All Things Urban

The Charter Cities Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to building the ecosystem for charter cities. It was founded on the idea that a fresh approach was necessary to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges: global poverty, rapid urbanization, and conflict and migration caused by poverty, war, and climate change. Charter cities—new cities granted a special jurisdiction to create a new governance system, are that solution. The process to create each new charter city is complex. It requires the collaboration of numerous stakeholders, including new city developers, governments, investors, multi-lateral institutions, and international development experts. By coordinating the efforts of the various stakeholders, it’s possible to accelerate the development of charter cities and lift tens of millions of people out of poverty.

The urban research intern will be based on our offices in Lusaka, Zambia with a main focus on supporting the Lusaka Urban Lab activities. The intern will get a chance to work on urban projects and challenges in the developing city of Lusaka. The intern will also get a chance to develop their own project or research with Lusaka Urban Lab. The intern will work with multiple stakeholders and facilitate the lab’s on-ground research and projects.

Roles - Assist our urban researcher in the Lusaka Urban Lab projects. - Create, prepare, or requisition graphic and narrative reports. - Manage on-ground activities for the Lusaka Urban Lab. - Prepare architecture and urban drawings as assigned by supervisor. - Tackle research assignments on urbanism and cities as assigned by supervisor. What Success Will Look Like The intern will learn how to conduct urban research efficiently and to be able to communicate the research to multiple stakeholders and channels. The intern will develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset as much of CCI’s work is in an advisory capacity or is related to new, unexplored ideas. This internship program will make participants better students and better prepared to enter their chosen professional field. The intern will gain on-ground experience on urban and community development projects in Africa. The intern will expand on their knowledge on Africa’s urbanism. The intern will learn to work in uncertain conditions and manage multiple stakeholders.

Expectations - Punctuality & regularity at team meetings and brainstorming sessions - Commitment to reading and learning assignments - Innovation & an entrepreneurial mindset - Excellent verbal communication and analytical skills - Flexible and open to new challenges - Intellectual curiosity and love for cities - Interest in African urbanism This role will require the intern to be based in Lusaka, priority will be given to Lusaka based urbanists and anyone who is willing to make the move. Requirements - A bachelor or masters student of urban planning - A background in architecture is a plus - Knowledge of urban spatial structure, master plans and the way in which cities work - Excellent research and academic writing skills - Excellent knowledge of global south urbanization - Excellent command of 2D Drawings programs; AutoCAD or similar programs - Excellent command of 3D Modeling programs; 3D-MAX, sketch up or similar programs - Excellent command of Photoshop, InDesign and illustrator - Based in Lusaka Zambia/ willing to move for the duration of the internship. - Interested or have previous experience in urban community development and engagement projects.

Compensation & Duration - CCI offers a $2,500 stipend for the 3-month period, to be paid in two installments at the midpoint and end of the internship. - The internship is for 3 months, but can be extended to 6 months based on the agreement between the researcher and the supervisor. Application Instructions Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, academic writing sample, and an architecture/ urban planning/ graphic design portfolio.

This job is available for international candidates.