A structured recruitment notice has been issued for an internship opportunity within the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. This opportunity is designed for individuals seeking practical exposure to programme management functions within the thematic area of climate change and urban environment. The internship is positioned within a multilateral institutional context and is intended to support ongoing programme activities while providing structured learning exposure to the selected intern.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme operates at the global level, working with governments, local authorities, development partners, and communities to promote sustainable urban development. Within this framework, climate change adaptation, mitigation, and environmentally sustainable urban development are core thematic priorities. The internship role outlined in this notice is aligned with these priorities and contributes to broader programme objectives related to resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible urban systems.
This recruitment notice is suitable for publication on third-party job boards and is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the internship, including the organizational context, functional responsibilities, reporting structures, and expected deliverables. The notice is presented in a neutral, third-person format to support clarity, transparency, and ease of understanding for prospective applicants.
Position Overview
Position Title: Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment
Job ID: 269355
Job Network: Programme Management
Job Family: Programme Management
Category and Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Date Posted: December 29, 2025
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
This internship is based in Nairobi and falls under the Programme Management job family. The position is categorized at the Internship (I-1) level and is intended to support programme teams working on climate change and urban environment initiatives. The role is time-bound and is structured to provide exposure to policy-oriented, analytical, and coordination-related functions within an international organization.
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme focuses on promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its mandate includes addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality in urban settings. The Programme works across multiple thematic areas, including urban resilience, climate action, environmental sustainability, housing policy, and inclusive urban development.
Within this context, the climate change and urban environment portfolio addresses issues such as climate risk reduction, urban adaptation strategies, mitigation planning, nature-based solutions, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban policy and planning processes. The internship contributes to these efforts by supporting programme management activities, research, coordination, and reporting functions.
The intern is expected to work under the supervision of designated programme staff and in close collaboration with other team members. The role is structured to provide practical learning opportunities while contributing meaningfully to ongoing programme outputs.
Reporting and Supervision
The intern will report to a designated supervisor within the Programme Management structure of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Supervision will include task assignment, performance feedback, and guidance on deliverables. The intern is expected to adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and professional standards throughout the internship period.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment will support a range of programme management and operational activities. The duties and responsibilities outlined below are indicative of the scope of work and may be adjusted in line with programme priorities and operational requirements.
Programme Support and Coordination
The intern will assist in the coordination of climate change and urban environment-related programme activities. This includes supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects and initiatives within the portfolio. Tasks may involve tracking project timelines, supporting coordination meetings, and maintaining organized records of programme activities.
The role includes providing administrative and substantive support to programme officers in managing ongoing initiatives. This may involve compiling information, preparing background materials, and supporting follow-up actions related to programme implementation.
Research and Analytical Support
The intern will contribute to research activities related to climate change and urban environmental issues. This includes conducting desk-based research on relevant themes, policies, frameworks, and best practices. The intern may be tasked with reviewing reports, policy documents, and academic literature to support programme development and knowledge products.
Analytical support may also include data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis under the guidance of programme staff. The intern is expected to present findings in a clear and structured manner to support informed decision-making within the programme.
Documentation and Reporting
The internship involves supporting the preparation of programme documentation and reports. This may include drafting sections of internal reports, progress updates, briefing notes, and summaries of meetings or events. The intern may also assist in editing and formatting documents to ensure consistency with organizational standards.
Accurate and timely documentation is a key component of the role. The intern is expected to maintain organized records of work completed and to support reporting requirements associated with programme activities.
Support to Meetings and Events
The intern may assist in the organization and support of meetings, workshops, and events related to climate change and urban environment initiatives. This includes preparing agendas, supporting logistical arrangements, taking meeting notes, and assisting with post-event follow-up.
Support may be provided to both internal coordination meetings and external engagements involving partners, stakeholders, or counterparts. The intern is expected to demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail in all interactions.
Stakeholder Engagement Support
The role may involve supporting engagement with a range of stakeholders, including government representatives, development partners, technical experts, and other United Nations entities. The intern may assist in preparing stakeholder communication materials, tracking engagement activities, and supporting coordination efforts.
While the intern will not serve as a primary focal point for external relations, the role provides exposure to multi-stakeholder engagement processes within an international development context.
Knowledge Management and Information Sharing
The intern will support knowledge management activities related to climate change and urban environment work. This may include organizing project documents, maintaining shared repositories, and supporting the dissemination of knowledge products.
The role may also involve assisting with the preparation of content for internal or external communication platforms, in line with organizational guidance and under supervision.
Administrative and Operational Support
The intern will provide general administrative support as required, in line with the needs of the programme team. This may include supporting procurement-related documentation, tracking deliverables, and assisting with routine operational tasks.
Administrative responsibilities are intended to complement substantive work and provide exposure to the operational aspects of programme management within the organization.
Learning and Professional Development
As an internship role, the position includes a learning component. The intern is expected to actively engage in learning opportunities, including on-the-job training, feedback sessions, and participation in relevant meetings or briefings. The role is structured to support the development of skills related to programme management, research, coordination, and international development practice.
The intern is encouraged to demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn while maintaining a professional and responsible approach to assigned tasks.
Work Environment and Professional Standards
The internship is based in a professional, multicultural work environment. The intern is expected to adhere to the principles of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity that guide the work of the United Nations.
The role requires collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Clear communication, reliability, and respect for confidentiality are essential components of the work environment.
Duration and Conditions
The internship is offered for a defined period, subject to organizational policies governing internships. The specific duration and conditions are determined by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and are communicated through the official recruitment process.
The internship is classified under the Internship, I-1 category and is subject to the terms and conditions applicable to United Nations internships.
Application Information
Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the designated application platform by the stated deadline of January 12, 2026. Only applications received through the official application process within the specified timeframe will be considered.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all required information is provided accurately and completely at the time of submission.
