- Position Title: Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment
- Advert Reference: Job Opening ID: 269355
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Remote / Hybrid / In-person – Preferable)
- Employment Type: Internship (I-1)
- Duration: 6 Months
- Application Deadline: 12th January 2026
- Category/Department: Programme Management / Climate Change / Urban Environment
- Salary Expectation: Unpaid Internship (KSh 0 gross monthly). This internship is not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. This statement reflects official UN Internship Programme policy and is provided for transparency and expectation-setting – no legal implication intended.
Introduction
The Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment opportunity at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) offers a prestigious and impactful entry point into global climate, urban development, and sustainability work. This internship is designed for highly motivated students or recent graduates who are passionate about climate action, sustainable urbanization, and inclusive cities.
As an Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment, you will support global and country-level initiatives under UN-Habitat’s Climate Change Team, contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation projects, urban resilience programmes, research, knowledge management, and international climate processes. This role provides exposure to UN flagship initiatives, global conferences, and multidisciplinary collaboration within the UN system.
About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. As the focal point for urbanization and human settlements within the UN system, UN-Habitat works with governments and partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. For nearly four decades, UN-Habitat has advanced climate action, reduced inequality, and supported vulnerable urban communities worldwide.
1. Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment (Nairobi – 1 Post)
Brief Overview:
The intern will support the Programme Development Branch (PDB) Climate Change Team in planning, implementing, monitoring, and communicating climate change and urban environment initiatives, while contributing to research, knowledge management, and global engagement activities.
Key Responsibilities
Programmatic Support
- Assist in planning and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, including support to the flagship programme RISE UP: Resilient Settlement for the Urban Poor.
- Assist in the roll-out of the COP27 Presidential Initiative SURGe – Sustainable Urban Resilience for the next Generation, as well as related initiatives and global climate processes.
- Support the development of new projects at country, regional, and global levels.
- Assist in the implementation of UN-Habitat’s Environmental and Social Safeguards System (ESSS).
- Support monitoring and reporting for the Climate Change and Urban Environment Sub-Programme.
Knowledge Management
- Conduct research on contemporary topics related to cities, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urbanization.
- Support production of normative publications and technical materials.
- Research in support of continuous improvement of UN-Habitat’s ESSS and Environmental Management System implementation.
- Review UN-Habitat outputs to extract and document relevant knowledge and lessons learned.
- Support partnerships with a wide range of urban climate change stakeholders.
- Support preparations for global events such as Innovate4Cities, World Urban Forum (WUF12), Biodiversity COP16, and Climate COP29.
Communication and Outreach
- Support planning, preparation, and delivery of outreach and public events related to the Climate Change and Urban Environment Sub-Programme.
- Assist in preparing speeches, talking points, training events, seminars, and conferences.
- Support communications, website content, and social media presence.
- Assist in drafting materials and stories for internal and external audiences.
Other Duties
- Support additional tasks relevant to the candidate’s profile and the team’s priorities, as jointly determined.
Requirements for Appointment / Qualifications
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree.
Preferred Areas of Study
- Urban Planning
- Climate Change
- Environmental Sciences or Environmental Management
- Environmental Engineering
- International Development
- Political and International Affairs
- Communication or related disciplines
(Master’s or PhD candidates are preferred.)
Skills and Competencies
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated interest in the work and values of the United Nations.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Experience in content creation and social media is desirable.
- Strong interest in sustainable urban development and climate change (social and environmental dimensions).
Languages
- Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
- Knowledge of French is desirable.
- Knowledge of Spanish or another UN official language is an advantage.
Internship Conditions
- This internship is unpaid.
- Interns are responsible for travel, accommodation, visas, and living expenses.
- Non-citizens or non-residents of Kenya may require appropriate visa and work authorization.
- The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates must apply online through the official United Nations Careers portal before 12th January 2026.
Apply for Intern – Climate Change and Urban Environment at UN-Habitat
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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UN Internships Kenya,
Climate Change Internships,
Urban Planning Internships,
UN-Habitat Careers,
Sustainability Internships,
International Development Internships,
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