Digital Policy and AI Researcher Intern

Work Location
remote with reporting line to Nairobi, with the option to be hosted in the NYC office

Expected duration
6 Months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

UNEP`s vision for the Digital Transformation of the organization is routed in responding to a changing digital development landscape and the evolving needs of our partners, including government, businesses, finance, and civil society. As such, UNEP continues to seek out and embrace existing and emerging digital technology in all aspects of its work to better serve its partners in their efforts to tackle the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss and pollution. Through a process of scanning, testing and scaling relevant digital technologies, UNEP aims to become an increasingly data-driven, agile, transparent and effective partner.

The internship is based in the Office of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO), which plays a critical role in UNEP’s digital transformation, data strategy, and technology policy work. Responsibilities include support in policy research and analysis on digital technologies for the environment, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital sustainability. Additionally, it will include secretariat support and talking point preparation on the topics above.

This internship offer is within in UNEP/ Office of the Chief Digital Officer, in Nairobi (Kenya).

The internship is for a minimum of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months, depending on the needs of the Unit.

Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours), under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.

The internship can be conducted remotely, and working hours may need to be flexible to accommodate time differences with Nairobi.

Responsibilities

The specific details of the internship will vary according to the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the period of Internship. Under the supervision of the Associate Data Scientist, it is expected that his/her responsibilities will fall within one or several of the following broad activities:

• Conduct research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impact, focusing on AI policy, digital governance, and sustainability.
• Provide analysis on the intersection of technology and environmental policy, identifying key challenges and opportunities for sustainable digitalization.
• Assist with the research on potential partners and organizations working in digital sustainability, AI governance, and environmental data initiatives to support UNEP’s engagement efforts.
• Assist in developing policy briefs, concept notes, and research papers on digital transformation and the environment.

Qualifications/special skills

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

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); Enrollment in a graduation programme focused on public policy, environmental studies, technology policy, political science, international relations, innovations, computer science or a related field OR
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) OR
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.