Applying for a job in the UN requires some preparation, so we created a step-by-step guide to give you an overview of this process.
Searching for job openings
Job openings at the United Nations are posted daily on this website. You can also search according to location and your area of expertise.
If you want to receive e-mails letting you know about newly posted jobs, you must first create and log into your Inspira account. You can then perform a Job Search that can be saved to generate a Job Alert that matches your search criteria.
For instructions on how to create a Job Alert, please see the Applicant Guide (p.3).
Submitting a job application
Once you find a job in Job Openings and decide to apply, click on “Apply”. This will link you directly to Inspira, where you can log in and either begin a new application or choose an existing application to adapt.
Depending on the job you are applying for you may get a set of questions. Similarly, you may be given a list of skills and be asked to perform a self-assessment on these.
Note: resumes are not considered a substitute or complementary to a completed online application. If any additional information or documentation is required, you will be asked to submit it during the application process.
If you have submitted your job application successfully, you will receive an automated confirmation by email shortly after submitting. Also note that once an application has been submitted it cannot be changed for that specific job opening.
Evaluation of the application
Your application is evaluated in terms of experience, education, and skills. Only if it is determined that you meet most or all of the requirements you will be contacted to undergo an assessment i.e. a knowledge-based test or another type of simulation exercise.
If it is determined that you are not eligible—or only meet some or none of the requirements for a particular job—you will be informed, at the appropriate time, that your application was unsuccessful for this particular job. In this case, you should not be discouraged but apply for other jobs for which you feel you are qualified.
Assessment exercise
The assessment exercise could be either a written exam or any other type of simulation exercise or case study. You will be informed in advance of the time, type, and length of the assessment. If, based on the result of the assessment, you are considered a good fit, you will be short-listed for a competency-based interview.
Competency-based interview
The competency-based interview can take place either via telephone, video conference or in person. You will be notified in advance of the time, duration and means and/or place of the interview. During the interview, we learn more about your combination of skills based on earlier experiences. Read more under At Your Interview.
Selection notification and roster
If you are the selected candidate for the job, congratulations! You will be notified by email.
If you are not selected but were in the group of candidates recommended for the job opening, you will be placed on the roster for similar functions at the level and category of the job opening for possible future selection. As a roster member, you will be notified when new job openings with the same job title, level, category, and job family for which you have been rostered are advertised.
If you have been informed of your inclusion in the roster, you can potentially be selected for an upcoming job opening without having to undergo the entire application process. However, even if you are placed on a roster, we recommend that you keep applying for positions for which you think you are qualified.
Reference Checks
If you are a candidate under closer consideration, reference checks will be conducted, and you will be notified accordingly.
If you had indicated in your application that you have objections to the UN contacting your current employer, they will not be contacted until you have actually been selected for and you have confirmed your interest in a position.
Vacancies
Here are the duties for the specified positions at the United Nations Nairobi office, based on available information:
1. Intern – Innovation and Smart Cities
Duties:
- Assist in researching and analyzing trends in smart city initiatives.
- Support the development of innovative solutions for urban challenges.
- Contribute to drafting reports and presentations on smart city projects.
2. Human Rights Intern
Duties:
- Assist in monitoring and analyzing human rights issues.
- Support the preparation of reports and documentation on human rights matters.
- Participate in organizing workshops and seminars related to human rights.
3. Intern – Urban Finance & Economy
Duties:
- Conduct research on urban economic development and financing mechanisms.
- Assist in analyzing data related to urban finance.
- Support the preparation of policy briefs and reports on urban economic issues.
4. Intern – Graphic Design and Communication
Duties:
- Assist in creating visual content for publications and digital platforms.
- Support the development of communication materials and campaigns.
- Collaborate with teams to enhance the visual identity of projects.
5. Intern – Project Support LAC
Duties:
- Provide administrative support to projects in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
- Assist in coordinating project activities and events.
- Contribute to the preparation of project reports and documentation.
6. Intern – Data Analyst and Information Management
Duties:
- Assist in collecting, processing, and analyzing data for various projects.
- Support the development and maintenance of databases and information systems.
- Contribute to data visualization and reporting tasks.
7. Team Assistant
Duties:
- Provide general office support services to ensure the smooth functioning of the team.
- Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Manage correspondence, documents, and other communication materials.
8. Team Assistant
Duties:
- Provide administrative support to various departments.
- Assist in scheduling and coordinating meetings and events.
- Handle routine correspondence and document management.
9. Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant, Arabic
Duties:
- Assist in editing and formatting Arabic language documents.
- Support the publication process, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Coordinate with authors and translators to finalize documents.
10. Finance and Budget Assistant
Duties:
- Assist in the preparation and monitoring of budgets and financial reports.
- Process financial transactions and maintain financial records.
- Support audits and financial reviews.
11. Finance and Budget Assistant
Duties:
- Support financial planning and budgeting processes.
- Assist in financial reporting and analysis.
- Maintain financial databases and systems.
12. Information Systems Assistant
Duties:
- Provide support for computer information systems, including system development and maintenance.
- Assist in network administration and user support.
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
13. Programme Management Assistant
Duties:
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of programme activities.
- Support the preparation of project documents and reports.
- Maintain programme records and databases.
14. Staff Assistant
Duties:
- Provide administrative support to senior staff members.
- Manage schedules, correspondence, and travel arrangements.
- Assist in organizing meetings and events.
15. Administrative Assistant
Duties:
- Provide administrative support to ensure efficient office operations.
- Assist in budget preparation and financial management.
- Coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings and conferences.
16. Programme Assistant
Duties:
- Support the planning and implementation of programme activities.
- Assist in monitoring and evaluating project progress.
- Prepare and maintain programme documentation.
17. Liaison Assistant
Duties:
- Serve as a point of contact between the UN and host country authorities.
- Assist in processing requests for privileges and immunities.
- Coordinate protocol matters and facilitate official interactions.
18. Senior Programme Management Assistant
Duties:
- Provide advanced support in programme planning and administration.
- Assist in the development of project proposals and budgets.
- Supervise junior staff and coordinate administrative tasks.
19. Senior Finance and Budget Assistant
Duties:
- Oversee financial transactions and ensure compliance with UN financial rules.
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements and budgets.
- Provide guidance to finance staff and support audits.
20. Web Designer Consultant
Duties:
- Design and develop user-friendly websites and web applications.
- Ensure websites are optimized for performance and accessibility.
21. Frontend Developer
Duties:
- Develop and maintain user interfaces for web applications.
- Collaborate with backend developers to integrate APIs and services.
- Ensure cross-browser compatibility and optimize application performance.
22. Working Group Coordination Consultant
Duties:
- Facilitate coordination among various working groups and stakeholders.
- Organize meetings, prepare agendas, and document outcomes.
- Monitor progress and ensure alignment with project objectives.
23. Tennis Instructor
Duties:
- Provide tennis coaching and instruction to UN staff and affiliates.
- Organize tennis clinics, workshops, and tournaments.
- Maintain tennis facilities and ensure safety protocols are followed
24. Special Class Instructors
Duties:
- Conduct specialized classes (e.g., fitness, language, arts) for UN staff.
- Develop lesson plans tailored to participants’ skill levels.
- Evaluate and provide feedback on participants’ progress.
25. Project Officer
Duties:
- Plan, implement, and monitor project activities.
- Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
- Prepare project reports and documentation.
26. Urban Research, Analysis, and Policy Expert Consultant
Duties:
- Conduct research on urban development trends and challenges.
- Analyze data to inform urban policy recommendations.
- Draft policy briefs and reports on urban issues.
27. Urban Development Expert
Duties:
- Provide expertise on sustainable urban development strategies.
- Advise on urban planning, infrastructure, and policy initiatives.
- Collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders on urban projects.
28. Urban Development Expert (Field Coordinator)
Duties:
- Coordinate field activities related to urban development projects.
- Liaise with community leaders and local governments.
- Monitor and report on project implementation in the field.
29. Public Space and Social Inclusion Expert
Duties:
- Advise on the design and management of inclusive public spaces.
- Promote social inclusion through urban planning initiatives.
- Engage with communities to ensure public spaces meet diverse needs.
30. Urban Planner and GIS Expert
Duties:
- Develop urban plans utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Analyze spatial data to inform planning decisions.
- Collaborate with stakeholders on urban development projects.
31. Landscape Architecture Consultant
Duties:
- Design sustainable and aesthetic outdoor spaces.
- Collaborate with urban planners and architects on projects.
- Provide guidance on vegetation, materials, and environmental considerations.
32. Climate Information Services Consultant
Duties:
- Develop and disseminate climate information services.
- Collaborate with meteorological agencies and stakeholders.
- Enhance capacity for climate data analysis and application.
33. Environmental Affairs Specialist
Duties:
- Advise on environmental policies and strategies.
- Conduct environmental impact assessments.
- Promote sustainable practices within UN operations.
34. Expert on Climate Drivers in Southern Africa
Duties:
- Analyze climate drivers affecting Southern Africa.
- Develop strategies to mitigate climate-related risks.
- Collaborate with regional stakeholders on climate initiatives.
35. Expert on Drought Triggers, Indicators, and Thresholds in Southern Africa
Duties:
- Identify and analyze drought triggers and indicators.
- Establish thresholds for drought response actions.
- Support the development of drought preparedness plans.
36. Early Warning Expert (EW4All)
Duties:
- Develop and implement early warning systems for disasters.
- Collaborate with communities to enhance preparedness.
- Analyze data to improve early warning accuracy.
37. Senior Finance and Budget Assistant
Duties:
- Oversee financial transactions and ensure compliance with UN financial rules.
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements and budgets.
- Provide guidance to finance staff and support audits.
38. Language Programme Team Assistant
Duties:
- Support the coordination of language training programs.
- Assist in scheduling classes and managing resources.
- Maintain records of participants and course materials.
39. UN-Habitat Senior Advisor
Duties:
- Provide strategic guidance on UN-Habitat programs and initiatives.
- Advise on policy development and implementation.
- Represent UN-Habitat in high-level meetings and forums.
40. Associate Programme Management Officer
Duties:
- Assist in the planning and implementation of programs.
- Monitor project
41. Programme Management Officer
Duties:
- Plan, implement, and monitor assigned programmes and projects.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective programme delivery.
- Prepare reports, briefings, and other documentation related to programme activities.
42. Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
Duties:
- Develop and manage projects related to human settlements and urban development.
- Provide technical support and policy advice on sustainable urbanization.
- Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and other partners to promote best practices in human settlements.
43. Human Rights Officer
Duties:
- Monitor and report on human rights issues and developments.
- Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to stakeholders.
- Advise on strategies to promote and protect human rights in various contexts.
44. Communications Officer
Duties:
- Develop and implement communication strategies to promote UN initiatives.
- Manage media relations and oversee the production of communication materials.
- Coordinate public information campaigns and events.
45. Programme Management Officer, Multilevel Climate Action
Duties:
- Coordinate initiatives aimed at enhancing climate action at multiple governance levels.
- Engage with stakeholders to promote integrated climate policies.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of climate action programmes.
46. Finance and Budget Officer
Duties:
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.
- Provide financial advice to management and support decision-making.
47. Reviser, French
Duties:
- Review and revise translations from English into French, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Provide guidance to translators and ensure adherence to UN terminology and style.
- Participate in terminology development and other language-related projects.
48. Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
Duties:
- Develop and manage projects focused on sustainable human settlements.
- Provide technical assistance to governments and partners on urban development issues.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform policy recommendations.
49. Legal Officer
Duties:
- Provide legal advice on a range of issues, including international law, contracts, and disputes.
- Draft and review legal documents, agreements, and policies.
- Represent the organization in legal proceedings and negotiations.
50. Chief of Section, Finance and Budget
Duties:
- Lead the finance and budget section, overseeing financial management and strategy.
- Ensure the effective allocation and utilization of financial resources.
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures.
51. Senior Programme Management Officer
Duties:
- Oversee the planning and implementation of complex programmes and projects.
- Provide strategic guidance and leadership to programme teams.
- Establish partnerships and coordinate with stakeholders to achieve programme objectives.
52. Senior Investigator (Chief of Unit, Intake and Referrals)
Duties:
- Lead the intake and referral unit, managing the assessment of allegations and complaints.
- Develop investigation plans and oversee their execution.
- Ensure investigations are conducted in accordance with UN policies and standards.
53. Chief of Section, Human Resources Management
Duties:
- Lead the human resources section, overseeing recruitment, staff development, and policy implementation.
- Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Provide guidance on HR matters to management and staff.
54. Chief of Section, Investigations (Digital Forensics)
Duties:
- Lead the investigations section with a focus on digital forensics.
- Oversee the collection, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence.
- Develop protocols and standards for digital forensic investigations.
55. Chief of Service, Management and Programme Analysis
Duties:
- Lead the management and programme analysis service, overseeing organizational performance evaluation.
- Develop methodologies for assessing programme effectiveness and efficiency.
- Provide recommendations to enhance organizational processes and outcomes.
