Intern - Urban and Community Development Specialist

Work LocationIn-person, Libreville, Gabon 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. Responsibilities The organization operates in more than 90 countries around the world and manages a wide range of projects and programs. With regard to its wide portfolio, UN-Habitat, is progressively strengthening its presence in the Republic of Cameroon and has developed a strategy whose objective is to contribute to a better coordinated and controlled ecological urbanization, source of peace and community prosperity in cities and territories. This objective is broken down into two (02) priority axis: (i) Controlled urbanization, habitat, and reduction of inequalities; (ii) Climate change and community resilience; The country program of cooperation between UN-Habitat and the Republic of Gabon aligns with the major challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the guidelines set forth in the New Urban Agenda (NUA), and the African Union's Agenda 2063. UN-Habitat’s interventions in Gabon focus on housing, climate change adaptation, improved livelihoods, resilience, slum upgrading, waste management, local governance, and decentralization. Gabon has a highly urbanized population, with Libreville, Port-Gentil, and Franceville being the main urban centers. As of 2020, approximately 90% of the population lived in urban areas, making Gabon one of the most urbanized countries in Africa. With continued urban growth, ensuring sustainable urban development and addressing housing, infrastructure, and environmental challenges remain critical. UN-Habitat has been actively engaged in Gabon, promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development through initiatives such as the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP). The organization has also supported the implementation of Gabon’s National Development Plan and has played a key role in the development and execution of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). UN-Habitat is a key player in the field of urban and housing, a reputation acquired after several years of presence in the country and tangible results on the ground. The organization is accompanying the Republic of Gabon, supporting the implementation of the Government‘s major strategic development priority programmes, specifically to develop the real estate supply and strengthen its real estate development governance program, which aims to reinforce the institutional, legal and organizational framework of the real estate sector: (i) improve the institutional and legal framework and (ii) strengthen the organizational framework. To support the implementation of its interventions, UN-Habitat is looking for an urban development and housing intern (with a focus on Housing, spatial planning, environment or natural resource management) for a period of 6 months based in Libreville. In accordance with the rules and recommendations in force within the United Nations, the internship is NON-PAID and full-time. It emphasizes the experience that it could represent for the aspirants. The Intern will work under the supervision of the Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) Programme Management Officer (PMO) responsible for the Central Africa Sub Regional Office. Responsibilities The intern will perform the following tasks: • Assist in identifying opportunities within communities, translating challenges into project concepts, and supporting resource mobilization efforts. • Support the preparation of meetings with potential partners and donors, including drafting briefing notes and presentations. • Assist in developing communication and outreach tools and ensuring their dissemination to project stakeholders, potential donors, and partners. • Support the general implementation of UN-Habitat’s portfolio and engagement within the UN Cooperation Frameworks and the UN Country Team coordination. • Track key indicators, compile data, and monitor reports and feedback from partners, including regional offices. • Assist in preparing layouts, engineering-related calculations, design drawings, specifications, and visual aids for urban and infrastructure projects. • Support fieldwork related to urban development and housing projects, including site inspections and stakeholder consultations. • Assist in collecting, processing, and integrating data, applying technical principles and theories to interpret and analyze findings. • Contribute to policy research, drafting reports, and preparing technical notes on urban development, housing, and resilience. • Support the development and implementation of capacity-building activities, workshops, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. • Assist in producing knowledge products, case studies, and best practice reports on urban and community development projects. • Support the development of communication and outreach materials, including digital content, newsletters, and advocacy campaigns. • Assist with website and social media engagement to enhance visibility and outreach of UN-Habitat’s programs. • Provide administrative and logistical support for events, workshops, and field missions. • Perform miscellaneous assignments on an as-needed basis. • Other duties relevant to the candidate and the Regional Office for Africa (ROAF), as jointly determined. 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: Architecture, Civil engineering, Urban planning, Community mobilization, and Public Health, Geography 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. As the Intern will be responsible for organization of workshops, it will be necessary for him/her to be able to make Power Point presentations during workshops and meetings will be required. As the work of the Intern will involve sharing information between the organization and stakeholders, it will be imperative that he/she be able to communicate effectively in French language and desirably in English. Excellent communication skills will be required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in oral and written French is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. 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.