Intern - Urban Law

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned office, and the internship period. Under the direct supervision of the Legal Specialist (PLS), the intern will:

•  Assist in conducting research and studies on various urban law topics such as urban planning law, housing law, public participation, and climate-smart urban planning legislation.
• Provide proactive and responsive backstopping support to ongoing and upcoming projects, ensuring smooth implementation and overcoming any challenges that may arise.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and presentation of data collected from diverse sources, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making.
• Contribute to written outputs, draft background papers, reports, and studies, and actively participate in developing publications on such topics as housing, land, and property rights, urban law assessment, and the land law assessment report.
• Assist in the population and maintenance of the UrbanLex database, ensuring its accuracy and relevance as a comprehensive resource in the field of urban law.
• Applying the Section's toolkits, ensuring their seamless integration and maximizing their impact in urban law and governance practices; Actively contributing to the enhancement of the Section's toolkits, incorporating any feedback and innovative approaches to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the creation of communication materials and updates for the Section's websites, fostering effective communication and dissemination of information.
• Organize expert group meetings, consultative sessions, conferences, and other events, support outreach activities, and promote knowledge-sharing within the urban law community.
• Produce a personal project that aligns with the goals and objectives of the Section, contributing to the overall mission of advancing knowledge and understanding in urban law and governance.
• Undertake any other duties as may be required to ensure the Section's effective functioning and the successful implementation of its initiatives.

Qualifications/special skills

• Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher),
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent),
• 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: Studies in law, international relations, or diplomacy. 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.