Applications are open for the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship: Global Call for 2026, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience supporting digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and data-related initiatives within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The three-month internship is home-based and sits within UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), specifically the Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub. Interns may contribute to projects involving digital development, data governance, artificial intelligence, innovation, strategic communications, research, knowledge management and digital product development.

About the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship

UNDP works across more than 170 countries and territories, supporting efforts related to sustainable development, poverty reduction, climate action, governance, renewable energy, crisis prevention and other development priorities.

The DAI Hub supports systems transformation, inclusive digitalization and innovation across UNDP’s development work. Its areas of expertise include digital public infrastructure, data and artificial intelligence, innovation, capacity development, digital product design and systems transformation.

The internship provides an opportunity for emerging professionals to contribute to this work while developing practical skills in an international development environment.

Areas of Work

Selected interns may support one or more of the following areas:

Systems Transformation and Innovation

Interns may contribute to research and analysis on systems transformation, innovation and emerging policy approaches. Responsibilities can also include horizon scanning, documenting innovative approaches and developing knowledge products that support policy and programme innovation.

Programme Delivery and Capacity Building

Interns may assist with digital, data and AI initiatives involving UNDP Country Offices. This can include developing training materials, practical guidance, toolkits and implementation resources, as well as supporting webinars, learning sessions and capacity-building activities.

Data Policy and Governance

Work in this area may involve research on data governance, data protection and responsible data use, as well as supporting national data strategies, policy briefs and analysis of international and multilateral processes related to digital governance and digital rights.

Data Analytics and Insights

Interns with relevant skills may support the collection, cleaning and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Tasks can include developing dashboards, trackers and data visualizations, as well as contributing to monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

Partnerships and Strategic Communications

Interns may research potential partners, support outreach and contribute to partnership development. They may also assist with concept notes, proposals, pitch decks, communications materials and other partnership documents.

The role can also involve supporting strategic communications through social media, newsletters, blogs and internal platforms, as well as researching technology trends, media outlets and potential content partners.

Process Efficiency and Resource Management

This area involves supporting project workplans, milestones and deliverables, developing internal trackers and guidance materials, and contributing to monitoring, reporting and process improvement.

Product Design, Development and Management

Interns may participate in the development of digital products such as applications, platforms, web applications and AI tools.

Depending on the assignment, responsibilities can include product scoping, proposal development, user testing, working with developers and product managers, and supporting the implementation and improvement of digital products.

Research and Knowledge Management

Interns may conduct desk research and analysis on digital, data and AI topics, prepare knowledge summaries and briefing materials, maintain knowledge platforms and support the dissemination of research and thought leadership.

Skills and Competencies

UNDP is seeking candidates who can demonstrate qualities such as:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Creative and innovative thinking
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple responsibilities
• Positive and constructive approach to teamwork
• Interest in digital technologies, data, AI or innovation

Experience with areas such as database management, digital tools, research, communications, analytics or project support can also be relevant depending on the assignment.

Internship Conditions

UNDP notes that interns are responsible for expenses connected with the internship other than the applicable stipend.

Selected interns must also provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan. Interns are not considered UNDP staff members and may not represent UNDP in an official capacity.

UNDP also encourages applications from people from underserved and marginalized populations as part of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Duration and Location

Duration: 3 months

Location: Home Based / Remote

Schedule: Full-time

Required Language: Fluency in English

Host Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Practice Area: Innovation

Bureau: Bureau for Policy and Programme Support

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 30 September 2026.

The official UNDP vacancy lists the application closing time as 1 October 2026 at 06:59, corresponding to the stated September 30 deadline depending on time zone.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.