UN Volunteers (UNV) International Community Health & Education Specialist 2026
Posted July 31, 2026
About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program is recruiting an International Community Health & Education Specialist to be based in Kenya for its 2026 cycle. Operating under the mandate of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNV has mobilized over 8,000 professionals annually across more than 120 countries for over four decades. Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, the organization integrates volunteerism into development programming, working directly with UN agencies, national governments, and civil society partners to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Kenya serves as a strategic hub for UN operations in East Africa, hosting numerous regional offices for UN agencies, including UNEP and UN-Habitat in Nairobi. The country presents a dynamic working environment characterized by a growing service sector, a vibrant tech startup scene in Nairobi, and deep-rooted community structures across its 47 counties. International volunteers will find a moderate climate with two distinct rainy seasons and a cost of living that varies significantly between urban centers like Nairobi and rural assignments. While Nairobi ranks among the more expensive cities in the region, the broader country offers a relatively affordable standard of living. The role places you at the intersection of policy and practice, working directly with county health officials, school administrators, and community-based organizations to translate national health strategies into grassroots action. This assignment is strategically positioned to bridge the gap between Kenya's national health and education policies and their implementation at the community level. As a UNV specialist, you will not only deliver direct services but also strengthen the capacity of local institutions to sustain these initiatives long after your assignment concludes. The role demands a hands-on approach, requiring you to navigate the complexities of community engagement in a country where over 40% of the population lives in rural areas with limited access to formal healthcare facilities. Your work will contribute to Kenya's Vision 2030 development blueprint and its commitment to universal health coverage, making this a high-impact opportunity for professionals seeking to apply their expertise in a meaningful, field-based context.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the operations of community clinics by assisting with patient education, preventive care outreach, and the distribution of health promotion materials tailored to local languages and cultural contexts.
- Develop and deliver primary school health education modules covering hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, and disease prevention, aligning content with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) guidelines.
- Organize and facilitate youth outreach programs focused on life skills, sexual and reproductive health rights, and peer-to-peer education models to empower adolescents and young adults.
- Conduct gender equality workshops for community leaders, teachers, and local government officials, addressing barriers to girls' education and women's access to healthcare services.
- Prepare technical reports and data summaries for UN country team program evaluations, ensuring accurate documentation of outputs, outcomes, and lessons learned.
- Collaborate with county health management teams, school boards, and community health volunteers to identify gaps in service delivery and co-design contextually appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation tools, including baseline surveys, pre/post-tests, and focus group discussion guides, to measure program effectiveness and inform adaptive management.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local NGOs, faith-based organizations, and women's groups to expand the reach of health and education initiatives and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Provide training and ongoing mentorship to community health workers and primary school teachers, enhancing their capacity to deliver accurate health information and quality educational content.
- Represent UNV in county-level coordination meetings, contributing to joint planning exercises with other UN agencies and development partners operating in the region.
Benefits & Compensation Package
- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) sufficient to cover housing, food, utilities, and basic living expenses in the assigned location, ensuring a modest but comfortable standard of living.
- A one-time settling-in grant upon arrival to cover initial establishment costs, including accommodation deposits and household essentials.
- Comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage provided through the UN system, including emergency evacuation coverage.
- Round-trip airfare tickets between your home country and the duty station, including excess baggage allowance for professional materials.
- A resettlement allowance paid upon successful completion of the assignment, providing financial support for your transition back home or onward career moves.
- Annual leave accrual at a rate of 2.5 days per month, plus official UN holidays observed in Kenya.
Eligibility & Prerequisites
- A bachelor's degree in public health, education, social sciences, international development, or a closely related field is required; a master's degree is an added advantage.
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in community health programming, education administration, or a related development sector role.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including government officials, community leaders, and international partners.
- Proven ability to adapt to resource-limited settings and work effectively with minimal supervision in culturally diverse environments.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory; working knowledge of Swahili or other Kenyan local languages is a significant asset.
- Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to design and deliver participatory workshops for adult learners.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data collection tools such as Kobo Toolbox or ODK is preferred.
- Prior experience with international organizations, NGOs, or UN agencies is highly desirable.
- Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
- A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to rural field locations, sometimes requiring overnight stays, is required.
Required Application Documents
- An updated CV or resume in a standard format, clearly outlining your professional experience, education, and relevant skills.
- A tailored cover letter (maximum one page) explaining your motivation for this specific assignment and how your background aligns with the role's requirements.
- Academic transcripts or degree certificates from your highest level of education.
- Contact information for at least two professional references who can speak to your community development experience.
- A brief writing sample (2-3 pages) demonstrating your ability to produce technical reports or program evaluations.
How to Apply
- Review the full eligibility criteria and ensure your qualifications match the requirements outlined above, paying particular attention to the experience and language prerequisites.
- Prepare your application package by updating your CV, drafting a targeted cover letter, and gathering your academic documents and references.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to apply?