Digital Policy & AI Researcher Internship

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering a three-month internship in its Office of the Chief Digital Officer in Nairobi, Kenya, with the possibility of extension up to six months. The internship is unpaid, full-time (five days a week, 35-40 hours) and supervised by a staff member; it can be done remotely, with flexible hours to accommodate time differences with Nairobi. It focuses on policy research and analysis of digital technologies for the environment, including artificial intelligence, data governance and digital sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Research emerging digital technologies and their environmental impact, focusing on AI policy, digital governance and sustainability
• Analyse the intersection of technology and environmental policy, identifying challenges and opportunities for sustainable digitalization
• Assist in researching partners and organizations working in digital sustainability, AI governance and environmental data initiatives
• Help develop 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
• Carry out desktop research and other duties requested by the Office

Required profile

• Enrolled in a graduate programme (public policy, environmental studies, technology policy, political science, international relations, innovation, computer science or related), or in the final year of a first university degree (minimum Bachelor's level)
• Or a university graduate who starts the internship within one year of graduation
• No professional work experience required
• Fluency in oral and written English; English and French are the official working languages of the UN Secretariat

Required skills

• Computer literacy with standard software applications
• Excellent analytical skills (desirable)
• Proficiency in policy research methodologies (required)
• Familiarity with AI, blockchain and big data (desirable)
• Experience with data visualization tools such as PowerPoint and Tableau (desirable)

Travel, visa, accommodation and living costs are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. The UN does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.