It also covers the application process, how it is like to intern there and provides tips on what to do to land an internship at the UN.
This will help you understand the programme, know opportunities available, know whether you qualify to apply, know how to apply and know what it takes.
UNON Internship Programme Overview
UNON is the United Nations Office at Nairobi. It is one of the four main UN office sites in the world.
It is the UN headquarters in Africa and the administrative arm of the UNEP and UN-Habitat. It also provides support and services to several agencies, programmes and funds operating in Kenya.
The UN office in Nairobi, Kenya provides internship opportunities for students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
The internship programme is designed to give students and graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure and practical experience in the work of the United Nations.
The United Nations organization offering the internship benefits from the assistance the qualified student or graduate offers in the professional field they specialize in.
An internship with the UN is an ideal start towards a career in diplomacy and public policy.
UN Internships in Kenya in 2015
Check the UN Career Portal to view open internships in Nairobi that you can apply to right now.
- Intern Programme Management at UNEP Regional Office for Africa ( Nairobi, Kenya) Closing Date : 15th July 2015
- Intern Statistics Global Urban Observatory at UN-Habitat Closing Date: 7th July 2015
- Intern Statistics Global Urban Observatory at UN-Habitat Closing Date 7th July 2015
- Intern Finance and Budget Unit at UNEP Closing Date 6th May 2015
- Intern Environment Affairs at UNEP To Ecosystem Services Economics DEPI Closing Date 6th May 2015
UN Internship Opportunities in Kenya
The United Nations organizations that offer internships in Kenya include:
- The United Nations Office at Nairobi-UNON Internship Programme
- The United Nations Environment Programme-UNEP Internship Kenya
- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
- The United Nations Dispute Tribunal (Office Adminstration of Justice (OAJ)
Depending on the needs of the UN organization offering you the opportunity, your area of specialization and your interests, you may get placed with any one of these departments:
Finance and budget, human resources, graphic design, IT, legal affairs, administration, database development, economic affairs, public relations among others.
Who Can Apply: UNON Internship Programme Eligibity Criteria
Academic Qualifications
Here are the educational requirements to be eligible to apply to this internship program:
- You are a student pursuing your first university degree/bachelor/undergraduate programme and at least enrolled in the final year at the time of application.
- You are also eligible if you are pursuing your second university degree or a higher graduate programme such as a Masters degree or Ph.D programme at the time of application.
- You can also apply if you have already graduated provided you are able to start your internship within a one year period after graduation from a bachelor, masters or Ph. D programme.
- The intership lasts for a minimum of two months and a maximum six months.
Language Fluency
You have excellent command of English. The three working languages of the UN are English, French and Spanish. Fluency in two or more of these landuages is an advantage.
Core Competencies
These are the skills, attributes and behaviours the UN values in its workers. These will enable you perform your internship role as expected:
- Teamwork: You value teamwork. You appreciate other people's ideas and expertise. You are willing to learn from others and prioritize team agenda above individual agenda
- Creativity: Creativity is needed to improve services and programmes, come up with new and better ways of doing things. The UN has a working environment where creativity is appreciated and innovative solutions actively sought to solve problems and improve the lives of those in need.
- Communication: You need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. You also need to be able to exercise good judgement in situations and tailor tone and content of the message to be well understood. You also need to be able to listen and respond effectively.
- Accountibility: You need to be a person that takes responsibility for their role and specific tasks while regarding the rules, regulations, beneficiaries and member states of the UN.
Other Qualities Needed To Intern At The UN
- Being an international and multicultural environment, you need to appreciate diversity and thrive in such an environment.
- You are motivated to make a difference and are selflesss and driven to be part of a bigger purpose in the service of humanity guided by hope and strength of character
- You are interested and committed to making a difference in a complex world
- You are a person of integrity so you live the values of the UN. This means you are fair, impartial, selfless, honest, and truthful. You live these values in your personal and professional life.
- You are dynamic and adpatable.
- You are a creative thinker, proactive, flexible and responsive
United Nations Internships in Kenya: The Application Process
Visit the United Nations internship programme in Kenya page to learn more about the programme and the minimum eligibility criteria.
To view the open positions and submit an application, you need to register or log in on to the United Nations Careers Portal.
Fill up the UN Internship Application Form also known as the personal History Form (PHP) and include your work experience, IT skills and three references.
You are also required to upload proof that you are enrolled in a course of study and also stating your expected date of graduation. Find the enrollment proof template at the bottom of this page.
The enrollment proof should have an official letterhead or an official seal of the academic instution where you are enrolled.
UN Internship Application Guidelines
Ensure that you attach all the required documents especially the proof of enrollment or certified copy of your degree certificate.
Ensure that you meet all the requirements and follow the instructions specified in the internship vacancy advert.
This is a highly competitive programme with thousands of applicants but you lose nothing by submitting an application and the recruitment process is fair.
Note that only shortlisted candidates hear from the UN after application.
Learn more about the application process, selection criteria and interviews here.
UNON Offices and Contact Information
The UNON office buildings are located across the street (United Nations Avenue) from the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya just next to the Karura Forest.
The UN complex at Gigiri houses the UNEP and UN-Habitat offices.
The UNON contact details are as follows:
UNON
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT NAIROBI
P.O Box 67578
Nairobi, Kenya 00200
Telephone: +254 20 7621234
Are UN Internships in Kenya Paid?
You will need to cover your own travel and living expenses, insurance and accommodation or find a sponsor.
Landing the opportunity is a reward on its own not to mention the amazing experience you gain.
How Is It Like To Intern There: The UN Internship Experience
The UN is reputable for offering a dream work environment. It is one of the best you will ever experience in your career.
You get a chance to experience first hand the day to day working environment of the United Nations.
You work in an international and multicultural environment that is accepting of people from diverse backgrounds.
You interact with and get mentorship from outstanding professionals in a warm friendly envornment.
You get to understand their operations, policies and programmes, and learn about ethics and core values of the UN.
You benefit from training workshops and development programs that improve your skills.
It is a place where you feel your contribution has a major impact on the world.
Even as an intern, you are exposed to important work and high profile conferences, and you get to contribute to meetings and analytical work as well as organizational policy.
You may get academic credit after your internship depending on the requirement of your academic institution.
At the UN it is not all work and not play for the interns. You get to participate in social activities such as camping, bowling, and outings where you make new friends.
Read this intern's experience to learn more about what it is like to intern at UNON
UN Kenya Internship Tips: What To Do To Land The Internship
With this information, you will be able to write a nice application, interview well and if you get the internship, know what it is like to work there and what is expected of you.
You will also need to do more homework to understand UN activities and also get involved in projects that demonstrate your interest and also talk to people you know have interned there for advice.
What next? Head over to the UN website and learn more about the UN and its activities.
Make yourself the ideal candidate by taking action to demonstrate your interest in the works of the UN and gain the qualities and attributes they value.
For example, you can do volunteer work or join Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN) if there is one in your institution.
You want your application to stand out and you want to give an amazing interview if/when invited for one.
Ensure you read the job description carefully so you can meet all the requirements and follow the instructions in your application.
Wishing you success in your application.
Related Pages
- UNHCR Kenya Internship
- UNDP Kenya Internship Programme
- UNICEF Internship Programme