AI Innovation Intern at United Nations in New York, NY

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Unit of Information and Technology Management (ITM) in New York are the enablers supporting UNDP Country Offices around the world with technological solutions that empower the projects we deliver. Our Unit offers a stimulating and versatile internship in an international environment with contact to various partners from some 166 countries with UNDP presence. We are a team who work in a dynamic and informal atmosphere, and we expect our interns to become vital members of the team.

UNDP is committed to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to advance sustainable development objectives. The AI, Data and Engineer Team works across divisions to design and implement cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by global communities. This dynamic role supports innovation and AI-based insights that help achieve the organization’s strategic goals.

The AI Innovation Intern is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of AI-based solutions, fostering a culture of technological innovation, and ensuring adherence to ethical AI principles within UNDP’s global operations. The position is fully remote and the successful Interns are required to work with North America EST zone

Duties & Responsibilities

1. AI Solutions Development:
   • Assist in designing AI tools and platforms that address corporate operation challenges.
   • Support the deployment of AI systems to optimize operational efficiency and business processes.
2. Data Pipelines Development:
   • Collaborate with business counterparts to develop data transformation logics.
   • Contribute to building sematic models, which are the foundation for AI-driven decision-making processes.
3. GIS Solutions Development:
   • Assist in exploring new GIS analysis tools.
   • Support business counterparts leveraging AI based GIS analysis tools.

Competencies

• Technological expertise: Has interest and understanding of AI development.
• Innovation: Has interest in developing AI. Promote a client service-oriented culture within the unit, connecting the new upcoming UNDP Digital Workspace strategy with current theories and practices in Design Thinking, Service Design, and Customer Experience 
• Problem solving: Has good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data for practical implementation.
• Teamwork: Communicates effectively when working in a team, and can work independently with a proactive attitude and a goal-oriented mindset
• Planning and Organization: Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
• Collaboration: Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability 
• Has interest and motivation in working in an international organization.
• Commitment to continue learning: Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view. 
• Delivery: Is a self-starter and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set; good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities, effective when working in teams and independently. Promote the ITM’s overall ICT strategic framework and work plan pertaining to the minimum ICT standards, infrastructure, and connectivity dimensions. The ITM unit is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Our work is focused on high quality, continuous improvements, and customer satisfaction.

Required Skills & Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in either in a graduate level program (Master’s or PhD), in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields. or
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program

Experience:

•  Prior academic or internship experience in AI, Data and GIS applications.
• Understanding of AI principles, machine learning techniques, and ethical AI practices.
• In-depth knowledge of data science, linear algebra, algorithms, and statistics.
• In-depth knowledge of computer programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and C#.
• Exposure to AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Cloude etc.
• Exposure to Cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and GCP.
• Willingness to learn and continue developing knowledge in an up-and-coming field.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a willingness to collaborate cross-functionally with different teams.

Conditions

• 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 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 a third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend. 
• Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, is paid by the receiving office (monthly “in-person” stipend rate is USD1,000). A remote reduced stipend (the rate is a subject to the duty station location) is intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, is paid by the receiving office. 
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government, or institutions. 
• Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. 
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. 
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship
• The intern must be eligible to work in the United States or possess a work permit valid for the United States at the start of the internship.
• The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed, accommodation etc. 
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship
• The intern must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan
• You are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for your education programme