In-person, Nairobi, Kenya

2 months

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 Urban Basic Services Section (UBSS) of UN-Habitat is mandated to improve the access to urban basic services, including sustainable solid waste management by collecting data on municipal solid waste management, improving policies and guidelines in partnership with local, regional and national authorities, creating an enabling environment for promoting investments in sustainable waste management with a focus on the urban poor and increasing coverage of sustainable waste management services in communities. The Waste Management Intern at UN-Habitat in the UBSS, stationed within the Solid Waste Management Team, will report to the Associate Programme Management Officer. Responsibilities The intern will play a supportive role in strengthening the overall functions of the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP) as it expands its work with cities across the continent. This includes contributing to knowledge exchange, research-based activities, and coordination efforts that help cities improve their solid waste management systems. The position will be involved in ongoing SDG 11.6.1 monitoring using the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT), the documentation of emerging good practices in the waste sector, and collaboration with academic partners such as Hiroshima University. The intern will also assist in shaping new project ideas and preparing background materials that guide future technical cooperation under ACCP. Through these tasks, the intern will help ensure smoother information flow, stronger analytical foundations, and more consistent support to ACCP member cities.

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: Municipal Solid Waste Management, Environmental Policy, Civil Engineering, International Development, Urban Development or other relevant fields. 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. Excellent writing and communication skills and he ability to organise and plan events is desirable.

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.

Do you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates.

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.

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.