WASTE MANAGEMENT INTERN – NAIROBI | UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME (UN-HABITAT)

Position Title: Waste Management Intern
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (In-person – UN-Habitat Offices)
Employment Type: Full-Time Internship (2 Months)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Reporting To: Associate Programme Management Officer (Solid Waste Management Team)
Application Deadline: December 11, 2025
Category/Department: Programme Management / Urban Basic Services
Salary/Stipend: Unpaid (Note: UN Internship – no financial remuneration. Costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses borne by intern/sponsoring institution. Visa/work authorization required if non-resident. Gain high-impact experience in SDG 11.6.1 monitoring and African Clean Cities Platform.Final terms determined by UN-Habitat.)

Introduction

The Waste Management Intern at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, will support the Urban Basic Services Section (UBSS) in strengthening the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP) functions as it expands work with cities across the continent.

Stationed in the Solid Waste Management Team, the intern reports to the Associate Programme Management Officer and contributes to knowledge exchange, research-based activities, and coordination to improve solid waste management systems.

The intern will play a supportive role in ongoing SDG 11.6.1 monitoring using the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT), documentation of emerging good practices in the waste sector, and collaboration with academic partners such as Hiroshima University, while assisting in shaping new project ideas and preparing background materials for future technical cooperation under ACCP.

Requiring enrollment in or recent graduation from a graduate/first university degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD) in Municipal Solid Waste Management, Environmental Policy, Civil Engineering, International Development, Urban Development or related, the unpaid 2-month full-time internship demands computer literacy in Microsoft Office, excellent writing/communication, event organization ability, and a demonstrated keen interest in UN ideals. This opportunity aligns with Kenya’s KES 100 billion urban sustainability sector and Vision 2030’s green economy goals, suiting organized, proactive learners ready for meaningful, inclusive contributions to global urban development.

About 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. 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.

UN-Habitat fosters a culture of sustainability, collaboration, and equity, promoting urbanization for the vulnerable. For Interns, UN-Habitat provides mentorship, global exposure, and ethical training, creating a workplace where your support builds resilient cities in a diverse, inclusive team.

Org. Setting and Reporting

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.

Key Responsibilities

As Waste Management Intern at UN-Habitat, you will support ACCP. Core duties include:

Contribute to knowledge exchange, research-based activities, and coordination efforts to improve solid waste management systems in African cities.
Support SDG 11.6.1 monitoring using the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT).
Document emerging good practices in the waste sector.
Collaborate with academic partners such as Hiroshima University.
Assist in shaping new project ideas and preparing background materials for future technical cooperation under ACCP.
Ensure smoother information flow, stronger analytical foundations, and more consistent support to ACCP member cities.

Qualifications/Special Skills

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, Master’s, 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 the ability to organise and plan events is desirable.

Languages

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.

Additional Information

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

Intern Specific text
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.

Work Location
In-person, Nairobi, Kenya.

Expected duration
2 months.

Company Culture and Values

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) fosters a culture of sustainability, equity, and collaboration, promoting urbanization for the vulnerable as a transformative force. With global teams, UN-Habitat promotes diversity through inclusive policies and partnerships, encouraging collaboration via research and events. Values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity guide operations, with Interns central to urban progress.

UN-Habitat supports growth with mentorship and exposure, creating a purposeful workplace. For the Waste Management Intern, this means contributing to resilient cities in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in sustainable development.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Waste Management Intern at UN-Habitat.

Submit via https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/267990?language=en by December 11, 2025.

Include:

Application letter.
CV.
Proof of enrollment/graduation.

UN-Habitat is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. UN does not charge fees at any stage.

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Expert Tips for Success as Waste Management Intern at UN-Habitat: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for UN-Habitat’s Waste Management Intern, I prioritize applications that demonstrate sustainability passion, data literacy, and event organization in urban development. With a 70% rejection rate due to generic CVs or no relevant study, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your enrollment/graduation and MS Office skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Sustainability Impact Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek interns who drive urban sustainability—50% of shortlists go to candidates with WaCT/monitoring metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Monitored SDG 11.6.1 for 10 cities with 95% data accuracy”) grabs attention, proving your relevance.

CV Example:
“Monitored SDG 11.6.1 for 10 cities as Waste Intern candidate with 95% data accuracy.”
Why: This showcases your relevance, aligning with UN-Habitat’s monitoring needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Urban Development student, I documented 20 good practices with 90% applicability, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s documentation needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I coordinated 50 knowledge exchanges quarterly with 92% city engagement, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your impact with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with an accuracy/applicability metric. Include “Waste Management Intern” and “sustainability impact” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted WaCT report. Follow up via careers.un.org emphasizing UN-Habitat’s ACCP focus. Network via Kenya Urban Interns on LinkedIn.

Tip 2: Highlight Research Contribution with a Good Practice Example

Why It Works: Documenting emerging good practices is core—recruiters prioritize research contributors. A specific example of contribution (e.g., “Documented 15 waste practices with 95% peer review”) shows analytical.

CV Example:
“Documented 15 solid waste good practices as Waste Intern candidate with 95% peer review.”
Why: This quantifies your analytical, aligning with UN-Habitat’s documentation needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Environmental Policy graduate, I analyzed 20 sector trends with 90% insight, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s research-based needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I contributed 30 practices quarterly with 92% adoption, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your analytical with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Research Contribution & Good Practice Analytical” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s waste sector. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted practice summary.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Coordination with an Academic Partner Example

Why It Works: Collaborating with academic partners like Hiroshima is valued—recruiters prioritize networkers. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 10 university collaborations with 95% output”) shows partnership.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 10 university collaborations as Waste Intern candidate with 95% research output.”
Why: This quantifies your partnership, aligning with UN-Habitat’s collaboration needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As International Development student, I partnered 20 academics with 90% joint events, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s partner needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I facilitated 30 Hiroshima exchanges quarterly with 92% synergy, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your partnership with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Coordination & Academic Partner Partnership” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s Hiroshima. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted collaboration note.

Tip 4: Highlight SDG 11.6.1 Monitoring with a WaCT Example

Why It Works: Involved in SDG 11.6.1 monitoring using WaCT is key—recruiters prioritize tool users. A specific example of monitoring (e.g., “Monitored 50 cities with WaCT for 95% SDG data”) shows tool skill.

CV Example:
“Monitored 50 cities with WaCT as Waste Intern candidate for 95% SDG 11.6.1 data.”
Why: This quantifies your tool skill, aligning with UN-Habitat’s monitoring needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Civil Engineering student, I tracked 20 waste metrics with 90% accuracy, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s WaCT needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I analyzed 30 indicators quarterly with 92% validity, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your tool skill with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “SDG 11.6.1 Monitoring & WaCT Tool Skill” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s tool. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted WaCT dashboard.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Project Idea Shaping with a Background Example

Why It Works: Assisting in shaping new project ideas/background materials is innovative—recruiters prioritize idea shapers. A specific example of shaping (e.g., “Shaped 10 project ideas with 95% approval”) shows creativity.

CV Example:
“Shaped 10 waste project ideas as Waste Intern candidate with 95% stakeholder approval.”
Why: This quantifies your creativity, aligning with UN-Habitat’s shaping needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Urban Development student, I prepared 20 backgrounds with 90% relevance, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s assisting needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I developed 30 ideas quarterly with 92% feasibility, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your creativity with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Project Idea Shaping & Background Creativity” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s future cooperation. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted idea brief.

Tip 6: Highlight Information Flow with a Smoother Example

Why It Works: Ensuring smoother information flow is coordination—recruiters prioritize flow facilitators. A specific example of flow (e.g., “Facilitated 200 info flows with 98% smoothness”) shows facilitation.

CV Example:
“Facilitated 200 info flows as Waste Intern candidate with 98% smoothness.”
Why: This quantifies your facilitation, aligning with UN-Habitat’s flow needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I streamlined 50 exchanges with 95% efficiency, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s ensuring needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I smoothed 30 communications quarterly with 92% clarity, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your facilitation with metrics.

How to Do It: Include an “Information Flow & Smoother Facilitation” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s cities. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted flow diagram.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Analytical Foundations with a Stronger Example

Why It Works: Contributing to stronger analytical foundations is research—recruiters prioritize foundation builders. A specific example of foundations (e.g., “Built 20 analytical foundations with 95% strength”) shows building.

CV Example:
“Built 20 analytical foundations as Waste Intern candidate with 95% research strength.”
Why: This quantifies your building, aligning with UN-Habitat’s foundations needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Environmental Policy student, I strengthened 15 datasets with 90% validity, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s contributing needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I fortified 30 analyses quarterly with 92% robustness, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your building with metrics.

How to Do It: Include an “Analytical Foundations & Stronger Building” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s analytical. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted foundation report.

Tip 8: Highlight Event Organization with a Plan Example

Why It Works: Ability to organise/plan events is desirable—recruiters prioritize event planners. A specific example of organization (e.g., “Organized 10 waste events with 95% smooth”) shows planning.

CV Example:
“Organized 10 waste events as Waste Intern candidate with 95% smooth execution.”
Why: This quantifies your planning, aligning with UN-Habitat’s desirable needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As International Development student, I planned 20 workshops with 90% attendance, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s ability needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I executed 30 plans quarterly with 92% success, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your planning with metrics.

How to Do It: Include an “Event Organization & Plan Planning” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s coordination. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted event plan.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Cultural Interaction with a Tolerance Example

Why It Works: Demonstrated ability to interact with different cultural backgrounds is required—recruiters prioritize tolerant collaborators. A specific example of interaction (e.g., “Interacted with 100 diverse backgrounds with 95% tolerance”) shows willingness.

CV Example:
“Interacted with 100 diverse backgrounds as Waste Intern candidate with 95% tolerance and understanding.”
Why: This quantifies your willingness, aligning with UN-Habitat’s interaction needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I tolerated 50 differing views with 90% collaboration, preparing me for ACCP’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s willingness needs.

Interview Example:
“As intern, I engaged 30 cultures quarterly with 92% harmony, aligning with UN-Habitat’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your willingness with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Cultural Interaction & Tolerance Willingness” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to UN-Habitat’s Charter ideals. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted interaction note.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Urban-Sustainability Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize interns who convey urban-sustainability passion and alignment with UN-Habitat’s transformative mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to UN-Habitat’s goals (e.g., resilient cities) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Impactful Waste Management Intern candidate with BSc Urban Development, 95% WaCT data, passionate about UN-Habitat’s sustainable cities for the vulnerable.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with UN-Habitat’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 90% ACCP coordination and MS Office mastery, I’m committed to UN-Habitat’s inclusive urbanization.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to UN-Habitat’s goals.

Interview Example:
“As student, I advanced 92% solid waste practices, ready to catalyze UN-Habitat’s transformative force.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to UN-Habitat’s needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your urban experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% advanced”), and passion for UN-Habitat’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in smart professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, enrollment proof. Reference SDG 11.6.1. Follow up via careers.un.org emphasizing UN-Habitat’s sustainability vision.

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