The United Nations offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to contribute to global development while gaining valuable professional experience in an international environment. Based in Nairobi, the UN-Habitat and UNEP internships provide hands-on exposure to programmes in sustainable urban development, human rights, technology, communications, and administration.
Internships at the UN are designed to provide students and graduates with insight into the day-to-day operations of international development organizations, while also enhancing personal and professional skills. Interns will work under experienced supervisors, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to projects that have global impact.
We are pleased to announce the following internship opportunities in Nairobi:
Available Internship Positions
1. Intern – Project Development
Job ID: 262679
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Date Posted: 15 August 2025
Deadline: 29 August 2025
Job Description:
The Project Development Intern will support UN-Habitat’s efforts in designing and managing sustainable urban development projects. The intern will work with programme managers to strengthen proposals, improve project frameworks, and ensure effective alignment with UN-Habitat’s strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting in drafting and reviewing project proposals and concept notes.
- Supporting the preparation of donor reports and project documentation.
- Conducting background research on urban development challenges and opportunities.
- Assisting in stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops and consultations.
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects.
- Contributing to knowledge management and documentation of lessons learned.
This role is ideal for individuals interested in project design, development planning, and sustainable urbanization.
2. Human Rights Intern (2 posts)
Job ID: 262838
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Date Posted: 15 August 2025
Deadline: 29 August 2025
Job Description:
The Human Rights Interns will support the integration of human rights principles in urban development programmes. Working with UN-Habitat’s human rights team, the interns will contribute to ensuring that equality, non-discrimination, and accountability are embedded in all activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting in research on human rights issues related to housing, land, and urban governance.
- Supporting the preparation of briefing notes, reports, and presentations.
- Contributing to advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting human rights in urban development.
- Assisting in monitoring human rights trends and producing analytical summaries.
- Supporting events, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Maintaining databases and knowledge-sharing platforms on human rights issues.
These positions provide a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in human rights programming within the UN system.
3. Information Technology (IT) Intern
Job ID: 262598
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Date Posted: 13 August 2025
Deadline: 31 August 2025
Job Description:
The IT Intern will support UNEP’s administration and technology functions, contributing to the organization’s digital infrastructure and system performance. This role offers exposure to IT service delivery in a large international organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing technical support to staff, including troubleshooting IT-related issues.
- Assisting with system maintenance, software updates, and equipment setup.
- Supporting user account management and access permissions.
- Contributing to IT security monitoring and compliance tasks.
- Assisting in documenting IT processes and creating user guides.
- Supporting projects related to digital transformation and innovation.
This internship provides practical IT experience in an environment that emphasizes innovation and sustainability.
4. Intern – Information Technology
Job ID: 262677
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Date Posted: 13 August 2025
Deadline: 27 August 2025
Job Description:
The IT Intern will work within UN-Habitat to support ICT functions, focusing on system operations, technical assistance, and knowledge management. The role involves collaborating with the IT team to ensure smooth delivery of digital services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting IT service desk functions by responding to user queries.
- Assisting in the configuration and maintenance of hardware and software.
- Documenting recurring technical issues and solutions for knowledge-sharing.
- Assisting in the development of digital resources and tools.
- Supporting training initiatives to enhance digital literacy among staff.
- Contributing to the monitoring and reporting of ICT system performance.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work on ICT solutions in the context of urban development.
5. Intern – Communications & Design
Job ID: 262594
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Date Posted: 13 August 2025
Deadline: 27 August 2025
Job Description:
The Communications & Design Intern will support UN-Habitat’s communications team in producing creative and impactful content. The intern will play a key role in developing digital media, publications, and advocacy materials that promote sustainable urbanization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the design of reports, infographics, and promotional materials.
- Assisting in the development of social media content and campaigns.
- Contributing to the production of multimedia materials, including videos and graphics.
- Assisting in maintaining the organization’s digital platforms.
- Supporting communication strategies for events, campaigns, and publications.
- Ensuring that branding guidelines are consistently applied across materials.
This role is perfect for individuals passionate about visual design, communications, and advocacy in an international development setting.
Why Apply for a UN Internship?
- Global Experience – Gain exposure to the workings of the UN system.
- Professional Growth – Build skills in project development, IT, communications, and human rights.
- Networking Opportunities – Collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Meaningful Impact – Contribute to global initiatives that shape cities, protect the environment, and uphold human rights.
