Digital, AI and Innovation Internship: Global Call for 2026

BACKGROUND






Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.






UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.





The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations. Present in 170 countries with over 17,000 people, UNDP works on the world’s biggest problems: extreme poverty, climate change, good governance, renewable energy, crisis prevention, and women’s empowerment, among others.


Global development is increasingly shaped by interconnected crises, rapid technological change, and growing uncertainty. At the same time, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming economies, governance systems, and public services, creating new opportunities to accelerate sustainable development when applied in inclusive and responsible ways.


As the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development and acts as the integrator for collective action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP’s policy and programme work spans global, regional, and national levels, linking deep local knowledge with cutting-edge global expertise in support of the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029. Within this institutional framework, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) leads the development of corporate policies, technical guidance, and operational frameworks to advance UNDP’s mandate.


The Strategic Plan and the organization’s Digital Strategy recognize digitalization, data, and innovation as key accelerators for achieving development outcomes. These frameworks position digital and AI as foundational enablers for stronger institutions, evidence-based decision-making, and more effective service delivery.


Within this institutional context, the Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub serves as UNDP’s central platform for advancing systems transformation, inclusive digitalization, and innovation across its development work. The Hub brings together expertise in systems transformation, digital public infrastructure, data and artificial intelligence, bottom-up innovation, capacity development, and digital product design. Through an integrated approach, the Hub supports countries and UNDP teams to design integrated, scalable solutions that respond to both immediate development needs and long-term structural challenges.


By combining global expertise with field-based insight and strong partnerships, the DAI Hub contributes to UNDP’s mandate to deliver more agile, inclusive, and future-ready development solutions.





Please note that the start date for the internship is flexible, and needs-based. We will be receiving applications on a rolling basis until September 30th, 2026, and successful applicants can expect to hear back any time between April and the end of 2026.


Please read the instructions carefully to complete your application – applications are to be submitted both via the UNDP Vacancy Link AND the Airtable link: https://airtable.com/appeKAJ7quPABAfoc/pagj4yv4UGVuveqXx/form









DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



We are looking for motivated interns who can support our work in any of the following areas listed below:

Systems Transformation & Innovation

Conduct research and draft analytical content on systems transformation, innovation, and emerging policy approaches
Contribute to horizon scanning and synthesis of global and regional trends relevant to policy innovation and system change
Contribute to the design, documentation, and refinement of innovative policy and programme approaches
Design, test, and document innovative policy and programme approaches aimed at system-level change
Collect, curate, and disseminate knowledge products and thought leadership on innovation and systems transformation to align regional efforts and scale innovation


Programme Delivery & Capacity Building

Contribute to the delivery of digital, data, and AI initiatives with UNDP Country Offices
Develop capacity-building materials on digital, data, and AI for governments and partners
Coordinate activities related to national digital, data, and AI strategies
Draft practical toolkits, guidance notes, and implementation resources for Country Offices
Organize and deliver webinars, trainings, and learning sessions


Data Policy & Governance


Conduct research on data governance frameworks, data protection, and responsible data use
Contribute to advisory on development of national data strategies and data governance frameworks
Draft policy briefs, background notes, and analytical summaries on data-related topics
Track global and multilateral processes related to data and digital governance
Contribute to UNDP positioning and advocacy on data policy and digital rights


Data Analytics & Insights

Collect, clean, and analyze quantitative and qualitative datasets
Develop dashboards, trackers, and data visualizations for monitoring and reporting
Analyze progress of Digital Strategy implementation using data-driven approaches
Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes
Translate data findings into concise, actionable insights for internal use


Partnerships & Strategic Communications


Research potential new partners including technology companies, foundations, non-profits, alliances, etc., and help identify new opportunities and areas of collaboration
Contribute to strategic communications, outreach to and engagement of partners, and subsequent partnership development, including drafting concept notes, communications materials, proposals, pitch decks, project documents, memorandum of understanding (MoU), outreach materials and other documents.
Take part in engagement in global, multilateral and UN interagency processes, including through drafting statements and speeches, attending meetings at the UN, and helping to organize meetings and events.
Assist in UNDP positioning and thought leadership on digital, AI and innovation including through conducting research, compiling information on, and analyzing key technology and digital issues, particularly related to digital development, transformation and capacity-building
Develop strategic communications by planning and producing compelling content for communications channels like social media, newsletters, blogs and internal UNDP platforms
Contribute to the research and mapping of key media outlets, influential potential content partners, and trending topics in digital & technology


Process Efficiency & Resource Management

Track project workplans, milestones, and deliverables for DAI Hub projects
Contribute to planning for HR, procurement, and resourcing processes in line with UNDP policies and guidelines
Develop SOPs, internal guidance, trackers, and dashboards
Contribute to planning, monitoring, and reporting of operational and resourcing plans
Identify operational inefficiencies and propose process improvements


Product Design, Build, and Management (including AI tools)

Participate in the design of digital products such as apps, platforms, web apps, and AI tools to enable UNDP's work in countries, working with ‘client’ teams to define success and product requirements.
Contribute to the scoping, and proposal writing for new digital products for UNDP thematic teams.
Support the building of digital products, including working with software developers, client teams, and product managers.
Assist with contract development and invoicing of product development work.
Conduct user testing and improvement of digital products.
Assist with the implementation of digital products in countries, working with local implementation teams and UNDP thematic teams to ensure quality delivery and outcomes.


Research & Knowledge Management

Maintain and regularly update content on UNDP knowledge platforms (including SparkBlue and SharePoint)
Conduct desk research and synthesis on digital, data, and AI topics to support KM products and communications
Draft knowledge summaries, background notes, and briefing materials.
Support content curation and dissemination of internal newsletters
Curate and maintain digital- and data-related knowledge products and repositories
Manage content for digital guides, internal platforms, and knowledge databases
Coordinate dissemination of research and thought pieces across UNDP units
















COMPETENCIES




Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline



Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements



Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback



Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible



Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident



Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships



Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination






OTHER COMPETENCIES




Database management skills.



Detail-oriented, preferably with previous administrative and office management experience.



Eager to learn new things and gradually adapt the theory into practical work.



Ability to work independently and collaboratively.



Excellent communication and interpersonal skills



Ability to deliver in a high-pressure environment



Ability to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with the urgency of immediate demands.



Ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results



Excellent ability to multi-task in a high-demand and fast-paced work context



Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude










REQUIRED SILLS AND EXPERIENCE






Education and Experience


Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:



Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or.
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (undergraduate; minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
Have graduated with a university degree (first university degree, or second university degree or equivalent, or higher) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Interest/Experience in one of the workstream areas is desirable



Application Process
The application should contain:



A brief Cover Letter (in English)
A current and complete CV (Curriculum Vitae) in English.
Complete this form - https://airtable.com/appeKAJ7quPABAfoc/pagj4yv4UGVuveqXx/form in addition to submitting your details via the UNDP vacancy link. Please make sure to complete both steps.








UNDP Terms & Conditions for Internship



In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time /Remote internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring the government or institutions.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
The intern must provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan.
Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
Due to the high volume of applications received, we can ONLY contact successful candidates
UNDP Internship Policy
Send your queries to [email protected]













DISCLAIMER







Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)






Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.






UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.






Applicant information about UNDP rosters






Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.






Non-discrimination







UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.






UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.







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