.
- Liaise with UN-Habitat colleagues in-house on social media requests and needs, propose social media campaigns that showcase the work of UN-Habitat
- Support the development of communication tools such as infographics, posters, multi-media assets etc.
- Keeping up to date on new social media tools, best practices and how other organizations are using them in order to identify new campaigning strategies
- Contribute and ensure the visibility of events, campaigns, missions and key activities of the Executive Director or the organization through social media
- Support with uploading stories, publications and content onto the UN-Habitat website as per training received under the Head of Publications
- Support with the execution of web-related requests and filing based on web request forms. 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’ points 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 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).
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 studies:
International Relations, Global Affairs, Journalism,
Economics, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Arts, or other related fields of study.
Work Experience
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
Experience in drafting, editing, and preparing communication materials on behalf of the
including social media posts, messaging and outreach material is required.
Experience in researching, drafting, and editing of editorial content in newsletters, magazines and periodicals is desirable.
Experience in developing communication tools such as infographics, posters, and multi-media assets is desirable. Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Assessment
Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration. Special Notice
Your application for this internship must include:
1. A completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:
- Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
- Graduation Date
- IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
- Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).
2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).
3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).
Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. 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.
This vacancy is archived.