The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is inviting applications for the position of Communications and Research Intern based in Nairobi, Kenya. This internship presents an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in communications, research, urban development, housing policy, and sustainable development to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
UN-Habitat serves as the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urbanization and improving human settlements worldwide. Working alongside governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities, the agency develops policies and programmes that contribute to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
The successful intern will join the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section (LHISS) within the Global Solutions Division. The section supports the development of international norms, policies, and knowledge products relating to land governance, housing, urban regeneration, slum upgrading, and security of tenure.
This internship offers valuable exposure to policy development, communications, research, advocacy, and knowledge management while working alongside experienced UN professionals on global urban development initiatives.
Position Available
- Communications and Research Intern
Duty Station
Nairobi, Kenya (In-person)
Applicants may request to undertake a short portion of the internship remotely where travel constraints exist, subject to discussion and approval.
Internship Duration
Six (6) months
Job Category
Internship (Full-Time)
Department
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section (LHISS)
Global Solutions Division
Reporting Structure
The intern will work under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer within the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section and collaborate closely with technical teams across the section.
About the Role
The Communications and Research Intern will support both communications and research activities within the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section. The role combines technical writing, research, knowledge management, advocacy communications, event support, and project monitoring.
The selected intern will contribute to producing communication materials that promote land governance and housing initiatives while also supporting research, policy development, and dissemination of knowledge products.
This internship provides practical experience in translating technical information into accessible communication materials while contributing to projects aimed at improving housing and land governance around the world.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications and Research Intern will support the section by undertaking a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Developing and formatting knowledge products including policy briefs, case studies, data analyses, and human-interest stories in collaboration with technical teams.
- Drafting and editing communication materials such as articles, newsletters, advocacy content, website content, and social media posts.
- Supporting communication and outreach activities designed to promote land, housing, and informal settlement initiatives.
- Assisting with media monitoring activities and supporting efforts to grow subscribers and followers across the section’s communication platforms.
- Translating technical research findings and complex datasets into clear and accessible communication products for wider audiences.
- Supporting the preparation of infographic content by summarizing research findings and technical information.
- Updating and maintaining knowledge management platforms including:
- Housing Knowledge Platform
- Arab Land Initiative website
- Global Land Tool Network website
- Ensuring online knowledge resources remain current, organized, and easily accessible.
- Assisting with research activities relating to land governance, housing, and informal settlements.
- Compiling, reviewing, and analysing project data and technical documents from headquarters, regional offices, and country offices.
- Supporting the design and implementation of advocacy campaigns focused on land and housing issues.
- Preparing background documents and briefing materials for meetings and events.
- Assisting in developing agendas, presentations, and logistical materials for workshops, webinars, conferences, and training sessions.
- Providing on-site or virtual support during meetings, workshops, and training activities.
- Mapping national, regional, and international events related to land and housing.
- Identifying events connected to cross-cutting themes including:
- Human rights
- Climate change
- Gender
- Supporting project monitoring activities.
- Collecting information for project progress reports.
- Tracking implementation results and documenting project achievements.
- Attending meetings and preparing summaries, reports, and records of key discussions and decisions.
- Performing other related assignments that support the implementation of the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section work plan.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy one of the following academic requirements at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme (Master’s degree or higher).
- Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent qualification.
Applicants must also:
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and standard computer applications.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations.
- Show commitment to the principles and ideals of the UN Charter.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds while respecting different opinions and perspectives.
Preferred Areas of Study
Applicants should be pursuing or have completed studies in one of the following fields:
- Journalism
- Communication
- Philosophy
- Social Sciences
- Political Sciences
- Gender Studies
- International Development
- Land Governance
- Housing Studies
- Urban Development
- Rural Development
- Migration
- Related fields
Experience
Professional work experience is not required for this internship.
However, the following will be considered an advantage:
- Experience in research.
- Experience in technical writing.
- Experience in knowledge management.
- Experience in project development.
- Knowledge of land and housing policy.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Internship Conditions
The internship is:
- Full-time.
- Six months in duration.
- Unpaid.
- Conducted under the supervision of a UN staff member.
- Based on a five-day working week.
Working hours will be agreed upon between the intern and the supervisor while considering organizational requirements and any applicable time zone differences.
Important Information
Interns are responsible for meeting all costs associated with the internship, including:
- Travel expenses.
- Visa costs.
- Accommodation.
- Living expenses.
- Work authorization where applicable.
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may need to obtain the necessary visa and work authorization before commencing the internship.
Candidates meeting the educational eligibility requirements must indicate the applicable qualification category during application and provide supporting documentation. Official academic certificates may be requested later during the recruitment process.
Why Consider This Internship?
This internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the United Nations’ leading agencies responsible for sustainable urban development. Interns will strengthen their research, communication, policy analysis, advocacy, and knowledge management skills while contributing to initiatives that promote equitable land governance, adequate housing, and sustainable urban development across the world.
The placement also provides exposure to international development work, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and experience supporting global programmes addressing some of the world’s most pressing urban challenges.
Application Deadline
28 July 2026
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations careers portal before the application deadline.
