Work Location: In-person, Nairobi, Kenya
Expected duration: 6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.
UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty.
This post is located in the Governing Bodies Secretariat under the Office of the Executive Director.
The Office of the Executive Director is responsible for the formulation of a clear and consistent vision for UN-Habitat, as well as the policies necessary to effectuate that vision; establishing operational priorities and strategies, in consultation with senior management of the programme; ensuring effective management and accountability of the programme and budget; and engaging with key Member States and other stakeholders to secure both political and financial support for UN-Habitat.
The Governing Bodies Secretariat is responsible for organizing and servicing the meetings of the Governing Bodies of UN-Habitat which include the United Nations Habitat Assembly (UN-Habitat Assembly), Executive Board, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR). It is also responsible for high level liaison and communication with Governments and Permanent Missions and for providing guidance and advice to the Organization on diplomatic and political matters.
The focus of this ToR is strengthened communications with Member States and Governments and efficient preparations for the meetings of the governing Bodies and their subsidiary organs.
The Intern reports to External Relations Officer, Secretariat of the Governing Bodies.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Secretary to the Governing Bodies, the intern will:
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite).
Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
Preferred areas of study: A bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations and other related courses is desirable.
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme.
Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Experience in drafting correspondence is required.
Proficiency in computer software applications (E.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
Experience in supporting meetings is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Additional Information
Do you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates.
DEADLINE: March 24, 2026
