Knowledge Management Intern

Knowledge Management Intern

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

July 24, 2026September 7, 2026NairobiKenya
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. The organization focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates in multiple countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it addresses rapid urbanization trends and supports member states in achieving sustainable development. The agency aims to leverage sustainable urbanization to create transformative, resilient, and peaceful cities while tackling housing challenges and improving access to land and basic services. UN-Habitat's mission includes promoting equitable prosperity, enhancing preparedness and recovery efforts, and advocating for environmental and climate action.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management Intern position at UN-Habitat is designed to support the Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) in Nairobi, Kenya. The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer for Strategic Planning and Climate Change. The role involves assisting in programmatic reviews, reporting, advocacy activities, and communication efforts. The intern will be responsible for organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences, both in-person and virtually, which includes managing logistics and participant coordination. Additionally, the intern will contribute to the creation of written outputs, such as speeches and internal documents, and support the office in reporting programmatic achievements. The intern will also engage in research related to urban development, housing, climate change, and humanitarian crises in Africa, and will interact with country offices to develop project concept notes. Overall, this internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in knowledge management within a UN context, contributing to the agency's mission of promoting sustainable urbanization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties and responsibilities include:
  • Assisting in the preparation and organization of meetings, workshops, and conferences, including logistical arrangements and participant coordination.
  • Supporting the creation of written outputs, such as speeches and internal documents, through research and drafting.
  • Contributing to the reporting of the office's programmatic achievements.
  • Assisting in the delivery of program review committee activities.
  • Generating communication materials for diverse audiences.
  • Conducting research on urban development, particularly focusing on housing, climate change, and humanitarian crises in Africa.
  • Interacting with country offices to develop project concept notes and facilitate communication.
  • Preparing discussions, webinars, and other meeting formats related to urban resilience.
  • Supporting the office's reporting and communication efforts in collaboration with field offices and the global office. 1
  • Undertaking any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Enrollment in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). b. Enrollment in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). c. Graduation with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential. Applicants should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or having completed such programs. Preferred areas of study include urban planning, environmental management, architecture, development studies, economics, or related fields. A strong academic foundation in these areas will support the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the organization's goals.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is preferred that they have experience in developing, reviewing, or editing knowledge information in the form of research work, project documents, or other development documents. Experience in summarizing and analyzing technical urban and housing content for various audiences is also desirable. This internship is particularly suited for individuals who have a strong academic background and relevant coursework related to the internship's focus.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable. Given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, strong communication skills in English are essential, while proficiency in French would be an added advantage.

Additional Notes:
This internship is hybrid, based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is expected to last for a duration of six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, applicants should note that there is no fee charged at any stage of the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.
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