Job Description
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is inviting applications from enthusiastic, imaginative, and motivated individuals for the position of Graphic Design Intern based in Nairobi, Kenya. This internship presents an outstanding opportunity for aspiring creative professionals who wish to gain practical experience while contributing to projects that promote sustainable urban development and inclusive communities around the world. Working within a multicultural and collaborative environment, the selected intern will support communication initiatives by producing visually engaging materials that strengthen awareness of UN-Habitat's programmes, campaigns, research, and global partnerships.
The successful candidate will work closely with communication specialists, programme teams, editors, and digital content creators to transform complex technical information into compelling visual content suitable for diverse audiences. Assignments may include designing digital publications, brochures, social media graphics, presentations, infographics, event branding materials, banners, newsletters, reports, and promotional assets that align with the organization's visual identity standards. The internship offers valuable exposure to professional design workflows while allowing the intern to develop practical expertise in branding, typography, illustration, layout composition, and visual storytelling.
Throughout the internship, the Graphic Design Intern will have opportunities to participate in brainstorming sessions, contribute creative concepts for awareness campaigns, assist in maintaining graphic asset libraries, and collaborate on multimedia communication initiatives supporting regional and international projects. The intern will receive guidance from experienced professionals while gaining insight into communication strategies within a leading international organization dedicated to sustainable cities and human settlements.
This role is ideal for students or recent graduates who possess strong artistic abilities, excellent attention to detail, creativity, adaptability, and a genuine interest in international development. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard design software, excellent organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple assignments while meeting project deadlines. Strong communication skills, willingness to accept constructive feedback, and enthusiasm for continuous learning will contribute significantly to success in this internship.
UN-Habitat values innovation, diversity, integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Interns are encouraged to contribute fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and modern design approaches while respecting established brand guidelines and organizational standards. This internship provides meaningful professional exposure, portfolio-building opportunities, and experience working alongside experts from different cultural and professional backgrounds. Individuals who are passionate about using visual communication to support positive social impact are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Key Responsibilities
- Design professional graphics for digital campaigns, educational publications, presentations, reports, brochures, newsletters, posters, and promotional materials supporting organizational programmes.
- Produce visually engaging social media content optimized for multiple online platforms while maintaining consistency with established brand guidelines.
- Develop creative layouts that communicate technical information in a clear, accessible, and visually attractive manner.
- Design infographics that simplify research findings, statistical information, project achievements, and programme outcomes for diverse audiences.
- Assist communication officers in preparing event branding materials, exhibition graphics, conference banners, digital signage, and presentation templates.
- Create illustrations, icons, diagrams, and visual elements that enhance storytelling across communication products.
- Edit photographs and prepare image assets suitable for print publications, digital platforms, websites, and multimedia campaigns.
- Support the production of annual reports, policy documents, knowledge products, and advocacy publications through high-quality page layouts.
- Ensure all creative materials comply with organizational branding standards, accessibility requirements, and visual identity policies.
- Collaborate with programme managers, editors, writers, photographers, and multimedia specialists throughout project development.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions by contributing original creative concepts for awareness campaigns and communication initiatives.
- Prepare print-ready artwork while ensuring appropriate formatting, image quality, typography, and color consistency.
- Organize digital design assets, templates, illustrations, icons, and multimedia resources for efficient team access.
- Review completed designs carefully to eliminate formatting errors, inconsistencies, and quality issues before publication.
- Support website content updates by preparing optimized graphics suitable for responsive digital platforms.
- Assist with simple motion graphics or animated visual content when required for digital communication campaigns.
- Adapt existing creative materials into multiple formats suitable for different communication channels and audiences.
- Maintain accurate project files, version histories, and documentation throughout the design process.
- Coordinate assigned tasks efficiently while balancing multiple priorities and meeting agreed project timelines.
- Demonstrate professionalism, creativity, reliability, flexibility, confidentiality, and commitment throughout the internship while actively learning from experienced communication professionals.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed a bachelor's degree in graphic design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, Multimedia Design, Digital Media, Communication Design, or a related discipline.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity, typography, layout design, branding, and visual storytelling.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Knowledge of Figma, Canva, Adobe Express, or comparable design platforms is an advantage.
- Understanding of print production and digital publishing standards.
- Basic knowledge of photography, image editing, and visual composition.
- Ability to create engaging infographics and presentation materials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong organizational and time
- management abilities.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within multicultural teams.
- Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and continuously improve creative skills.
- Strong ethical standards, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare a current curriculum vitae (CV), a brief motivation letter explaining their interest in the internship, and a portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design work. Applicants should submit all required application documents through the official United Nations careers recruitment platform before 28 July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Incomplete applications or submissions received after the closing date may not be considered. Ensure all information provided is accurate, complete, and reflects your qualifications, academic achievements, and creative experience.
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