Intern – Communications and Social Inclusion at UN-Habitat

Remote/Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya

 

6 months

 

Org. Setting and Reporting 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 UN-Habitat 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan introduces a strategic focus on access to adequate housing, land and basic services for all, including the urgent transformation of informal settlements and slums. This integrated focus is a powerful approach to achieving an impact on people’s lives, both directly and indirectly. The Human Rights and Social Inclusion (HRSI) Unit ensures that cross-cutting safety, human rights and inclusion principles are mainstreamed across all UN-Habitat programming and normative work. The Unit supports the meaningful participation of marginalised and underrepresented populations, including women, youth and children, older persons and persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples in shaping cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Project Management Officer in the Human Rights and Social Inclusion (HRSI) Unit, the intern will: • Support with the development of a communication strategy for HRSI Unit, including liaising with UN-Habitat’s Communications and Media Section for review and approval. • Support in the development and curation of inclusive content for social media platforms, newsletters, articles, blog posts and website updates to promote human rights and social inclusion, including to highlight key activities, events, and achievements. • Support with the development and curation of human-interest stories that highlight the impact of HRSI’s work. • Assist with internal and external reporting through data visualisation and designing of infographics, presentations and other communication materials. • Support with video production and editing for advocacy and awareness as needed. • Support with the organisation and production of capacity building events, including Community of Practice sessions and Expert Group Meetings. • Support with relevant media engagement, including press releases and media kits and assist with organising webinars, campaigns and other public events related to human rights and social inclusion. • Liaise with HRSI team members to map key resources and tools on digital accessibility, track media coverage relevant to HRSI Unit’s work and social media analytics. • Support with preparing communication reports and summaries for internal and external stakeholders. • Conduct research on best practices in communication for social inclusion and urban safety. • Support the HRSI Unit’s team members as otherwise required. • This internship may be carried out remotely or in-person, based on the availability and needs of the selected intern. If remote internship, time zone differences will be taken into consideration, but the intern must be available for a minimum of agreed meetings during EAT work hours to ensure a regular communication flow.

 

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: Bachelor's degree or higher in Communication studies, Journalism, Media, Development Studies, Urban Studies or equivalent. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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. Proficiency in the development of a communication strategy and drafting articles and newsletters is required. Proficiency in data visualisation and graphic design is required.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.