Intern - Research and Report Writing

Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya

6 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 position is in the Global Report and Analytics Section (GRAS). The intern will report to the Chief of a Section. A major activity of this Section is the monitoring and reporting on urban conditions and trends as a basis for the formulation and effective implementation of urban policies. The key vehicle through which this is achieved is the World Cities Report (WCR). The WCR is the Flagship Report of UN-Habitat and is mandated by the General Assembly and the Governing Council of UN-Habitat. The WCR plays a key role in monitoring and reporting on urban conditions and trends, including progress towards the implementation and realization of the SDGs, the NUA, and other internationally agreed goals and targets relevant to sustainable urbanization. The WCR also synthesizes information and knowledge on the state of cities and human settlements with a view to strengthening the ability of key partners, stakeholders and governments at all levels to use such information to formulate effective urban policies. This work advances UN Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 by generating robust, disaggregated, and policy relevant evidence to inform inclusive, innovative, and evidence based urban policies. Under the supervision of the Chief, Global Reports and Analytics Section (GRAS) within the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, the intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the section’s work in the following activities. Responsibilities • Support the systematic organization of WCR project material for ease of reference and knowledge-sharing purposes. • Review WUF13 reports and proceedings to synthesize key discussions around the major themes and arguments advanced in WCR 2026 • Assist with the organization of internal and external post launch events, developing necessary background materials, and report writing. • Crosscheck and ensure accuracy and consistency of information and referenced sources across WCR post launch reports • Undertake desktop research to track the impact of WCR2026. • Assist in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and qualitative/quantitative analysis for conceptualization of WCR2028. • Provide flexible and ad hoc support as and when required and assigned by the supervisor. • Work collaboratively with other team members to undertake any other assignments necessary to support the implementation of the section’s work programme.

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: Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline. In addition, demonstrated proficiency in research methodologies, data collection and analysis, and the use of project management tools is desirable. 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 written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, detail-orientation and eagerness to learn and contribute to research projects are 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.