About the Organization
The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA) serves as the United Nations’ strategic center for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and regional integration in a vital corner of the world. Operating under a high-level mandate, the Office works to realize the Secretary-General’s vision for conflict prevention by bridging the gap between international policy and regional action. Through a robust partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the OSE-HoA addresses the most pressing challenges of our time, from political instability to the security risks posed by a changing climate.
The organization is built on the belief that sustainable peace requires a “joined-up” approach, integrating governance, socio-economic development, and environmental stewardship. Whether through the Climate Peace and Security Hub or the implementation of the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, the Office provides the analytical and diplomatic tools necessary to navigate complex regional dynamics. It is an environment where high-stakes mediation and technical expertise meet to foster a more stable and integrated Horn of Africa.
Innovation and intellectual rigor define the workplace culture at the OSE-HoA. The team is dedicated to advancing global agendas such as Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), ensuring that regional solutions are inclusive and representative. By facilitating coordination, information exchange, and policy dialogue, the Office empowers regional actors to address root causes of conflict and build resilient institutions.
Working within this office offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the global peace and security architecture. From young professionals starting their journey as interns to senior international consultants providing specialized advice, every member of the team plays a role in promoting regional harmony. The Office provides a unique vantage point into the complexities of multilateralism and the practical application of preventive diplomacy.
The United Nations Secretariat is deeply committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and maintaining broad geographical diversity. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for effective problem-solving in the IGAD region. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for these positions, as their leadership and insights are critical to the success of our regional mandates and the promotion of inclusive peace.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
These two roles—the Climate, Peace, and Security Intern and the International Consultant for Political Economy—form a strategic backbone for the Office’s regional objectives. While the intern supports the analytical and project management functions of the Climate Hub, the consultant provides high-level technical advice to harmonize regional integration policies. Together, they ensure the Office’s interventions are supported by both fresh research and seasoned political economy analysis.
The strategic impact of these positions lies in their ability to address the “threat multipliers” facing the Horn of Africa. By analyzing how climate change and economic interests intersect with political stability, these roles help craft the strategies used by the Special Envoy in high-level mediation. The work involves everything from tracking online trends and disinformation to drafting the regional integration frameworks that will govern future cooperation between Member States.
For the individuals in these roles, the impact is both professional and personal. The intern gains a transformative entry point into international diplomacy, developing skills in data visualization and reporting. The consultant, meanwhile, has the opportunity to influence the policy landscape of an entire region, building the capacity of IGAD and its Member States to implement sustainable, evidence-based integration strategies.
The synergy between these roles highlights the UN’s commitment to evidence-based diplomacy. Whether it is documenting workshops or facilitating a “Community of Practice” for regional experts, the work ensures that the OSE-HoA remains a proactive force in the region. These roles are essential for translating complex environmental and economic concepts into actionable intelligence for senior UN leadership.
Ultimately, these positions contribute to a legacy of regional stability. By supporting the Hub’s climate-security initiatives and the project’s political economy goals, the successful candidates will help build a future where the Horn of Africa is defined by cooperation rather than conflict. This is a chance to work at the forefront of modern peacebuilding, where every report and policy brief contributes to a more secure global community.
Job Positions and Requirements
CLIMATE, PEACE AND SECURITY INTERN (ID: 275851)
Educational Qualification: Enrolled in or completed a graduate program, or in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, or Environmental Security.
Work Experience: No prior professional experience required; training and skills must benefit the UN mission.
Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya (In-person)
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Non-remunerated internship).
No. Required: Not Specified
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT – POLITICAL ECONOMY (ID: 275857)
Educational Qualification: Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Political Science, Economics, or International Relations is required.
Work Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years in regional integration, political dialogue, and political economy analysis in multi-country contexts.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with periodic regional travel).
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Based on UN Consultant fee levels).
No. Required: 1 (One)
Employment Type and Compensation
The Internship is a full-time commitment with a duration of six months, offering significant professional development and networking opportunities within the UN system. While the internship is non-remunerated, the experience provides a prestigious foundation for a career in international affairs. All travel and living arrangements are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
The International Consultancy is a results-based contract spanning 90 working days. This role offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with senior-level expertise. The contract structure provides the flexibility needed for high-level regional consultations and travel, ensuring that the consultant can deliver the specialized advisory functions required by the project.
Both roles offer a stable and structured professional environment. Whether you are beginning your career or applying decades of expertise, the OSE-HoA provides the institutional support necessary to succeed. The compensation for these roles includes the unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UN’s diplomatic efforts in Africa, contributing to projects with lasting regional significance.
How to Apply
The United Nations follows a standardized, merit-based application process through the Inspira portal. Candidates are informed that scanned certificates, diplomas, or other attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Your digital profile will serve as the primary document for the screening process; please ensure it is complete and reflects your full professional and academic history.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for physical verification of original documents during the interview or final selection stage. This streamlined process is designed to focus on the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the role while reducing administrative barriers. Only those who meet the specific requirements and are selected for further assessment will receive a response from the recruitment team.
If you are not contacted within the recruitment period, you should assume your application was not successful this time. The selection process may involve competency-based interviews or written technical assessments to ensure a high standard of excellence for the Office’s mandates.
The OSE-HoA emphasizes that all applications must be submitted through the official UN Careers portal. This is the only valid channel for submission, and candidates should beware of any unofficial recruitment requests.
All candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical delays. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Application Deadline
April 23, 2026