Intern - Urban and Community Development Specialist

Work LocationIn-person, Bujumbura, Burundi 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. UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries worldwide and manages a broad portfolio of projects and programmes aimed at fostering sustainable urban development. In line with this mandate, UN-Habitat is progressively consolidating its presence in the Republic of Burundi, where it has developed a strategic vision to support inclusive, resilient, and ecologically balanced urbanization. This vision is articulated around two priority areas of intervention: (i) Planned urbanization, housing, and reduction of inequalities; (ii) Climate change mitigation and community resilience. The country cooperation programme between UN-Habitat and the Republic of Burundi aligns with key global, regional, and national frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda (NUA), and the African Union's Agenda 2063. The programme is also in line with Burundi’s national development priorities and urban policy orientations. UN-Habitat’s interventions in Burundi focus on several strategic areas, including access to adequate housing, urban planning and land management, informal settlement upgrading, basic service delivery, climate adaptation, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. Given the rapid pace of urban growth in Burundi, especially in Bujumbura and secondary cities, addressing housing shortages, infrastructure deficits, and environmental vulnerabilities remains a pressing challenge. UN-Habitat has been actively engaged in Burundi through various initiatives, including technical assistance to urban planning processes, capacity building of local authorities, and support to slum upgrading through participatory and community-based approaches. The organization also contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and supports the Government of Burundi in the realization of its Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (PND 2018–2027). As a trusted partner in the field of urban development and housing, UN-Habitat is recognized in Burundi for its technical expertise and multi-sectoral approach. The organization is currently supporting the Government of Burundi in strengthening its housing and real estate sector, particularly through initiatives aimed at: (i) Enhancing the institutional and legal framework governing housing and urban land management; (ii) Reinforcing the operational and organizational capacities of stakeholders involved in urban development. To further support the implementation of its programme in Burundi, UN-Habitat is seeking a graduate-level intern in urban development and housing (with academic or professional background in urban planning, housing, environment, geography, or natural resource management), for a six-month assignment based in Bujumbura. In accordance with United Nations regulations, this internship is UNPAID and full-time. It offers a valuable opportunity for young professionals or students to gain practical experience within an international organization working on urban sustainability, resilience, and inclusive development. The Intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer (PMO) at the Regional Office for Africa (ROAf), responsible for the Central Africa Subregional Portfolio. 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 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.