Backend Web Developer Internship

UN‑Habitat is launching a internship for a software developer in its Knowledge and Innovation Branch in Nairobi. In this role you will design and maintain reliable data schemas, build secure REST‑style APIs, set up scalable cloud‑based back‑end environments, and produce clear architecture documentation—all while collaborating with seasoned professionals on cutting‑edge urban data projects. Candidates should be current graduate students or recent graduates, be fluent in English, and have hands‑on experience with web databases, APIs, security and deployment. This internship offers a unique chance to contribute to sustainable city development and grow your career with a globally respected UN agency.

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 located in the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, located within the within the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) of UN-Habitat at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Knowledge and Innovation Branch (KIB) is responsible for leading the development of UN-Habitat’s flagship reports, the gathering and reporting on urban data, and the production of cutting-edge knowledge and innovation on cities and urban development.

The intern will directly report to the Programme Management Officer in KIB.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Databases: Establish reliable data storage structure, including designing schemas, setting up the database environment, and ensuring efficient data retrieval and management.
• APIs: Establish server-side API for accessing, creating, updating, and managing data, ensuring well-structured and maintainable interfaces for frontend components or other systems to use.
• Security: Establish basic security measures including user authentication/ authorization workflows, protection of data, and safeguards against common web vulnerabilities.
• Infrastructure: Establish backend hosting environment, including the server environment, deployment workflows, monitoring, and ensuring the system is set up for scalability.
• Documentation: Develop accessible documentation and architecture diagrams.
• Wider Support: Collaborate closely with team members to learn and engage with full initiative.

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: A degree/background in the following, or a related field is desirable: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics.

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.

Experience in Cloud-Based Backend Web Development is required, including the following: Web Application Databases; Web Application APIs ; Web Application Security; Web Application Infrastructure.

Experience in the following areas is desirable: Generative AI, Agentic Development, Azure Cloud Services.

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.