Digital Policy & AI Researcher

Duties and Responsibilities

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. 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.

Support the preparation of technical presentations, talking points (TPs), 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/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.

Computer literate in standard software applications is required Excellent analytical skills is desirable Proficiency in policy research methodologies is required Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data is desirable Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Tableau) is desirable

Deadline : Nov 21, 2026