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Data Science Intern – Investigations… at United Nations · New York

InternshipHybridFull-timeNew York, NY

Skills

microsoft officepythonrsqlai/ml

Job Description

Background

The Investigations Section of the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) is seeking to recruit three
(3) interns for its Unit 1, Regional Investigations (HQ & LAC) and Investigations Support Team Unit (IST) for six
months, beginning around 22 June 2026.
OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as fraud,
corruption, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, including sexual harassment,
abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative
instructions, which involve UNDP staff and other personnel. OAI also investigates allegations of fraud and
other financial irregularities committed by contractors, implementing partners, and other third
parties deemed detrimental to UNDP. Unit 1 provides support services in the areas of AI, Data Science,
and IT Forensic Services, and Data Analytics.
OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing
Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.
This vacancy is a call for an internship for the FY 2026. OAI will select the top three (3) applicants for
this internship beginning around 22 June 2026.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The interns will contribute to the development of functional applications that demonstrates the
potential of leveraging technology and data-driven approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI),
machine learning (ML), or process automation to support and enhance internal audit and investigation
functions. This may include augmenting existing OAI tools through advanced data analytics or
streamlining manual processes through automation.

In support of this overarching goal, the intern may:

• Assist in evaluating the applicability of advanced data analytics, machine learning, AI, and
process automation technologies to expand the scope and effectiveness of fraud
investigations;
• Contribute to the design and development of new prototypes that demonstrate innovative
applications of data analytics, machine learning, AI, or automation within the context of
fraud detection, investigative analysis, and audit processes;
• Support the refinement and enhancement of existing tools and prototypes, enabling
investigation personnel to more effectively integrate them into their workflows;
• Participate in efforts to improve the overall efficiency, accuracy, and impact of investigative
assignments through the application of data-driven solutions;
• Document findings, prototype functionalities, and use cases to ensure knowledge sharing
and replicability within the team.
•Support the refinement and enhancement of existing data analytics and financial forensics
tools and prototypes, enabling investigation personnel to more effectively integrate them
into their workflows.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain objective, neutral, and independent.
• Displays cultural sensitivity.
• Produces timely, quality outputs.
• Exercises sound judgment/analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Writes clearly and effectively, and,
• Speaks clearly and convincingly.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants must, at the time of the application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher)
in Data Science, Computer Science, Finance, or other relevant applied science, with
preference for specialization in AI and machine learning;
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (such as a
bachelor's degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Computer Science, Finance, or other
relevant applied science, with preference for specialization in AI and machine learning;
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must
start the internship within one year of graduation.
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the
internship as part of this program.

Experience:

•Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required.
• Hands-on experience developing, testing, and using AI or ML technologies for cognitive
analysis and process automation.
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning language tools like Python, R, and SQL.
• Familiarity with forensic fraud investigations and internal audits is a plus.

Working Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is an advantage.
Work arrangements
• Internships are located at UNDP Headquarters in New York; however, OAI may decide that the
role may be home-based.
• Interns would need to use their laptop/notebook if home-based.
• Internships will be full-time.
• The top applicants will be selected for internships starting around 22 June 2026 and for six
months.
• Additionally, USA based candidates must be eligible and able to obtain from the Designated School
Official the CPT student work authorization, or the OPT employment authorization from the US
authorities.

Application process

The application should contain the following uploaded as one file
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Cover Letter of up to 500 words addressing the following questions: (i) Why would you like to be considered for the internship, and what is your primary motivation for applying for this
role? (ii) What is your availability for a full-time internship with OAI?
• Please note that the UNDP job site system allows only one upload of application documents, so
please make sure you merge all your documents (CV/ Resume, Cover Letter, etc.) into a single
file before uploading.

Terms and Conditions

Internships within the UN system are subject to the following conditions, which the candidates
should familiarize themselves with before applying:
• The internship will last for six months.
• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or program, such as a university,
government, foundation, or scholarship program, will receive a stipend in accordance with
UNDP rules and regulations. A stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the
internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, which the receiving office
must pay.
• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation, and living expenses are
the responsibility of (a) The nominating institution, related institution, or government, which
may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or (b) The intern.
• 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 before starting the
internship. UNDP will not reimburse the intern's medical insurance. Any costs arising from
accidents and illnesses incurred during an internship assignment will be the intern's
responsibility.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the
internship.

Subsequent Employment

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. Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Selected candidates must submit the following documents before being offered a Letter of
Acceptance for Internship

• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form.
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• A copy of their CV/resume.
• An official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date.
• A copy of their passport/national ID card.

•A copy of their school transcript.
• A letter of endorsement/recommendation from a professor linked to the candidate's
current course of studies.
• Proof of medical and life insurance is valid for the duty station and covers the duration of
the internship program.
Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially
encouraged to apply. UNDP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate based on
color, gender, religion, or any other status.
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or
other fee for the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation to pay a fee, please
disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied and
reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information
online.

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.