Internship Opportunities in United Nations Office at Nairobi

Table of Contents

Internship Opportunities at the United Nations Office at Nairobi

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) offers an exceptional internship programme for students and recent graduates eager to gain first-hand experience within the United Nations system. As the only UN headquarters located in Africa, UNON plays a critical role in advancing global development, environmental sustainability, and human settlements. An internship at this prestigious office provides aspiring professionals with valuable exposure to international public service while enhancing their academic and professional growth.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the United Nations Office at Nairobi internship programme, including eligibility criteria, duration, participating UN organizations, application procedures, and key benefits. Whether you are a university student or a recent graduate seeking international experience, this guide will help you understand how to apply and what to expect.

Profile of the United Nations Office at Nairobi

The United Nations Office at Nairobi serves as the UN’s main headquarters in Africa. It supports global policymaking and program implementation across a wide range of development and environmental issues. UNON hosts several major UN entities and provides administrative and operational support to UN programmes working across Africa and beyond.

Through its internship programme, UNON aims to cultivate young talent, promote diversity, and strengthen future leadership within the United Nations system. Interns are exposed to real-world policy work, administrative processes, research activities, and field-oriented initiatives that directly contribute to global goals.

Brief Details of the UN Internship Programme at Nairobi

The United Nations’ Nairobi office works as other UN branches do, fostering peace through its specialisations. The United Nations internship programme at Nairobi is structured to benefit both interns and the organization. It is designed to:

Provide students and graduates with practical exposure to the work of the United Nations, complementing their academic studies.
Support UN offices by engaging motivated and qualified individuals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

Internships are offered across multiple departments and UN agencies based in Nairobi, covering areas such as environmental protection, sustainable urban development, legal affairs, administration, communications, research, and policy analysis.

Goal and Objectives of the Internship Programme

The purpose of most internship posts in the world is to allow continuing scholars to meet the real work situation of what they have learned in theory. The United Nations’ Nairobi office is no exception; it also offers young scholars a similar opportunity. The internship programme has a clear two-fold purpose:

1. Educational and Professional Development

Internships offer students and graduates the opportunity to:

Gain hands-on experience in an international organization
Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Develop professional skills in research, communication, analysis, and teamwork.
Understand how global policies are designed and implemented.

2. Institutional Support

This mutual benefit makes the UN internship programme a meaningful and impactful learning experience. For most individuals who get an internship, it is an opportunity to learn a great deal. Interns provide valuable assistance to UN offices by:

Supporting ongoing projects and daily operations
Contributing fresh perspectives and academic insights
Assisting with research, reporting, and coordination tasks
Enhancing productivity across departments

Internship Duration and Structure

Internships at the United Nations Office at Nairobi are offered for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 6 months. The exact duration depends on the needs of the hosting office and the intern’s availability.

Internships are typically:

Full-time, though some offices may offer part-time arrangements
Project-based, allowing interns to contribute to specific initiatives
Supervised, with guidance provided by UN staff members

The programme does not guarantee future employment with the United Nations, but it provides valuable experience that can strengthen future applications. The experience gained at the United Nations Nairobi office is beneficial to young scholars, as it gives many international skills.

The United Nations Agencies in the Internship Programme

It should be noted that the United Nations’ Nairobi office hosts several UN Organisations. The Staff Development and Training Unit (SDTU/HRMS) manages the internship programme on behalf of several UN entities based in Nairobi, including:

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)

UN-HABITAT focuses on sustainable urban development, housing, and inclusive cities. Internships may involve urban policy research, project coordination, and community engagement. The work standards at the Nairobi UN offices are of international levels.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads global efforts on environmental protection, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction. Interns may support research, communications, policy analysis, and programme implementation.

United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) provides administrative and logistical services to UN entities in Nairobi. Internship opportunities may be available in human resources, finance, procurement, conference services, and administration.

United Nations Dispute Tribunal – The Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ)

The Office of the Administration of Justice in Nairobi handles internal justice matters within the United Nations system. Interns, who in most cases should have a background in legal studies, may assist with legal research, case management, and administrative support.

Eligibility Criteria for UNON Internships

Due to high demand and limited internship slots, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be processed. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following conditions at the time of application:

Be enrolled in a graduate programme (second university degree or higher)
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
Have graduated with a university degree, and provided they can commence the internship within one year of graduation

An internship at the United Nations in Nairobi is a prestigious opportunity sought by many individuals and should thus be highly valued. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection, as competition is highly competitive.

Academic and Documentation Requirements

Given the high competition for the posts, the application process is rigorous and demanding. The candidates go through several steps to complete the process. Applicants must submit proof of eligibility with their online application. Required documents include:

Proof of enrolment for students, indicating:
- Current course of study
- Expected date of graduation
Certified copy of the degree certificate for graduates

All documents must:

Be on an official letterhead.
Include an official seal or stamp.
Be clear, accurate, and verifiable.
Applications submitted without proper documentation will not be considered.

The Application Process for the UNON Internship Posts

The United Nations Office at Nairobi adheres to all UN ethical operating standards, as do all other offices worldwide. All internship vacancies at the United Nations Office at Nairobi are advertised exclusively through the United Nations Careers Portal.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Visit the UN Careers Portal
Create or log in to your applicant profile.
Search for internship vacancies based in Nairobi.
Carefully review the job description and requirements.
Upload all required documents.
Submit your application before the deadline.

The UN internship posts at the Nairobi offices attract intense competition and attract lots of talent. It is essential to follow all the stages to stand a chance of obtaining one of the posts. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants are strongly advised to:

Apply well before the deadline.
Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Upload all required documents in the correct format.
Carefully read the eligibility criteria before applying.

Given the high competition described above, incomplete or inaccurate applications are automatically disqualified. To stand a chance of obtaining at least one of the posts, it is advised to follow all the necessary steps indicated in the application process.

Skills and Academic Backgrounds Considered

The UNON internship programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

International relations
Environmental science
Urban planning
Law
Economics
Communications and media studies
Public administration
Information technology
Social sciences
Strong communication skills
Research ability
Adaptability
Teamwork is highly valued.

Benefits of Interning at the United Nations Office at Nairobi

An internship at UNON offers numerous professional and personal benefits, including:

Exposure to international development and diplomacy
Experience working in a multicultural environment
Opportunities to network with UN professionals
Development of transferable skills
Insight into UN career pathways
Enhanced employability in global organizations

The United Nations offices operate in accordance with international operating procedures agreed by UN members. Interns gain a deeper understanding of how international institutions operate and how global challenges are addressed collaboratively.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The United Nations is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Internship opportunities are open to qualified applicants regardless of gender, nationality, disability, or background. The UN encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented regions and groups to promote global representation.

Conclusion

The United Nations Office at Nairobi internship programme is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates who aspire to build careers in international development, environmental sustainability, or global governance. While the application process is competitive, successful candidates gain invaluable experience, professional exposure, and a deeper understanding of the United Nations system.

By carefully meeting eligibility requirements, preparing accurate documentation, and applying through the official UN Careers Portal, aspiring interns can take an important step toward a meaningful global career. The internship posts open up lots of future possibilities for candidates.

Discover Internship Opportunities at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)