Applications are now open for the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026, a paid, fully remote internship offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This global opportunity is open to students and recent graduates who are passionate about artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, data governance, and sustainable development.
Hosted by the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub, the internship allows participants to work with international teams from anywhere in the world while contributing to projects that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Internship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Internship Type | Paid Internship |
| Location | Fully Remote (Home-Based) |
| Eligible Applicants | Students & Recent Graduates Worldwide |
| Internship Start Date | Flexible |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
About the Internship
The UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Hub is a global platform that helps countries leverage digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation to accelerate sustainable development.
Interns will collaborate with global experts while supporting projects that strengthen institutions, improve public service delivery, and promote responsible digital transformation across more than 170 countries and territories where UNDP operates.
Internship Benefits
Successful interns will receive:
- Monthly internship stipend in accordance with UNDP policy.
- Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
- Hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading UN agencies.
- Exposure to global AI, digital transformation, and innovation initiatives.
- Professional networking with international development experts.
- Practical experience supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Opportunity to contribute to projects that improve governance, digital inclusion, and public service delivery.
Areas of Work
Selected interns may work in one or more of the following areas:
- Systems Transformation and Innovation.
- Programme Delivery and Capacity Building.
- Data Policy and Governance.
- Data Analytics and Insights.
- Partnerships and Strategic Communications.
- Process Efficiency and Resource Management.
- Product Design, Development and Management.
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools.
- Research and Knowledge Management.
Interns may participate in research, digital product development, policy analysis, communications, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and data-driven projects supporting UNDP operations globally.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on the assigned workstream, interns may:
- Conduct research on emerging digital, AI, and innovation trends.
- Support the implementation of digital and AI initiatives in partner countries.
- Assist in designing training programmes and capacity-building materials.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative datasets.
- Develop dashboards and data visualization tools.
- Support policy development on digital rights and data governance.
- Draft reports, policy briefs, knowledge products, and toolkits.
- Contribute to strategic communications and partnership development.
- Assist with the design and testing of AI tools and digital products.
- Support knowledge management and content dissemination activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational requirements:
- Be enrolled in a Master’s degree or higher.
- Be in the final year of an undergraduate degree.
- Have graduated within the past year and be able to begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Fluency in English.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Interest in digital transformation, AI, innovation, data governance, or sustainable development.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently in a remote and multicultural environment.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
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- A completed online application.
- A brief cover letter in English.
- A current and complete CV in English.
- Any additional information requested during the application process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official UNDP Careers portal.
- Complete the online internship application.
- Submit the required Airtable application form.
- Upload your English CV and cover letter.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Successful applicants may be contacted at any time between April and the end of 2026, depending on organizational needs and internship availability.
Conclusion
The UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates looking to build a career in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, data governance, and international development. With a paid monthly stipend, fully remote work arrangement, flexible start date, and the opportunity to collaborate with experts across the globe, this internship offers valuable professional experience while contributing to sustainable development initiatives worldwide.
