Capacity Development Intern

Work Location

In-person OR Hybrid, 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. The position is located in the Capacity Development Section (CDS), Knowledge and Innovation Branch (KIB) at Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) of UN-Habitat at the duty station of Nairobi, Kenya. The intern reports to the Chief of the Capacity Development Section. UN-Habitat has long been a global leader in technical cooperation, with capacity development at the core of its mandate. It brings together decades of operational experience, technical and policy advisory services, and cutting-edge research with a strong track record in developing knowledge, tools, methodologies, and normative guidance. Anchored in the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, capacity development is a central service and cornerstone of effective development cooperation - enhancing individual competencies, strengthening institutional capacity, and shaping enabling environments for systemic change. In doing so, it directly contributes to accelerating progress on SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments, while supporting countries to respond to evolving housing crises and urban challenges, such as informality, climate change, and rapid urban growth. The Capacity Development Section (CDS) serves as a strategic partner and technical advisor to member states and cities throughout this process. Operating across programmes, regions, and thematic areas, CDS co-creates tailored and demand-driven capacity development solutions that address real-world housing and urban challenges. Its approach is comprehensive - addressing capacity at three interconnected levels: individuals (skills and competencies), institutions (structures, systems, and processes), and the broader enabling environment (policies, regulations, and partnerships). Drawing on good practices and innovation around the world, CDS integrates learning, institutional strengthening, knowledge development, and technical and advisory support to deliver measurable and sustained impact. CDS oversees and enhances the Capacity Development function across the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat in support of UN-Habitat 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. This includes finding innovative ways to transform knowledge into learning products, including practical and problem-solving tools that respond to the needs of governments, cities, partners, technical cadres, urban practitioners, and policy makers alike, based on capacity needs assessments. Responsibilities The intern would join this motivated team at CDS and report to the Chief of Capacity Development Section, working on a range of exciting and cutting-edge initiatives aiming to mainstream the topics of global urban leadership programme, fellowship programme, e-learning, knowledge exchange and partnership. The intern will perform the following tasks: • Support internal work under the umbrella theme of capacity development and training, aligning capacity development and training with the strategic focus of the Section’s work, and make crosslinks and connections. • Assist in drafting, organising, reviewing and editing course materials and multimedia files, reports and materials for publication or publicity. • Undertake research on housing and urban development capacity development and training-related themes especially around global urban/local leadership and fellowship programmes, complemented by analysis of real-world project pipelines, investment opportunities, emerging market developments and trends. • Collate information from various sources including technical reports, industry publications, webinars, training materials, etc. Monitor for academic and industry publications on related themes and convert these into digestible highlights and training materials. • Draft concept notes, project documents, technical reports, presentations, briefing notes and speaking points. • Provide project coordination, administrative and communications support on ongoing projects and initiatives for example tracking progress, milestones, indicators, maintenance, organizing and minuting meetings and calls. • Produce inputs for outreach efforts including social media content, and website content. • Assist in designing, organizing, planning and managing the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation, dissemination, and visualization of data, indicators, results. • Assist in developing, implementing and managing database(s) and dashboards when needed. • Assist in training and technical support on data collection and monitoring of capacity development programmes, country practices, and other related information. • Assist in the organization of seminars, conferences, working groups, and expert meetings and training events. • Assist with communication, data storytelling and data visualization (infographics) and outreach efforts. • Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), c. 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: Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student or PhD student in Urban Studies, Housing, Finance, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Education, Social Sciences, or other related themes/areas, or recently graduated. 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.

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.

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.