The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is offering an exciting internship opportunity for young professionals passionate about sustainable urban development. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this in-person internship provides a rare chance to work directly with global experts shaping the future of cities, housing, and land governance. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in international development, urban policy, or social impact work, this six-month internship is an excellent entry point into the UN system.
UN-Habitat is Hiring Interns for 2025. Apply Now
About UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat is the UN agency mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It is the global center for urbanization and human settlements issues, working with governments, communities, and development partners to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. The organization plays a leading role in driving progress toward SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, while also contributing to goals related to poverty reduction, basic services, and land tenure security.
Within this mandate, the Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS) plays a critical role in shaping policies, setting global standards, and supporting countries to improve housing conditions, secure land tenure, and prevent forced evictions.
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About the Internship
This full-time internship lasts six months and is based in Nairobi. While primarily in-person, interns may request a short remote period based on travel constraints. The role supports the LHSS team in knowledge management, research, communication, and project monitoring. Although the internship is unpaid, it offers unmatched exposure to international development work and UN-level operations.
Interns will work five days a week under the supervision of the Associate Programme Management Officer and collaborate with LHSS colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
The internship provides a rich learning environment with a diverse set of responsibilities, including:
- Developing and formatting knowledge products such as policy briefs, case studies, and data reports.
- Drafting communication materials, including articles, newsletters, and social media content to promote land, housing, and shelter initiatives.
- Supporting media monitoring and enhancing the visibility of LHSS communication platforms.
- Summarizing and translating research findings into user-friendly materials and infographics.
- Updating and organizing content for key knowledge platforms such as the Housing Knowledge Platform, Arab Land Initiative, and Global Land Tool Network.
- Conducting research, data compilation, and analysis to support land and housing projects.
- Assisting in advocacy campaigns related to housing rights, land governance, and sustainable urbanization.
- Helping with event preparation, including background documents, agendas, and presentation materials.
- Providing on-site or virtual support during workshops, webinars, and training sessions.
- Mapping relevant global, regional, and national events connected to land, housing, climate change, gender, and human rights.
- Supporting project monitoring and reporting activities.
- Attending meetings and preparing summaries of discussions.
This well-rounded exposure allows interns to develop strong professional skills and contribute meaningfully to UN-Habitat’s mission.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s, second degree, or higher).
- Enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.
Preferred fields of study include journalism, communication, social sciences, political science, gender studies, land governance, international development, housing studies, urban development, or related disciplines.
Applicants must be computer-literate, fluent in English, and committed to the values of the United Nations. Previous experience in research, technical writing, or knowledge management is an added advantage, though not required.
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Conclusion
This UN-Habitat internship offers an invaluable opportunity to contribute to global efforts aimed at improving housing, land access, and urban sustainability. For early-career professionals seeking meaningful exposure to the UN system and a chance to build impactful skills, this position is an excellent stepping stone.
