United Nations Internship Opportunities in Nairobi
The United Nations agencies in Nairobi are pleased to announce a range of internship openings designed to provide hands-on exposure, professional development, and meaningful engagement in global environmental, programme management, communications, and crime-prevention efforts. These internships offer an excellent platform for emerging professionals looking to gain practical experience in multilateral work, contribute to impactful projects, and support the United Nations’ mandate in sustainable development, environmental stewardship, urban resilience, and international cooperation.
Each opportunity listed below is classified at the Internship, I-1 level, and is based in Nairobi. Applicants will work alongside experienced UN teams within specialized departments and functional areas, supporting ongoing projects, research, programme design, communications, data management, and operational assistance. These roles are ideal for individuals seeking to build foundational skills within the UN system while contributing directly to high-impact global initiatives.
Below are the five internship positions currently open across various UN agencies in Nairobi.
1. Waste Management Intern
Job ID: 267990
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Job Network: —
Job Family: Programme Management
Category & Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date Posted: 27 November 2025
Deadline: 11 December 2025
Job Description
The Waste Management Intern will support UN-Habitat’s initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management practices within urban environments. The role involves assisting in project research, urban data analysis, and documentation related to waste reduction, recycling systems, circular economy models, and environmentally sound waste disposal.
The intern will contribute to the preparation of reports, case studies, and presentations supporting programme implementation within partner cities. Duties may include analyzing waste-management challenges faced by urban settlements, mapping stakeholders involved in environmental governance, and reviewing ongoing initiatives related to smart waste-collection systems.
The intern will collaborate with programme officers to organize workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and multi-stakeholder dialogues that support improved community practices. They may also assist in updating knowledge products, drafting communication pieces for project visibility, and documenting field activities. The position requires strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a passion for sustainable cities.
2. Environmental Affairs Intern
Job ID: 267957
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Job Network: —
Job Family: Environmental Affairs
Category & Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date Posted: 27 November 2025
Deadline: 11 December 2025
Job Description
The Environmental Affairs Intern will work within UNEP to support global and regional environmental initiatives, including climate action, biodiversity restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable resource management. The role entails assisting in research activities, compiling environmental data, and supporting the development of technical background materials used in programme planning.
The intern will help track environmental trends, prepare briefing notes, and contribute to knowledge-sharing products such as policy summaries and thematic reports. They may also support planning and coordination of awareness campaigns or virtual events that promote UNEP’s environmental agenda.
Additional responsibilities include organizing reference materials, assisting in stakeholder engagement, and participating in drafting meeting summaries, project briefs, and documentation for project coordination. The role provides exposure to the environmental governance processes that shape international environmental decision-making.
3. Drug Control and Crime Prevention Intern
Job ID: 267462
Department/Office: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Job Network: —
Job Family: Drug Control and Crime Prevention
Category & Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date Posted: 17 November 2025
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Job Description
The Drug Control and Crime Prevention Intern will support UNODC’s programmes focused on combating illicit drug trafficking, strengthening crime-prevention strategies, and improving criminal justice systems. The role involves supporting project monitoring, research, and documentation related to regional security, crime trends, and law-enforcement capacity-building.
The intern will assist with preparing analytical reports, updating project databases, and compiling information for technical briefings. They may be involved in reviewing reports on narcotics control, transnational organized crime, trafficking patterns, and regional crime-prevention initiatives.
Other responsibilities may include assisting in workshop coordination, drafting meeting notes, and supporting communication activities related to programme awareness. The position offers exposure to the operational, legal, and policy frameworks underpinning UNODC’s work in the region.
4. Programme Support Intern
Job ID: 267171
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Job Network: —
Job Family: Programme Management
Category & Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date Posted: 14 November 2025
Deadline: 28 November 2025
Job Description
The Programme Support Intern will assist UNEP programme managers in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of ongoing environmental projects. This role is operational and administrative in nature, offering exposure to programme coordination, partner engagement, project tracking, and documentation.
Key responsibilities include supporting the development of programme workplans, maintaining project records, preparing progress summaries, and assisting in research tasks that inform programme decision-making.
The intern may also help coordinate meetings, draft minutes, prepare logistical notes, and compile background materials used in high-level engagements. Additional duties include organizing information, updating project files, and contributing to knowledge-management systems that enhance programme efficiency.
This role is ideal for individuals interested in project operations, environmental programming, and results-based programme planning.
5. Communications and Research Intern
Job ID: 266548
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Job Network: —
Job Family: IMA
Category & Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date Posted: 10 November 2025
Deadline: 9 December 2025
Job Description
The Communications and Research Intern will support UN-Habitat’s communication and knowledge-generation functions. The position combines content development, research support, and communication planning for urban-development initiatives.
Duties include drafting communication materials such as articles, briefs, website content, and social media updates that highlight programme achievements and upcoming events. The intern will also participate in research on urban trends, housing, sustainable cities, and community-engagement models.
They will assist in developing advocacy materials, designing information packages for stakeholders, supporting media tracking, and contributing to event organization. The role also involves managing data, updating content repositories, and supporting visibility efforts for ongoing UN-Habitat projects. This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about communication, research, and urban development storytelling.
