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UN Jobs in Kenya Are Highly Competitive, Here's Why (And How to Stand Out)
Landing a UN job in Kenya is a dream for many, and it’s easy to see why. These roles offer meaningful impact, attractive salaries, job security, international exposure, and a chance to work on global issues right from Nairobi, one of the UN’s key global hubs.
But the competition? It's intense. Thousands of qualified professionals apply for just a handful of roles, from local applicants to international experts.
So, how do you stand out?
Here’s how:
Tailor your CV and cover letter for every role
Show real experience in development, humanitarian work, or policy , even if it’s through internships or volunteering.
Highlight your impact, not just your duties.
Understand how UN systems like Inspira and UN Careers work.
Build a strong, relevant LinkedIn profile.
Be persistent. Many successful candidates apply multiple times before breaking through.
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At CV Shaper, we specialize in helping professionals like you:
Craft powerful CVs and cover letters tailored for UN, NGO, and international development jobs Optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract global recruiters
Whether you’re applying for your first UN role or moving up in your international career, we’re here to guide you ,every step of the way.
Many of Kenya’s most impactful UN agencies are currently opening job opportunities—from consultancies to full professional roles. If you’re looking to make a difference, now’s a good time. Here are some of the agencies hiring, what roles they are filling, and what you should know.
1. UNICEF — United Nations Children’s Fund, Kenya
Recent Vacancy: Consultancy: Adolescent Girls Investment Case & Costing Consultant
This is a short‑term consultancy, focused on costing and investment analysis relating to adolescent girls' programs.
What this means: UNICEF is investing in research/data & budgeting roles. They are looking for someone who can crunch numbers, propose investment cases, and help design programs targeting adolescent girls.
2. United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)
Vacancy: Finance & Budget Assistant (Temporary)
A number of temporary positions open. The role involves helping with budget preparation, monitoring, ensuring financial transactions comply with UN rules, preparing reports, etc. This is not a long‑term post; some roles are temporary or contract‐based. Also, the required experience is quite high. In this role, for instance, candidates with only high school diploma plus relevant training are considered, but those with university degrees may have shorter required years of experience.
3. UNEP — United Nations Environment Programme
Recent role: Finance & Budget Assistant among multiple positions.
This involves administering budgets, monitoring financial performance, analyzing accounting data, perhaps working with platforms like ERP / SAP, and ensuring donor reporting.
4. UN‑Habitat & Other UN Agencies
UN‑Habitat has announced roles such as Urban Development Expert Consultant (French & English speaking) based in Nairobi, Geospatial Information Systems and Urban Economy expert, etc.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also features among the agencies with consultant roles in Kenya.
5. Volume and Variety of Roles in Nairobi
There are dozens of vacancies currently open in Nairobi across UN agencies, including administrative positions, technical / professional positions, general services, and consultancies.
Some roles are at senior levels (e.g., specialists, evaluators), while others are entry‑level or internships. This diversity means not all roles require decades of experience.
Want to Boost Your UN Job Application?
Applying to the UN can be overwhelming , from writing a competency-based CV to crafting a cover letter that hits the right tone.
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How to Get a United Nations Job in Kenya Without Experience
landing a United Nations (UN) job in Kenya can feel like a dream that’s just out of reach, especially when every vacancy seems to demand years of experience, advanced degrees, and global exposure.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need decades of experience to get started. In fact, many people have launched successful UN careers right here in Kenya — with little or no formal experience, simply by knowing where (and how) to start.
If you're a recent graduate, a young professional, or simply looking to transition into the humanitarian or development space, this guide is for you.
First — Yes, It's Possible
The UN system is vast and includes dozens of agencies operating in Kenya — from UNICEF and UNDP to UNHCR, WFP, WHO, and more. While some roles are senior-level, there are entry-level opportunities, internships, and volunteer positions designed specifically for people like you — with passion, potential, and a willingness to learn.
1. Start with Internships and Volunteering
One of the most common and accessible entry points into the UN is through internships or UN Volunteer (UNV) programs.
UN Internships
Eligibility: Most UN internships require you to be enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program.
What you gain: Real UN work experience, networking opportunities, and a foot in the door.
Where to find them: https://careers.un.org or individual agency websites like UNICEF, UNDP, etc.
UN Volunteers (UNV)
Open to both skilled professionals and youth.
You can apply for national volunteer roles in Kenya even without a long resume.
Volunteering doesn’t always have to be with the UN. NGOs and community-based organizations that partner with the UN can also offer valuable experience.
2. Build Relevant Skills (Even If It’s Not in a Job)
You may not have formal UN experience — but chances are, you’ve already developed relevant skills through:
School projects
Freelance work
Community involvement
Online courses
UN agencies look for skills in areas like:
Communication & writing
Project management
Data analysis
Research
Gender and human rights
Monitoring & evaluation
3. Craft a Strong UN-Compliant CV & Cover Letter
Even if you don’t have years of experience, how you present your skills matters.
✅ Tips for a standout early-career CV:
Focus on transferable skills: teamwork, leadership, research, writing, communication
Highlight relevant coursework or volunteer roles
Use UN-style formatting (focus on achievements and responsibilities)
Keep it clear, professional, and tailored to each role
Your cover letter is your chance to show passion, commitment, and understanding of the UN’s values. Use it to explain why you want the role, even if you’re still learning.
4. Join Youth-Focused UN Programs
Some UN agencies have specific programs for youth and early-career professionals, including:
UN Youth Volunteer Program
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program – often requires a sponsor country, but worth checking!
Young Professionals Programme (YPP) – competitive but open to Kenyan nationals when your country is listed
These are built to help people with little experience gain entry into the UN system.
5. Network and Stay Informed
Sometimes it’s not just about what you know, but who you know. Join online communities and local events where you can meet UN staff or people working in related fields.
Great platforms:
LinkedIn (follow UN agencies in Kenya)
Facebook groups for development jobs in Kenya
UN career webinars
Career fairs hosted by universities or NGOs
Make connections, ask questions, and stay active ,you never know who might refer you or share a job post at just the right time.
6. Apply, Even If You Feel “Underqualified”
This is key: Apply anyway.
Many young professionals talk themselves out of applying because they don’t meet every single requirement. But UN job descriptions often list the ideal candidate — not the only one they’ll consider.
If you meet around 60–70% of the qualifications, and you’re passionate and willing to learn — go for it. The worst they can say is no. The best? It could be your first big break.
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If you’ve been on the lookout for a meaningful career opportunity that lets you make a real impact, this might be your moment. The United Nations (UN) is currently hiring in Kenya — and some of these roles are too good to ignore.
Whether you're a seasoned development expert, a humanitarian at heart, or simply looking to grow your career with a global organization, these job openings could be your next big step.
Why Consider a UN Job?
Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why a UN career is so sought after.
Impact: You’ll be working on real-world challenges — from climate change to education, gender equality to public health.
Growth: The UN system offers vast opportunities for career development and international exposure.
Diversity: You’ll collaborate with people from all over the world, learning from different cultures and perspectives.
Stability & Benefits: UN roles come with competitive salaries, solid work-life balance, and often, generous benefit packages.
Hot UN Job Openings in Kenya Right Now
Here are a few positions currently open in Kenya across different UN agencies. These roles span multiple sectors, so there's something for almost every background.
2. Humanitarian Affairs Officer – Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Nairobi
This role involves coordinating emergency responses and supporting humanitarian missions across East Africa.
Key Skills: Crisis response, coordination, humanitarian law Ideal For: Professionals with experience in conflict zones, refugee work, or disaster management
3. Communication Specialist – UNICEF Kenya
UNICEF is looking for a skilled communicator to help tell stories that move hearts, shift mindsets, and inspire action.
Key Skills: Content creation, digital strategy, media relations Ideal For: Journalists, content creators, PR experts passionate about children's rights
4. Procurement Officer – UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) – Kakuma or Nairobi
If you have a knack for logistics and supply chain management, this could be your way to help displaced communities access what they need most.
Key Skills: Procurement, vendor management, supply chain Ideal For: Business or logistics professionals with a heart for humanitarian work
5. Gender Advisor – UN Women – Nairobi
Support the advancement of gender equality across programs and policies. A chance to contribute to real, systemic change.
Key Skills: Gender analysis, policy advisory, advocacy Ideal For: Gender specialists, social scientists, human rights advocates
Read the Job Descriptions Carefully – Qualifications and requirements are detailed for each listing.
Tailor Your Application – Use keywords from the job post and highlight relevant experience
Pro Tips to Stand Out
Customize your cover letter: Speak to why you want to work for the UN, and how your values align with theirs.
Highlight impact: Use specific examples of how your work has made a difference.
Check eligibility: Some roles are open to Kenyan nationals only, while others may require international experience.
Need Help With Your UN Job Application?
Applying for UN jobs can be competitive — but you don’t have to go it alone. At CV Shaper, we specialize in crafting standout CVs, compelling cover letters, and tailored LinkedIn profiles that get noticed by international organizations like the UN.
Climate Services Consultant (UNEP) – Help develop climate tools and policies
Event Manager (UNON) – Coordinate official UN events (yes, this could be your job!)
Administrative Assistant (Multiple agencies) – Perfect if you're organized and tech-savvy
Some of these jobs are full-time staff roles, while others are short-term contracts (consultancies). Either way, they’re excellent resume-builders—and many lead to long-term opportunities.
Where to Find These Jobs
Here’s where to look for real, legit UN jobs in Nairobi:
United Nations in Kenya (Kenya.UN.org) lists a Consultancy: Adolescent Girls Investment Case & Costing Consultant with a deadline of September 16, 2025
Global South Opportunities reports 47 vacancies at the Nairobi duty station (UNEP, UN‑Habitat, UNEP, etc.), including roles such as:
Software Development Consultant – July 13, 2025
Digital Transformation Fundraising Consultant (UNEP) – July 13, 2025
Event Management & Communications Intern (UNEP) – July 18, 2025
Index Development Consultant (UN‑Habitat) – Deadline: July 13, 2025
UNDP Kenya advertised a Procurement Associate (G7) role in Nairobi, closing on May 4, 2025, with application via the official UNDP Kenya careers page (unkenyajobs.org).
UN‑Habitat Kenya featured several consultant roles with various deadlines in April–May 2025, including Application Developer Consultant, Environmental & Social Safeguards Specialist, and others (unkenyajobs.org).
Key Takeaway
There’s a diverse range of roles—from consultancies and professional officer positions to internships—across multiple UN agencies. Many deadlines have already passed (mid‑2025), but the Adolescent Girls Consultant opportunity remains current (mid‑September 2025).
Register an account on the UN Careers portal (or the agency-specific site).
Search by location (Kenya/Nairobi) and relevant job category.
Review job descriptions to confirm you meet the qualifications (degrees, experience, languages, technical skills).
Apply online—complete the form, tailor your CV and cover letter, and submit before the deadline
What the UN Expects
Free recruitment: The UN never charges any fees at any stage—application, interview, training, or posting
Language: Fluency in English is mandatory; additional languages (French, Swahili) are advantageous Qualifications: Most roles require at least a Bachelor’s degree or higher, plus relevant years of experience depending on level
Boosting Your Application
Tailor your documents: Match your competencies, experiences, and values to the specific job profile.
Apply to relevant roles only: Focus on positions where your education and experience align best.
Customize your motivation statement—make it authentic and specific to the role and agency.
Build visibility: Subscribe to job alerts, join mailing lists, and follow UN jobs on social media
Network: Volunteering or participating in UN‑linked programs helps build contacts and real-world experience—per sources and shared experiencesPrepare for interviews: Be ready for competency-based assessments and interviews. You may encounter skills tests depending on the position.
Summary & Next Steps
Step
Action
1
Visit Kenya.UN.org, careers.un.org, and agency websites to explore current postings.
2
Apply for roles like the Adolescent Girls Investment Case Consultant (deadline mid‑Sept 2025) and monitor for fresh openings.
3
Configure alerts, tailor your application materials, and leverage networking and volunteering to strengthen your profile.
4
Be persistent—UN recruitment is competitive, but well-prepared, genuine candidates often succeed.
Human Touch Tip
Imagine reading your application almost like a personal story—one that aligns your journey, values, and professional strengths with what the UN stands for. That humanized touch can set you apart in a sea of applicants.
Need Help with Your UN Job Application? We’ve Got You Covered!
Applying for a UN job can be overwhelming—from tailoring your CV to meeting the strict application formats and writing a compelling personal statement.
