Waste Management Intern

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN 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. The Urban Economy Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to promote local capabilities of local governance.

This internship position is within the framework of the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP), where the intern will play a supportive role in strengthening the overall functions as the platform expands its work with cities across the continent. The focus is on supporting cities to improve their solid waste management systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to knowledge exchange, research-based activities, and coordination efforts that help cities improve their solid waste management systems.
• Be involved in ongoing SDG 11.6.1 monitoring using the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT).
• Document emerging good practices in the waste sector.
• Collaborate with academic partners such as Hiroshima University.
• Assist in shaping new project ideas and preparing background materials that guide future technical cooperation under ACCP.
• Help ensure smoother information flow, stronger analytical foundations, and more consistent support to ACCP member cities.

Qualifications/Special Skills

Education: Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), OR
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), OR
3. Have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.

Preferred Areas of Study: Municipal Solid Waste Management, Environmental Policy, Civil Engineering, International Development, Urban Development, or other relevant fields. Note that a field of study closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required.

Experience: Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience.

General Requirements:

• 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, including a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.