Work Location In-person OR Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya Expected duration 6 Months Duties and Responsibilities Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The position is located in the Capacity Development Section (CDS), at the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) of UN-Habitat at the Duty Station of Nairobi. The intern will report to the Section’s Programme Manager Officer and Associate Programme Management Officer.
UN-Habitat has long been a global leader in technical cooperation, with capacity development at the core of its mandate. It brings together decades of operational experience, technical and policy advisory services, and cutting-edge research with a strong track record in developing knowledge, tools, methodologies, and normative guidance.
Anchored in the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, capacity development is a central service and cornerstone of effective development cooperation - enhancing individual competencies, strengthening institutional capacity, and shaping enabling environments for systemic change.
In doing so, it directly contributes to accelerating progress on SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments, while supporting countries to respond to evolving housing crises and urban challenges, such as informality, climate change, and rapid urban growth. The Capacity Development Section (CDS) serves as a strategic partner and technical advisor to member states and cities throughout this process.
Operating across programmes, regions, and thematic areas, CDS co-creates tailored and demand-driven capacity development solutions that address real-world housing and urban challenges. Its approach is comprehensive - addressing capacity at three interconnected levels: individuals (skills and competencies), institutions (structures, systems, and processes), and the broader enabling environment (policies, regulations, and partnerships).
Drawing on good practices and innovation around the world, CDS integrates learning, institutional strengthening, knowledge development, and technical and advisory support to deliver measurable and sustained impact. CDS oversees and enhances the Capacity Development function across the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat in support of UN-Habitat 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
This includes finding innovative ways to transform knowledge into learning products, including practical and problem-solving tools that respond to the needs of governments, cities, partners, technical cadres, urban practitioners, and policy makers alike, based on capacity needs assessments. Responsibilities The internship offers an exciting and vibrant learning environment and opportunities for professional growth.
The intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of CDS in three main focused areas: • the planning, design, development, and management of capacity-development projects and programs (including learning events) focused on housing and sustainable urban development; including partnership management and coordination as well as training programme organization. • research and writing of technical background papers and frameworks; and • enhanced impact of capacity development products through digital learning platforms and knowledge advocacy products.
Duties may include the following tasks, depending on the profile of the intern and initial discussions with the team and supervisor: 1. Project Management and Coordination • Assist with the management of the project Accelerating Urban Resilience and Pro-poor Climate Action in Belize, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (2025-2028), contributing to the project team based in Nairobi and in countries.
Contribute to developing a pilot multi-partner competency- and knowledge-based methodology for capacity development. • Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of capacity development projects at global, regional, and country levels, including workshops, expert consultations, training programs, and learning activities. 2.
Research and Data Analysis • Literature and Data: Assist in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and qualitative/quantitative analysis for ongoing research workstreams to support capacity needs assessments, competency framework development, and applied research on urban resilience and climate adaptation.
• Knowledge Synthesis: Support the synthesis of research findings, technical evidence, and stakeholder inputs to inform capacity development support, strategic decision-making and program decision-making 3. Writing, Editing, and Knowledge Production • Technical Drafting: Assist in drafting and editing technical papers, reports, background documents, and concept notes.
• Presentation and Communication Support: Prepare presentations and briefing materials, meeting summaries, and communication products for internal and external stakeholders. 4. Project and Training Events Assistance • Operational Support: Provide support in developing, tracking, and reporting on project and training activities to ensure all deadlines and objectives are met.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Assist communications with governments, universities, professional associations, UN partners, and other stakeholders, including scheduling meetings, organizing events including training and webinars, and preparing agendas/minutes. • Knowledge and Documentation Management: Support the systematic organization and maintenance of project documentation, technical resources, reports and knowledge products to facilitate institutional learning, reporting and audit requirements. 5.
Perform other duties which may be 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: Currently pursuing or hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Education, Social Sciences, Geography, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or similar relevant topic. Proficiency in research methodologies, data collection and analysis, and project management tools is desirable. 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. Explain how you meet this requirement. 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. 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 French is an advantage. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. Additional Information Do you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates.
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.
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Work Location In-person OR Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya Expected duration 6 Months Duties and Responsibilities Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The position is located in the Capacity Development Section (CDS), at the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) of UN-Habitat at the Duty Station of Nairobi. The intern will report to the Section’s Programme Manager Officer and Associate Programme Management Officer. UN-Habitat has long been a global leader in technical cooperation, with capacity development at the core of its mandate. It brings together decades of operational experience, technical and policy advisory services, and cutting-edge research with a strong track record in developing knowledge, tools, methodologies, and normative guidance. Anchored in the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, capacity development is a central service and cornerstone of effective development cooperation - enhancing individual competencies, strengthening institutional capacity, and shaping enabling environments for systemic change. In doing so, it directly contributes to accelerating progress on SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments, while supporting countries to respond to evolving housing crises and urban challenges, such as informality, climate change, and rapid urban growth. The Capacity Development Section (CDS) serves as a strategic partner and technical advisor to member states and cities throughout this process. Operating across programmes, regions, and thematic areas, CDS co-creates tailored and demand-driven capacity development solutions that address real-world housing and urban challenges. Its approach is comprehensive - addressing capacity at three interconnected levels: individuals (skills and competencies), institutions (structures, systems, and processes), and the broader enabling environment (policies, regulations, and partnerships). Drawing on good practices and innovation around the world, CDS integrates learning, institutional strengthening, knowledge development, and technical and advisory support to deliver measurable and sustained impact. CDS oversees and enhances the Capacity Development function across the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat in support of UN-Habitat 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. This includes finding innovative ways to transform knowledge into learning products, including practical and problem-solving tools that respond to the needs of governments, cities, partners, technical cadres, urban practitioners, and policy makers alike, based on capacity needs assessments. Responsibilities The internship offers an exciting and vibrant learning environment and opportunities for professional growth. The intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of CDS in three main focused areas: • the planning, design, development, and management of capacity-development projects and programs (including learning events) focused on housing and sustainable urban development; including partnership management and coordination as well as training programme organization. • research and writing of technical background papers and frameworks; and • enhanced impact of capacity development products through digital learning platforms and knowledge advocacy products. Duties may include the following tasks, depending on the profile of the intern and initial discussions with the team and supervisor: 1. Project Management and Coordination • Assist with the management of the project Accelerating Urban Resilience and Pro-poor Climate Action in Belize, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (2025-2028), contributing to the project team based in Nairobi and in countries. Contribute to developing a pilot multi-partner competency- and knowledge-based methodology for capacity development. • Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of capacity development projects at global, regional, and country levels, including workshops, expert consultations, training programs, and learning activities. 2. Research and Data Analysis • Literature and Data: Assist in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and qualitative/quantitative analysis for ongoing research workstreams to support capacity needs assessments, competency framework development, and applied research on urban resilience and climate adaptation. • Knowledge Synthesis: Support the synthesis of research findings, technical evidence, and stakeholder inputs to inform capacity development support, strategic decision-making and program decision-making 3. Writing, Editing, and Knowledge Production • Technical Drafting: Assist in drafting and editing technical papers, reports, background documents, and concept notes. • Presentation and Communication Support: Prepare presentations and briefing materials, meeting summaries, and communication products for internal and external stakeholders. 4. Project and Training Events Assistance • Operational Support: Provide support in developing, tracking, and reporting on project and training activities to ensure all deadlines and objectives are met. • Stakeholder Coordination: Assist communications with governments, universities, professional associations, UN partners, and other stakeholders, including scheduling meetings, organizing events including training and webinars, and preparing agendas/minutes. • Knowledge and Documentation Management: Support the systematic organization and maintenance of project documentation, technical resources, reports and knowledge products to facilitate institutional learning, reporting and audit requirements. 5. Perform other duties which may be 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: Currently pursuing or hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Education, Social Sciences, Geography, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or similar relevant topic. Proficiency in research methodologies, data collection and analysis, and project management tools is desirable. 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. Explain how you meet this requirement. 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. 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 French is an advantage. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. Additional Information Do you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates. 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.