Intern – Programme Support (Quantity Surveying)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking an Intern for Programme Support in Quantity Surveying in Nairobi, Kenya, for a duration of 6 months. The intern will assist in project cost estimates, technical evaluations, contract administration, and support community-led contracts. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders and participation in technical meetings, contributing to sustainable urbanization initiatives and the Affordable Housing Programme.
Work Location
• In-person, Nairobi, Kenya

Expected Duration
• 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organization Setting and Reporting
• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
• UN-Habitat supports the urban poor by contributing to the transformation of cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity.
• As part of its mandate, UN-Habitat implements various normative interventions for sustainable urbanization in Kenya through the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD 2023–2027).
• The HCPD identifies key priorities of the Government of Kenya (GoK) as outlined in the Mid-Term Plan and Vision 2030. One of the key thematic focus areas is improved access to housing, quality urban basic services and infrastructure, and upgraded slums and informal settlements.
• UN-Habitat supports the activities of the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, including the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).
• This position is located within the Regional Office for Africa under the Kenya Country Programme, to support the EU-funded Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA) project.

Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer/Project Manager for PINUA, the Intern will:
• Support in preparing project cost estimates and technical evaluations for project team review
• Assist in providing architects with facilities planning, estimating, and project support
• Support in scoping, estimating, and developing work packages for community-led contracts and minor construction projects
• Prepare blank bills of quantities and other tender documents for contractor tendering
• Analyze contractor proposals for technical adequacy and cost soundness
• Support technical contract administration, technical designs, and physical implementation
• Participate in the Affordable Housing Design Lab to ensure suitable typologies are included
• Contribute to mapping the green materials value chain for knowledge management
• Support the alignment of PINUA with other green materials initiatives across partners
• Draft internal briefing notes and negotiation frameworks to assist contractor selection
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop cost-reduction strategies and plans
• Review project schedules, quality control plans, and safety plans for compliance with safety, energy, environmental, and security policies
• Participate in technical meetings and community engagements
• Support contract documentation, performance bonds, and necessary documents in liaison with procurement and external consultants
• Assist in tender processes including contractor shortlisting, invitations, opening, and evaluation
• Maintain updated project documentation, technical evaluations, and cost estimates
• Support pilot housing and infrastructure delivery under the guidance of a Projects Specialist

Qualifications/Special Skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
• Have graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent degree

Additional requirements:
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office Suite
• Keen interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the Charter
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Preferred fields of study: Quantity Survey, Building Economics and Finance, Building Science, Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering (structural), Facilities Management, or related fields
• No prior work experience is required, but studies must be related to the internship focus
• Strong knowledge of construction science and technical estimating
• Proficiency in reading technical drawings, scopes, specifications, and understanding of safety/occupational health principles

Languages
• Fluency in oral and written English is required
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable

Intern Specific Text
• Interns 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 internship country may need to obtain a visa and work authorization
• Successful candidates should confirm visa requirements before accepting the offer

Deadline : Jun 16, 2025