Internship Opportunities at UN-Habitat Nairobi

UN-Habitat offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in urban development, climate action, housing, finance, research, communications, and sustainable cities. The organization is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, making it one of the leading UN agencies offering internships in East Africa.

The internships are designed to provide hands-on experience in international development, project management, policy research, environmental sustainability, urban planning, and humanitarian affairs. Most internships are based at the Gigiri offices in Nairobi and typically last between 2 to 6 months.

Common Internship Areas

Recent internship openings at UN-Habitat Nairobi have included:

• Programme Support Intern
• Climate Change and Urban Environment Intern
• Urban Planning Intern
• Urban Finance & Economy Intern
• Project Development Intern
• Public Space and Urban Regeneration Intern
• Housing and Human Security Intern
• Budget and Finance Intern
• Donor Relations Intern
• Administrative Support Intern

Requirements

To qualify for most UN-Habitat internships, applicants are usually required to:

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme
• Be in the final year of undergraduate studies or have graduated within the last year
• Have strong communication and computer skills
• Demonstrate interest in sustainable development and UN values
• Possess good English writing and speaking skills

Knowledge of urban planning, economics, environmental studies, GIS, architecture, international relations, finance, or project management may be an added advantage depending on the role.

Internship Benefits

Although many UN internships are unpaid, interns gain:

• International work experience
• Exposure to UN programmes and global development projects
• Networking opportunities with professionals from around the world
• Practical skills in research, policy, and programme implementation
• Strong experience for future NGO and UN careers

How to Apply

Applications for UN-Habitat internships are submitted online through the UN Careers portal and related UN recruitment platforms. Applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of enrollment or graduation

Official careers portal:
UN Careers Portal

UN Internship Information:
UN Internship Programme

UN-Habitat official website:
UN-Habitat

Competition for these opportunities is usually high, so applicants are encouraged to apply early and tailor their applications to the specific internship area.