Digital Policy & AI Researcher

Digital Policy & AI Researcher

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Digital Policy & AI Researcher intern to support its digital transformation and technology policy initiatives. The role involves conducting research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impacts, particularly focusing on AI policy and digital governance. Interns will assist in developing policy briefs, technical presentations, and engage with potential partners in digital sustainability.

About UNEP

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.

Role Details

This 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. The internship is unpaid, full-time (35-40 hours per week), and remote. Minimum duration is three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 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
• Support the preparation of technical presentations, talking points, and slides for internal and external engagements
• Undertake desktop research and support the development of concept notes
• Other duties to support the work of the Office as requested and in accordance with the Intern’s interests

Qualifications and Requirements

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

• 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

Requirements:

• Computer literate in standard software applications
• Proficiency in policy research methodologies
• Fluency in oral and written English

Desirable:

• Excellent analytical skills
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Tableau)

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.