Urban Law Intern
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development and is the UN system's focal point for urbanization matters. The Policy and Legislation Section (PLS) focuses on policies, legislation, and metropolitan management for sustainable urban development, playing a key role in implementing UN-Habitat's strategic plan and global agendas. This internship is within the PLS in Nairobi, Kenya.
Job Purpose
This Urban Law Intern position within UN-Habitat's Policy and Legislation Section aims to support the Section's critical work in developing and implementing legal frameworks for sustainable urban development. The intern will contribute to research, analysis, and documentation related to urban planning law, housing, land rights, and climate-smart legislation. The role involves assisting with ongoing projects, data analysis, drafting reports, and contributing to publications. The intern will also support the maintenance of the UrbanLex database and assist in organizing events, ultimately contributing to UN-Habitat's mission of promoting equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities worldwide.
Responsibilities
Assist in conducting research and studies on urban law topics including planning, housing, public participation, and climate-smart legislation. Provide backstopping support for ongoing and upcoming projects, ensuring smooth implementation. Conduct in-depth analysis and presentation of collected data to inform decision-making. Contribute to written outputs such as background papers, reports, and studies, and participate in developing publications on housing, land, and property rights. Assist in maintaining the UrbanLex database for accuracy and relevance. Apply and contribute to the enhancement of the Section's toolkits for urban law and governance practices. Support the creation of communication materials and website updates. Organize expert group meetings, consultative sessions, conferences, and other events, and support outreach activities. Produce a personal project aligned with the Section's objectives.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience. However, experience in conducting research on urban law related to urban planning, land, climate change, and housing is required. Experience in reviewing and analyzing legal documents is also required. Experience in organizing events or supporting outreach activities is desirable.
Skills
Research and analytical skills, data analysis and presentation, legal document review, report writing, project support, event organization, communication, computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite), cross-cultural communication, keen interest in UN work and its ideals.