News South Asia

United Nations Internship Programme

The United Nations Office at Nairobi offers internship to students who are currently enrolled in at least the third year of a first university degree programme or in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) programme at the time of application, commencement and during the internship period. The Internship is for a minimum period of three months and a maximum of six.

The objectives of the internship programme are
•  To provide current students with important practical experience which complements their field of study, which at the same time will be of benefit to the UN offices to which the intern is assigned.
•  To promote among the students a better understanding of major global problems confronting the world and to give them an insight into how the UN attempts to find solutions to these problems.
•  To expose the students to the UN and its policies and programmes and have them become ambassadors of good will.
 •  To enable students from all parts of the world to exchange information during and after the internship so as to appreciate cultural diversity.
 
The Staff Development and Training Unit (SDTU/HRMS) manages the internship programme on behalf of the following UN Organisations:

•  United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) including out-posted offices
•  United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) including out-posted offices
•  United Nations Offices at Nairobi (UNON)
•  United Nations Dispute Tribunal, Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ)
 
Please read carefully the ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA before application.
 
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
 
Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of places available per year, applicants are strongly advised to note the following minimum eligibility criteria for an Internship at UN-HABITAT, UNEP, and UNON administered by the SDTU. If all of the requirements are not met, your application will not be processed.  Successful application does not guarantee placement.

 
The Applicant MUST:

1. be enrolled in at least the third year of a first university degree programme  or in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) programme at the time of application, commencement and during the internship.
 
2. be computer literate in standard software applications;
 
3. have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
 
4. have demonstrated the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
 
All internship vacancies will be posted in the United Nations Careers Portals. To view and apply for any of the open internship vacancies, kindly log onto the United Nations Careers Portal https://careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx. Note that due to a large volume of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
 
Important note:
 
You must
 
1.  Upload with your online application, a letter from your University, stating that you are currently enrolled in a course of study and your expected date of graduation.  The letter should come from:

•  Dean of Students or Dean of faculty, or
•  Registrar, or
•  Placement Office.

Please ensure that an official letterhead or an official seal is used for the recommendation letter. Candidates are advised that their online applications will not be processed without proper and adequate endorsement.