Capacity Development Intern

Work LocationIn-person OR Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrg. 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 position is located in the Capacity Development Section (CDS), Knowledge and Innovation Branch (KIB) at Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) of UN-Habitat at the duty station of Nairobi, Kenya. The intern reports to the Chief of the Capacity Development Section. UN-Habitat has long been a global leader in technical cooperation, with capacity development at the core of its mandate. It brings together decades of operational experience, technical and policy advisory services, and cutting-edge research with a strong track record in developing knowledge, tools, methodologies, and normative guidance. Anchored in the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, capacity development is a central service and cornerstone of effective development cooperation – enhancing individual competencies, strengthening institutional capacity, and shaping enabling environments for systemic change. In doing so, it directly contributes to accelerating progress on SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments, while supporting countries to respond to evolving housing crises and urban challenges, such as informality, climate change, and rapid urban growth. The Capacity Development Section (CDS) serves as a strategic partner and technical advisor to member states and cities throughout this process. Operating across programmes, regions, and thematic areas, CDS co-creates tailored and demand-driven capacity development solutions that address real-world housing and urban challenges. Its approach is comprehensive – addressing capacity at three interconnected levels: individuals (skills and competencies), institutions (structures, systems, and processes), and the broader enabling environment (policies, regulations, and partnerships). Drawing on good practices and innovation around the world, CDS integrates learning, institutional strengthening, knowledge development, and technical and advisory support to deliver measurable and sustained impact. CDS oversees and enhances the Capacity Development function across the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat in support of UN-Habitat 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. This includes finding innovative ways to transform knowledge into learning products, including practical and problem-solving tools that respond to the needs of governments, cities, partners, technical cadres, urban practitioners, and policy makers alike, based on capacity needs assessments. Responsibilities The intern would join this motivated team at CDS and report to the Chief of Capacity Development Section, working on a range of exciting and cutting-edge initiatives aiming to mainstream the topics of global urban leadership programme, fellowship programme, e-learning, knowledge exchange and partnership. The intern will perform the following tasks: