UN‑Habitat SDG Cities and MLG Unit based in Nairobi, has a Technical Support Intern (Finland Partnership) which places a passionate student or recent graduate within the UN‑Habitat SDG Localization and Local Governments team to bolster the Finland‑UN‑Habitat strategic partnership on SDG localization. The position assists with project coordination, drafting concise briefs and donor reports, monitoring work‑plan activities, and producing visibility assets such as case updates and partnership summaries. Candidates must be fluent in English, proficient in Microsoft Office, and capable of engaging sensitively with diverse partners, contributing to city‑level transformation and multilevel governance efforts that aim to improve the lives of one billion people.
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.
During the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in June 2023, Member States endorsed the Resolution on Localizing the SDGs mandating UN-Habitat to strengthen the capacities of local and national governments on SDG data, planning and reporting as well as on multilevel governance for SDG localization.
UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan also identifies Participatory Multilevel Governance and SDG Localization as one of the five Means of Implementation to deliver on the corporate strategic focus on adequate housing, land, and basic services for all, and the transformation of informal settlements and slums.
The position is located in UN-Habitat’s SDG Localization and Local Governments Team within the Global Solutions Division (GSD). The Global Solutions Division is responsible for providing programmatic direction for UN-Habitat and is responsible and accountable for the programmatic delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Division leads the tools and methodology production and the integration of the various substantive competencies towards the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan and the mandate of UN-Habitat. It provides substantive training and supports capacity development of Member States and partners. The Global Solutions Division hosts the Local 2030 Coalition’s Secretariat and coordinates UN-Habitat’s work on SDG Localization through the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team.
UN-Habitat’s SDG Localization and Local Governments Team work under the umbrella of the Local2030 Coalition and coordinates UN-Habitat’s corporate offering and global portfolio on SDG Localization, including the SDG Cities Global Initiative (Flagship 5). The SDG Cities Initiative supports cities in creating integrated solutions that drive progress across multiple SDGs, ensuring cohesive and scalable urban development addressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It does so by leveraging the potential of data for evidence-based decision-making, fostering cities’ access to finance, while building their overall institutional capacities.
Building on the Agency’s operational capacities and technical leadership, the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team coordinates UN-Habitat’s delivery across three levels: 1) advancing city-level transformation through SDG Cities; 2) supporting national governments to develop National SDG Localization Frameworks, through the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs; 3) advancing the global dialogue on SDG Localization through the SDG Cities Global Community and direct engagement within the main UN fora. UN-Habitat’s vision on SDG Localization aims to impact the lives of 1 billion people by promoting transformative change in 50 countries and 1000 cities.
The intern will be placed within the SDG Cities and MLG Unit at UN-Habitat. The intern will specifically support the Finland–UN-Habitat Strategic Partnership on the SDGs, a multi-stakeholder and multilevel collaboration focused on strengthening SDG localization and local government capacity development in collaboration with partners from Finland. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the project manager coordinating this cooperation as well as the Partnership Platform team, and technical experts.
Responsibilities
- Support coordination and communication with partners of the collaboration, including preparation of briefs, summaries, and structured follow-up notes.
- Assist in drafting substantive documents such as concept notes, inputs to donor reports, meeting minutes, and technical summaries.
- Support monitoring and tracking of activities under the Finland Strategic Partnership workplan.
- Support visibility and communication of the initiative by compiling and analyzing information related to the progress and activities of the Strategic Partnership.
- Support in streamlining SDG Cities with partners in Finland and internationally.
- Support the documentation of project activities through short narrative updates, case examples, and lessons learned.
- Coordinate with other project teams to ensure coherence where Finland-supported work and identification of synergies.
- Provide general programme support and perform other duties as required by the supervisor
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 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: Undergraduate (final year) or Graduate (Master/PhD) in one of: International Development, Public Policy, Urban/Regional Planning, Development Studies, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Project Management, or any related fields related to SDG localization, governance, or programme management.
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.
Good planning and organization skills are required. Describe a time you supported a project or coordination process. What tasks did you take on, and what tools or methods did you use to ensure timely follow-up?
Proficiency in computer software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples of tasks you have completed.
Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and the localization of the SDGs is required. Could you share previous experiences on projects or research connected to the SDGs?
Previous experience with programme management is desirable. Do have any prior experience working with international development or donor-funded programmes?
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.
