The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is accepting applications for its Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026 — a fully remote, 3-month paid internship open to students and recent graduates worldwide across multiple specialisation tracks. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1 October 2026, with placements beginning any time between now and the end of 2026.
About the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Hub
The Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub is UNDP’s central platform for advancing systems transformation, inclusive digitalisation, and innovation across its development work in over 170 countries. The Hub brings together expertise in digital public infrastructure, data and AI, bottom-up innovation, capacity development, and digital product design — working with governments, country offices, and global partners to design scalable development solutions.
Interns placed within the DAI Hub contribute directly to UNDP’s Digital Strategy and Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which positions digital and AI as foundational enablers for stronger institutions, evidence-based decision-making, and more effective public service delivery.
Internship Tracks — Choose Your Area
This is a multi-track internship. You apply indicating your area of interest, and placement is matched to your background and the Hub’s current needs. Available tracks include:
1. Systems Transformation & Innovation
- Research and draft analytical content on systems transformation and emerging policy approaches
- Conduct horizon scanning and synthesis of global and regional trends
- Design, test, and document innovative policy and programme approaches
- Collect and disseminate knowledge products and thought leadership on innovation
2. Programme Delivery & Capacity Building
- Contribute to delivery of digital, data, and AI initiatives with UNDP Country Offices
- Develop capacity-building materials on digital, data, and AI for governments and partners
- Coordinate activities related to national digital, data, and AI strategies
- Draft practical toolkits and guidance notes for Country Offices
- Organise and deliver webinars, trainings, and learning sessions
3. Data Policy & Governance
- Research data governance frameworks, data protection, and responsible data use
- Contribute to advisory on national data strategies
- Draft policy briefs and analytical summaries on data-related topics
- Track global and multilateral processes related to data and digital governance
- Contribute to UNDP positioning and advocacy on data policy and digital rights
4. Data Analytics & Insights
- Collect, clean, and analyse quantitative and qualitative datasets
- Develop dashboards, trackers, and data visualisations for monitoring and reporting
- Analyse progress of UNDP’s Digital Strategy implementation
- Translate data findings into concise, actionable insights
5. Partnerships & Strategic Communications
- Research potential new partners — technology companies, foundations, non-profits, and alliances
- Draft concept notes, proposals, pitch decks, MoUs, and outreach materials
- Contribute to UNDP positioning and thought leadership on digital, AI, and innovation
- Develop compelling content for social media, newsletters, blogs, and internal platforms
- Engage in global and multilateral UN interagency processes
6. Process Efficiency & Resource Management
- Track project workplans, milestones, and deliverables for DAI Hub projects
- Develop SOPs, internal guidance, trackers, and dashboards
- Contribute to HR, procurement, and resourcing planning
- Identify operational inefficiencies and propose process improvements
7. Product Design, Build & Management (including AI tools)
- Participate in design of digital products — apps, platforms, web apps, and AI tools
- Contribute to scoping and proposal writing for new digital products
- Support building of digital products working with developers and product managers
- Conduct user testing and improvement of digital products
- Assist with implementation of digital products in country offices
8. Research & Knowledge Management
- Maintain and update content on UNDP knowledge platforms including SparkBlue and SharePoint
- Conduct desk research and synthesis on digital, data, and AI topics
- Draft knowledge summaries, background notes, and briefing materials
- Curate and maintain digital and data-related knowledge products and repositories
Required Qualifications
Education — one of the following:
- Currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
- Currently in the final academic year of a first university degree (minimum bachelor’s level)
- Recent graduate — awarded a first or second university degree within the past year; if selected, must commence the internship within 12 months of graduation
Skills & Competencies
- Fluency in English — required for all tracks
- Interest or experience in at least one of the eight workstream areas listed above
- Strong analytical, research, and written communication skills
- Database management skills and detail-oriented working style
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities — mixing long-term projects with immediate demands
- Open-minded, curious, and willing to learn continuously
Salary, Contract & Location Details
Compensation
UNDP interns receive a monthly stipend — rate varies depending on duty location. For remote placements, the stipend is prorated accordingly. Where an intern is financially supported by an institution or government, UNDP pays the difference between that support and the applicable UNDP stipend rate. Confirm your specific stipend rate at the offer stage.
For reference, Glassdoor’s UN internship salary data shows UNDP remote internship stipends typically ranging from $500–$1,500 USD per month depending on the duty station and track — confirm with the DAI Hub directly.
Contract Duration
3 months — start date is flexible and needs-based. Placements can begin any time between now and end of 2026.
Modality
Fully remote — Home Based. No physical relocation required for any placement in this cohort.
Location Eligibility
Open worldwide. This is a global call — applicants from all countries and regions are eligible. People from marginalised or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply — Two Steps Required
Application Deadline
1 October 2026 — rolling intake. Successful applicants will hear back any time between now and end of 2026. Apply early for the best chance of placement in your preferred track.
Step 1: Apply via UNDP Vacancy Portal
Submit your CV and cover letter through the official UNDP careers portal:
🌐 UNDP Careers Portal — Job ID 33001
Step 2: Complete the Airtable Form
You must also complete the supplementary application form:
🌐 Complete the Airtable application form →
Both steps are mandatory. Applications submitted through only one channel will not be considered complete.
What to Include
- Brief cover letter in English — indicate your preferred workstream track clearly
- Current, complete CV in English
Queries
Send questions to: 📧 talent.dai.hub@undp.org
Important: UNDP does not charge any fee at any stage of the application or recruitment process. If you receive a solicitation for payment, report it as fraud.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the development arm of the United Nations, present in 170 countries with over 17,000 staff working on the world’s biggest challenges — extreme poverty, climate change, good governance, renewable energy, crisis prevention, and women’s empowerment. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate on any basis, and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, misconduct, and harassment.
