Housing Solutions Intern

Work LocationHybrid, Nairobi, Kenya Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrg. 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. Under the Saameynta Programme, UN-Habitat Somalia Programme in partnership with the Municipality of Bossaso is developing a comprehensive Best Practices Report on housing and settlement solutions to guide scalable and sustainable interventions for displaced communities in Bossaso. This report will analyze past projects spanning 20 years, drawing lessons, assessing best practices, and providing pathways for improving housing, land, and property (HLP) solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. Simultaneously, as part of the broader Somalia initiatives under the IDSF project, UN-Habitat is supporting the development of a Catalogue for Best Practice Housing Solutions for Somalia. This catalogue aims to identify, analyze, and promote context-specific, scalable, and sustainable housing and land development practices across Somalia. The intern will work under the overall coordination of the Head of Programmes, Somalia Programme, and the direct supervision of the assigned Human Settlements Officer, Manager for the Internal Displacement Solutions Fund Project (IDSF). Responsibilities The intern will assist in collecting, analyzing, and documenting data and insights needed for both Best practices report on housing and settlement solutions for Bossaso and the Catalouge best practice in housing for IDPs for Somalia. The intern’s support will include: • Support in data collection, analysis, and documentation for the Best Practices Housing Report on Bossaso and the Catalogue for Somalia. • Assist in conducting field assessments, site visits, and mapping of housing and settlement initiatives, including compiling lists, maps, and documenting physical features and typologies. • Assist in collecting project documentation such as designs, impacts, and lessons learned from implementing agencies. • Assist in developing simple architectural drawings of housing typologies using AutoCAD. • Support in compiling a detailed project database with information on project names, locations, shelter counts, typologies, and descriptions. • Assist in conducting desk research to identify successful and scalable housing models in Somalia and comparable contexts. • Support in documenting case studies, methodologies, impacts, and lessons learned, and compiling visual materials such as photos and sketches. • Support in organizing stakeholder consultations and field visits to gather qualitative insights and validate data. • Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting report sections and catalogue entries to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism. Qualifications/special skillsApplicants 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: Enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree or pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Architecture, Housing, or related fields. In addition, successful applicants are expected to have demonstrated ability in one or more areas listed below: • Hands-on experience with AutoCAD or similar architectural visualization software. • Proficiency in architectural visualization, 3D modeling, and graphic design (e.g., Adobe Suite including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop). • Strong research and analytical skills. • Knowledge of housing and settlement issues in humanitarian or development contexts. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. • Please add a link to your architectural portfolio in the cover letter. The portfolio can contain your academic or professional projects as drawings, model photos, 3Ds that demonstrate skills in the production of architectural and settlement visualizations and layout of plans, drawings, or presentations. 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. Do you have skills in architectural design in housing/settlement planning? Are you proficient in architectural visualization, 3D, and graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Suite)? Do you have experience with urban analysis and GIS tools (e.g., QGIS)? LanguagesEnglish 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. Additional InformationDo you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates. Intern Specific textInterns 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. No FeeTHE 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.