United Nations Job Opportunities In Kenya

Interested job seekers wishing to secure a job with united nation can now apply for available roles now. Kenya handles important role as a regional hub for international organizations, and the United Nations (UN) is one of the largest employers of skilled professionals in the country.

With its headquarters for UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya has become one of the four major UN offices globally, making it a hotspot for international careers.

Every job seekers searching for United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya, this post will provide you with the latest insights into available roles, requirements, qualifications, salary structures, and how to apply successfully through the UN Careers portal.

You can also check out for Online jobs, Remote jobs and Digital marketing jobs

United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya

There are various role of jobs available in the UN, The UN offers a wide range of job opportunities for both Kenyan citizens and international applicants. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a mid-level professional, or an experienced specialist, there are various entry points depending on your skills and qualifications.

Common UN Job Categories in Kenya

1. Administrative & Operations Jobs – including HR, finance, procurement, and office management.
2. Project & Program Management – for professionals involved in planning, monitoring, and evaluating UN development projects.
3. Humanitarian Assistance & Relief Work – especially in areas affected by conflict, drought, or displacement.
4. Technical Specialists – covering sectors like environment, law, economics, health, water, sanitation, and education.
5. Research & Data Analysis Roles – focusing on data collection, monitoring, and impact evaluation.
6. Internship & Volunteer Opportunities – ideal for young graduates and students to gain hands-on international exposure.

UN Agencies Hiring in Kenya

Job seekers over time has constantly face the issues of having a reliable hiring agencies in Kenya, Several United Nations agencies have offices and ongoing projects in Kenya. Some of the most notable include:

1. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) – headquartered in Nairobi, working on environmental issues globally.
2. UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) – also headquartered in Nairobi, focusing on sustainable urbanization.
3. UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) – supporting governance, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
4. UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) – focused on refugee protection and resettlement, especially in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
5. WHO (World Health Organization) – addressing health and pandemic preparedness in Kenya and the region.
6. WFP (World Food Programme) – leading food security and emergency food distribution programs.
7. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) – supporting child health, education, and protection.
8. ILO (International Labour Organization) – promoting employment, workers’ rights, and fair labor practices.

These agencies continuously advertise United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya, and vacancies are listed on the official UN Careers portal.

How Much Do UN Jobs Pay in Kenya?

One of the most frequently asked questions is about UN salary scales in Kenya. Salaries depend on several factors, including job grade, years of experience, and the agency hiring.

Check and compare salary for other jobs in Kenya such : Kenya Un Jobs Kenya Jobs In Kenya and NGO Jobs in Kenya

General Salary Ranges:

• Entry-Level (G-level positions): Between Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 300,000 per month.
• Mid-Level Professionals (P-level positions): Between Ksh 400,000 – Ksh 800,000 per month.
• Senior-Level Professionals (D-level positions): Can exceed Ksh 1,000,000 per month, depending on the agency and funding.

In addition to basic salary, UN employees also enjoy:

• Health Insurance Coverage
• Pension & Retirement Benefits
• Education Grants (for staff with children)
• Housing & Relocation Allowances (for expatriates)
• Travel Opportunities & Per Diems

This makes United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya highly competitive and attractive.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Work at the UN?

To secure a UN job in Kenya, applicants must meet specific qualifications depending on the role. However, some common requirements include:

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as International Relations, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Law, Economics, or Health Sciences.
• For technical positions, Master’s degrees or higher qualifications may be required.
• Relevant work experience, usually 2–10 years, depending on the job level.
• Fluency in English (the working language in Kenya’s UN offices). Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Kiswahili is an added advantage.
• Strong skills in communication, teamwork, and project management.

Special Considerations:

• Internships and entry-level positions may require little or no professional experience, making them ideal for recent graduates.
• Field-based humanitarian roles often prioritize applicants with experience in emergency response or humanitarian relief.
• Some agencies (e.g., WHO, UNICEF) may prefer applicants with experience in developing countries or international NGOs.

What Jobs Are in High Demand in Kenya?

While the UN hires across multiple sectors, certain roles are consistently in demand due to Kenya’s unique social, economic, and environmental challenges.

High-Demand UN Jobs in Kenya

• Climate Change & Environmental Experts – driven by UNEP’s global agenda.
• Humanitarian Aid Officers – supporting refugee and food security programs.
• Health Specialists (Doctors, Epidemiologists, Public Health Officers) – for WHO and UNICEF projects.
• Program & Project Managers – coordinating multi-million-dollar donor-funded programs.
• Data Scientists & Monitoring Officers – to analyze and track the impact of UN projects.
• Legal & Human Rights Specialists – particularly within UNDP and UNHCR.
• Finance & Procurement Officers – essential for operations management.

With Kenya hosting over 600,000 refugees (UNHCR, 2024), humanitarian support remains one of the strongest areas for United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya.

What Are the United Nations Projects in Kenya?

The UN runs dozens of projects in Kenya under its United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2027). These projects focus on supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key UN Projects in Kenya

1. Refugee & Humanitarian Assistance – UNHCR and WFP are actively supporting refugee camps in Kakuma and Dadaab.
2. Climate Action & Environmental Protection – UNEP leads initiatives on biodiversity, renewable energy, and plastic pollution reduction.
3. Urban Development – UN-Habitat works on sustainable housing, smart cities, and waste management solutions in Nairobi and other urban centers.
4. Health & Pandemic Preparedness – WHO and UNICEF focus on child immunization, maternal health, and pandemic prevention.
5. Education & Youth Empowerment – UNICEF supports education programs, while UNDP invests in youth skills and entrepreneurship.
6. Governance & Peacebuilding – UNDP works with the Kenyan government to strengthen governance, electoral systems, and the rule of law.

These projects create multiple job opportunities, ranging from technical experts to program officers, researchers, and administrative staff.

How to Apply for United Nations Jobs in Kenya

Applying for a UN job requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the UN Careers Portal: careers.un.org is the official application portal.
2. Create a Profile: Register and complete your personal details, qualifications, and professional background.
3. Search for Vacancies: Use filters like “Kenya” or “Nairobi” to find relevant United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya.
4. Prepare Your CV/Personal History Profile (PHP): Tailor it to match UN’s competency-based recruitment system.
5. Submit an Application: Ensure all sections are correctly filled, including cover letters.
6. Assessment & Interview: You may be required to complete a written test or competency-based interview.
7. Final Selection: If successful, you’ll receive an offer letter and employment contract.

Pro Tip: Always customize your application to match the job description and highlight relevant UN core competencies such as integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and communication.

FAQ on United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya

1. Is it hard to get a UN job in Kenya?
Yes, UN jobs are competitive, but having the right qualifications, relevant experience, and strong networking can increase your chances.

2. How much do UN interns get paid in Kenya?
Some internships are unpaid, but others may offer stipends to cover transport and meals.

3. Can fresh graduates apply for UN jobs in Kenya?
Yes, entry-level and internship opportunities are available for graduates with little or no experience.

4. Do I need to know another language apart from English?
Not always, but knowledge of French, Arabic, or Kiswahili can give you a competitive advantage.

5. Where can I find official United Nations job postings?
Visit the UN Careers Portal or individual agency websites like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and WHO.

Conclusion

In summary, The United Nations Job Opportunities in Kenya present a chance to work in one of the most impactful global organizations while contributing to sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation.

From UNEP and UN-Habitat headquarters in Nairobi to humanitarian field missions in refugee camps, the opportunities are vast and rewarding.

Regardless if you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, exploring the UN Careers portal and staying updated with ongoing projects can open doors to a fulfilling career. With competitive salaries, career development programs, and global exposure, working at the UN in Kenya is a goal worth pursuing.