The Communications and Research Internship 2026 at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in communications, research, urban development, housing policy, land governance, and sustainable development. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the six-month, full-time internship will support the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section (LHISS) within the Global Solutions Division. The internship is unpaid, and eligible candidates must submit their applications before 28 July 2026.
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Why This Communications and Research Internship 2026 Opportunity Matters
For young professionals interested in international development, urban planning, communications, research, housing, or public policy, this internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional United Nations environment.
The selected intern will work on projects connected to some of the most important urban development challenges facing communities around the world. These include access to adequate housing, land governance, informal settlements, urban regeneration, slum upgrading, and security of tenure.
The role is also valuable because it combines several professional areas rather than focusing on only one type of work. An intern may contribute to research, technical writing, communications, knowledge management, advocacy campaigns, events, and project monitoring.
This combination can help a student or recent graduate develop a broader understanding of how international development programmes are designed, communicated, implemented, and monitored.
The internship will also provide experience in translating complex technical information into clear and useful content for different audiences. This is an increasingly important skill for professionals working in development, government, policy, research, media, and communications.
The opportunity is based in Nairobi and will be conducted primarily in person. However, applicants may request to complete a short portion of the internship remotely where travel constraints exist. Any such arrangement will be subject to discussion and approval.
About UN-Habitat and the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urbanization and improving human settlements around the world.
The agency works with governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to support policies and programmes that contribute to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
The Communications and Research Intern will join the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section within the Global Solutions Division.
The section supports the development of international norms, policies, and knowledge products relating to land governance, housing, urban regeneration, slum upgrading, and security of tenure.
The intern will work under the supervision of an Associate Programme Officer within the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section. The role will also involve close collaboration with technical teams across the section.
This structure gives the intern an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to work involving research, policy development, communications, advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
Communications and Research Internship 2026 Job List
Communications and Research Intern
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Work Arrangement: Primarily in-person, with the possibility of a short remote portion subject to discussion and approval
Duration: Six months
Category: Full-time internship
Department: United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Section: Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section
Division: Global Solutions Division
The Communications and Research Intern will support both communication and research activities. The position is designed for a candidate who can work with technical information, conduct research, prepare written materials, support events, and help organize knowledge resources.
Key responsibilities will include developing and formatting knowledge products such as policy briefs, case studies, data analyses, and human-interest stories in collaboration with technical teams.
The intern will also draft and edit articles, newsletters, advocacy materials, website content, and social media posts. These communication activities will help promote initiatives related to land, housing, and informal settlements.
Another important part of the role will involve translating technical research findings and complex datasets into clear and accessible communication materials. The intern may also support the preparation of infographic content by summarizing research findings and technical information.
The position will involve updating and maintaining knowledge management platforms, including the Housing Knowledge Platform, Arab Land Initiative website, and Global Land Tool Network website. The intern will help ensure that online knowledge resources remain current, organized, and accessible.
Research duties will include assisting with work relating to land governance, housing, and informal settlements. The intern may compile, review, and analyse project data and technical documents from headquarters, regional offices, and country offices.
The selected candidate will also support the design and implementation of advocacy campaigns focused on land and housing issues.
Additional responsibilities may include preparing background documents and briefing materials for meetings and events, as well as helping to develop agendas, presentations, and logistical materials for workshops, webinars, conferences, and training sessions.
The intern may provide on-site or virtual support during meetings, workshops, and training activities.
The role will also involve mapping national, regional, and international events related to land and housing. This may include identifying events connected to cross-cutting themes such as human rights, climate change, and gender.
Project monitoring is another important responsibility. The intern may collect information for project progress reports, track implementation results, and document project achievements.
The intern will also attend meetings and prepare summaries, reports, and records of key discussions and decisions. Other related assignments may be given to support the implementation of the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section work plan.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic conditions at the time of application:
• Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme, such as a Master’s degree or higher.
• Be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
• Have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD, or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates must also be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and standard computer applications.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and show commitment to the principles and ideals of the UN Charter.
The successful candidate must also be able to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds while respecting different opinions and perspectives.
Preferred Fields of Study
Applicants may be pursuing or may have completed studies in journalism, communication, philosophy, social sciences, political sciences, gender studies, international development, land governance, housing studies, urban development, rural development, migration, or related fields.
Experience and Skills
Previous professional work experience is not required for the internship.
However, experience in research, technical writing, knowledge management, or project development will be considered an advantage.
Knowledge of land and housing policy may also benefit applicants.
Strong writing, research, organization, communication, and computer skills can be particularly useful for the responsibilities associated with the role.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Internship Conditions
The internship is full-time and will run for six months.
It is unpaid and will be conducted under the supervision of a United Nations staff member.
The internship is based on a five-day working week. Working hours will be agreed upon between the intern and the supervisor, taking into account organizational requirements and any applicable time zone differences.
Interns are responsible for meeting all costs associated with the internship. These may include travel, visa costs, accommodation, living expenses, and work authorization where applicable.
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may need to obtain the necessary visa and work authorization before beginning the internship.
Candidates who meet the educational eligibility requirements must indicate the applicable qualification category during the application process and provide supporting documentation. Official academic certificates may be requested later during recruitment.
How to Apply for the Communications and Research Internship 2026
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations careers portal before the application deadline.
The application deadline is 28 July 2026.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that they select the correct educational qualification category when completing their application. Supporting academic documentation should also be provided where required.
The internship is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and candidates should take note of the conditions relating to travel, accommodation, living expenses, visas, and work authorization where applicable.
Where travel constraints exist, applicants may request to undertake a short portion of the internship remotely. Any remote arrangement is subject to discussion and approval.
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is accurate and complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
One common mistake is applying without checking the academic eligibility requirements. Applicants should confirm that they are enrolled in an eligible programme or have completed an accepted qualification before submitting their application.
Another mistake is failing to select the correct qualification category during the application process. Candidates should carefully identify the category that applies to their educational status.
Applicants should also avoid submitting incomplete or inaccurate information. Details provided in the application should be clear and consistent with the candidate’s academic background and experience.
A weak application can also result from failing to explain relevant skills. Although professional work experience is not required, candidates with experience in research, technical writing, knowledge management, project development, or land and housing policy should present that experience clearly.
Another mistake is overlooking the importance of communication skills. This internship involves writing, editing, research, knowledge products, advocacy materials, meeting summaries, and other forms of communication. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application reflects their ability to communicate clearly.
Candidates should also avoid waiting until the last moment to apply. Technical problems, missing documents, or uncertainty about the application process can create unnecessary pressure close to the deadline.
Finally, applicants should understand that the internship is unpaid. Candidates must consider the financial responsibilities associated with travel, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, and work authorization where applicable before accepting the opportunity.
Salary, Benefits & Career Growth
This is an unpaid internship, so applicants should not expect a salary or financial remuneration from the placement.
However, the professional value of the opportunity can be significant for students and recent graduates seeking to build careers in international development, communications, research, housing policy, land governance, urban development, or public policy.
The intern will gain practical experience working within a United Nations programme focused on sustainable urbanization and human settlements. This exposure can help strengthen an early-career professional’s understanding of how international development work operates.
The role also offers the opportunity to develop several transferable skills. These include research, technical writing, editing, policy communication, knowledge management, advocacy, data analysis, event support, project monitoring, and report preparation.
Working with technical teams can also help the intern understand how complex research and policy information is developed and communicated to wider audiences.
The internship may be especially valuable for candidates who want to build a career in communications or research but are also interested in development policy and global urban challenges. The combination of technical and communication responsibilities allows the intern to develop a broader professional profile.
Exposure to multidisciplinary teams and international development initiatives can also help a young professional understand the connections between land, housing, human rights, gender, climate change, and sustainable urban development.
The experience gained from supporting knowledge products, advocacy campaigns, research activities, meetings, workshops, and project monitoring can provide a strong foundation for future opportunities in development organizations, public institutions, research environments, policy work, communications, and related fields.
For eligible students and recent graduates, the Communications and Research Internship 2026 is therefore an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to work focused on more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official United Nations careers portal before 28 July 2026 and carefully review all application requirements and internship conditions before applying.
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