Intern - Communication and Graphic Design

Work LocationIn-person, 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 Planning, Finance & Economy Section is responsible for coordinating the Agency's substantive, normative and operational work on various dimensions of planning, finance and economy. The Planning, Finance & Economy Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate planning policies, norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures and practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels in support of (a) urban and territorial planning at all scales including urban design and public space; (b) urban finance (municipal finance and urban development/projects finance); and (c) local economic development. Under the overall supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will perform the following duties: Responsibilities Assist in the definition and implementation of the communication and design strategy of the Planning, Finance and Economy Section (PFES), with a strong focus on visual communication, including: • Graphic Design & Visual Storytelling: Lead and support the design of compelling graphics for social media campaigns, infographics, visual reports, event materials, and other outreach products that effectively communicate PFES’ work. • Infographics & Data Visualization: Transform complex data and research findings into clear, engaging, and visually appealing infographics, charts, and other creative visual formats. • Digital Content Creation: Produce and edit promotional visuals, videos, presentations, and catalogues tailored for diverse audiences and communication channels. • Publications & Layout Design: Design and format official publications, reports, handbooks, and brochures, ensuring brand consistency and readability across print and digital formats. • Social Media Design: Create artwork and templates for web stories, social media posts, and campaigns to be disseminated on official platforms, ensuring strong visual impact and alignment with corporate branding. • Photo & Video Content: Support the editing, curation, and archiving of photos and video material for use across publications, events, and digital platforms. • Brand Consistency & Innovation: Liaise with UN-Habitat’s Advocacy, Outreach and Communication Unit to ensure PFES visuals and designs are aligned with UN-Habitat’s corporate identity, while exploring creative approaches to enhance engagement. • Event & Campaign Design: Contribute to the development of branding and visual identity for PFES events, campaigns, and activities, producing banners, flyers, backdrops, and other promotional designs. • Monitoring & Adaptation: Review performance metrics of communication products and adapt design strategies to increase reach and impact. • Content Integration: Support the integration of visual assets into reports, newsletters, concept notes, and other communication outputs as needed. • Knowledge Management: Contribute to the development and organization of a design and media library containing graphics, photos, videos, and templates for easy access and reuse. Qualifications/special skillsApplicants 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: Communication, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Journalism, or Media studies, International development, or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban development. 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 working in urban design, communication or graphic design is required. Writing and research skills are a strong asset for this assignment is desirable. Kindly provide examples of relevant skills that you might have in this respect. Knowledge of tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and other Adobe Suite applications is desirable. General social media management experience is desirable. LanguagesEnglish 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 InformationDo you have any previous UN internship experience? If yes, please indicate the UN entity and the specific dates. Intern Specific textInterns 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. No FeeTHE 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.