Internship: Programme Support

Job Description

Job Opening ID: 270557
Job Network : -
Job Family : Programme Management
Category and Level : Internship, I-1
Duty Station : CAIRO
Department/Office : United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Date Posted : Jan 15, 2026
Deadline : Jan 29, 2026

Work Location: In-person, Cairo, Egypt

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.

UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) was established in 2011 in Cairo, Egypt, and provides technical cooperation and capacity building for 18 countries across the Arab region. The Regional Office promotes and implements policies, programs and operational projects in UN-Habitat’s focus areas, at regional, national, and local levels, aimed at achieving sustainable urban development in the countries of the region, and provide technical cooperation services, upon request from governments. UN-Habitat ROAS covers all the operational activities and projects in 18 countries across the Arab Region; currently, with 12 active country programmes.

UN Habitat in Egypt

Established in 2005, UN-Habitat Egypt Programme has been providing technical support to national counterparts on a wide range of urban issues. Adopting an integrated approach, UN-Habitat Egypt has supported reforming and improving urban planning and management through three main sub-programmes, namely; urban planning and design; urban policies, legislation and governance; and urban basic services and mobility.

This internship is located in the Egypt country programme, Cairo duty station. Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager.

Responsibilities

Engaged in a specific self-contained assignment described below:

• Support the Country Office to design and formulate the Country Strategy and its technical cooperation (TC) activities, including urban design and urban development–related components, through on-demand based project identification and development, resource and partnership mapping, and reporting.
• Support UN Habitat’s participation in Development Partners technical working groups.
• Assist in collecting and organizing data for urban design and urban development projects, including spatial data, reports, and indicators.
• Help coordinate with relevant stakeholders on urban development and city planning activities.
• Participate in UN technical working group(s), seminars, meetings, conferences and other stakeholder meetings and prepare briefs for the office.
• Provide support for monitoring and reporting on urban development initiatives, including maintaining project files, drafting letters and tracking progress.
• Compile best practice and lessons learned on key thematic areas of UN Habitat’s interventions.
• Assist with the organization and reporting of virtual and physical meetings, workshops, seminars and other similar activities.
• Support communication of UN-Habitat Egypt initiatives and activities.
• Provide graphic design support for communication materials and publications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher),
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent),
• Have graduated with Bachelor’s degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent.

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: Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or have graduated from a Bachelor’s program from a recognized institution in urban planning, urban design, architecture, graphic design, geography, environmental studies, sustainable development (or a closely related field).

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 organizing, supporting, or participating in events, workshops, or stakeholder consultations related to urban planning, urban design, city development, or sustainable urban development is desirable.

Relevant coursework, projects, or internships you have completed that align with the responsibilities of this internship, particularly in urban planning, policy development, or communication is desirable.

Relevant coursework, projects, or internships you have completed that align with the responsibilities of this internship, particularly in urban planning, urban design, graphic design, housing, or urban policy development, is desirable.

Strong research, data collection, and reporting skills related to urban development topics, including sustainable cities and urban regeneration, 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 and Arabic 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.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

DEADLINE: January 29, 2026