Intern – Sustainable Finance

Work Location

In-person, Nairobi, Kenya

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for Human Settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. As the United Nations focal point on human settlements, UN-Habitat will lead advocacy efforts to raise awareness of sustainable urbanization issues; provide evidence-based policy advice; build capacities; develop tools, norms and standards based on best practices; work on demonstration projects and aid national Governments, local authorities, and other public institutions responsible for urban issues. To enable it to respond to the challenges and opportunities of 21st Century cities and human settlement in a more holistic way, and to address one of the most significant areas of need in developing countries; UN Habitat has adopted a more strategic and integrated approach that is more systematic, going beyond addressing only the symptoms of malfunctioning urbanization. It is integrated, rather than sectorial, transformative rather than fragmentary and links urbanization and human settlements to sustainable development by focusing on prosperity, livelihoods, and employment. UN-Habitat Regional Office in Africa (RoAf), located in Nairobi, Kenya, is working with African governments to take early action to position themselves for predominately urban populations. The portfolio of ongoing projects in Africa is very diverse in terms of geographic coverage and development partners. The Office covers Sub-Saharan Africa, consisting of 49 countries and 22 active countries. The vacancy is for the East and Horn Region within the Regional Office in Africa and will be reporting to the Head of the Sub Regional Office. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer and Head of Sub-Regional Office, Eastern and Horn of Africa, the Intern will undertake the responsibilities as outlined below: • Conduct desk research to gather relevant data, reports, and publications related to Climate Finance mechanisms, including UNFCCC financing mechanisms, donor engagement strategies, and trends in funding allocation in the Sub Region. • Assist in gathering information and documentation related to National Adaptation Plans, including country-specific strategies, adaptation priorities, and progress reports. • Conduct research linked to climate change, urban regeneration, sustainable housing, energy efficiency, circular economy, and urban planning, and support the preparation of participatory workshops, trainings and presentations. • Support the elaboration of concept notes and project proposals, for vertical climate funds (AF, GCF, GEF, etc.) in particular, as well as normative and technical documents related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. • Assist in the development of climate-related plans, solutions, strategies, recommendations, actions and projects to support UN-Habitat interventions at national and local level, in alignment with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. • Assist in the analysis of the mapping results to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in the current capacity building landscape for scaling up sustainable finance. • Develop research content showcasing a strong knowledge and understanding of the sustainable finance policies and regulations within Sub Region. • Contribute to the development of reports, presentations, and other communication materials to share with relevant stakeholders. • Support the analysis of financial flows and mechanisms under the UNFCCC, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and other multilateral and bilateral sources of climate finance. • Perform other duties as assigned.

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: Advanced University degree in a relevant field such as sustainable finance, economics, environmental studies, international development or any related fields is required. 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 climate finance mechanisms is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. Proficiency in research and creating reports in word is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

Languages

English 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 Information

Not available.

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.

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.