UNDP is hiring a Data Governance Intern in Oslo, Norway, for six months on a paid monthly stipend, with an estimated start date of 4 January 2027. The role sits in the Global Policy Centre for Governance and supports its work on data sharing between public institutions. Applications close on 26 October 2026, and the internship is open to people covered by the EEA Agreement or with legal residency in Norway.
Key Facts About This Vacancy
📌 Position: Internship, Data Governance
🏢 Agency: UNDP, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support
🏛️ Unit: Global Policy Centre for Governance (GPCG)
📍 Location: Oslo, Norway
🎯 Practice area: Governance
🪪 Vacancy type: Internship Programme
📑 Grade: IN
🔢 Job identification: 37400
🗓️ Contract duration: 6 months
🕐 Schedule: Full time
🚀 Estimated start date: 4 January 2027
🗣️ Required language: English
🌐 Desired languages: French, Norwegian
💶 Stipend: paid monthly, rate varies by duty location
⌛ Vacancy timeline: 2 weeks
Who Can Apply From Where: The EEA and Norway Rule
The vacancy opens with a note on this point. The internship is open to citizens who are covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement), or who have legal residency in Norway.
Data Sharing and the Workstream Behind This Role
Effective data systems are increasingly central to state capability, public sector coordination and evidence informed policymaking. An internship position is available to support the Centre's workstream on data sharing and systems.
The Centre's work on data sharing focuses on the governance arrangements, the institutional incentives and the systems needed to support trusted and effective data exchange across institutions. That includes support for domestic resource mobilization, reducing revenue leakages linked to corruption and illicit financial flows, and strengthening the balance between data use, transparency and privacy protections.
UNDP and the Strategic Plan 2026 to 2029
The United Nations Development Programme is the backbone of the UN development system. Its Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2029 is grounded in UNDP's determination to eradicate poverty, described in the plan as the greatest global challenge and indispensable to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Over these four years UNDP continues to support countries' progress towards high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives define the direction:
🌱 Prosperity for all
🏛️ Effective governance
🛡️ Crisis resilience
🌍 Healthy planet
Three accelerators power that direction:
🖥️ Digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation
⚖️ Gender equality
💶 Sustainable finance
Inside the Global Policy Centre for Governance
The Global Policy Centre for Governance (GPCG) is a core part of UNDP's Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub. It supports more inclusive, transparent, accountable and effective governance systems.
The Centre identifies persistent development challenges that have governance at their core, then applies research, analysis, learning and UNDP's convening capabilities to develop, test and advance practical policy alternatives and solutions. Across its areas of work, the Centre develops and tests integrated policy alternatives that strengthen national systems, build trust in institutions and improve the enabling conditions for sustainable development.
The Centre's Four Interconnected Priorities
🔍 Financial integrity and systemic derisking approaches that strengthen enabling environments for sustainable development
🔗 Data sharing and transparency, in support of more effective governance systems
📈 Data and analytics related to SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, including UNDP's custodianship role for select SDG 16 indicators
🧩 Gender equality, with a focus on the governance barriers related to underutilized gender data and pathways to stronger policy uptake
Research, Analysis and Country Mapping Tasks
The duties listed in the vacancy may include, but are not limited to, the following. The research side of the role covers:
🔬 Supporting research and analysis on governance arrangements, institutional incentives and systems for trusted and effective data sharing across public institutions
🧮 Supporting analysis of legal, institutional, organisational and trust related barriers to effective data sharing, including transparency, privacy and data protection considerations
📚 Contributing to country level surveys, research, case studies, diagnostics and knowledge products on the governance of data sharing
🗺️ Assisting in mapping country experiences and practices related to data sharing, including applications to domestic resource mobilization and public finance
Stakeholder Mapping, Consultations and Knowledge Exchange
🤝 Supporting stakeholder mapping, technical consultations, webinars and knowledge exchanges involving government institutions, national statistical offices, revenue authorities and other relevant partners
📝 Supporting preparation of briefing materials, presentations, data analysis and communications products related to the data sharing workstream
International Statistical Processes and the Praia Group
📡 Supporting GPCG's engagement in international statistical processes and forums, including through background research, preparation of technical inputs and briefing materials, and follow-up to relevant meetings and processes
🧭 Supporting UNDP's engagement and contribution to the work of the Praia Group in the advancement of standards on governance statistics, including governance household surveys
🏢 Supporting the Centre's engagement with national statistical offices, UN statistical entities and other partners on emerging issues related to national data systems, governance statistics and the use of data for policymaking
Citizen Data and Official Statistics
🧑 Assisting with research and documentation of citizen data approaches, including country experiences and emerging practices for integrating citizen generated data into national data and statistical systems
💡 Contributing to analytical and knowledge products examining how citizen data can complement official statistics and strengthen the inclusiveness and responsiveness of evidence used for public policy and decision making
Competencies UNDP Is Looking For
🗨️ Excellent communication skills in English, written and oral
🌐 Demonstrated interest in global development and the work of international organisations
⚖️ Strong interest in governance, rule of law, justice and gender equality questions, including the use of data and evidence in public policy
📊 Strong research and analytical skills, with an interest in data, statistics, public policy, public finance or evidence informed decision making
🤝 Team player who works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals
🗓️ Good organisational and time management skills
🚀 Able to work independently and take initiative
📱 Good social media skills
🌏 Experience from a developing country and/or international organisation or related is an advantage
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required
🗒️ Fluency in French is desirable
🏔️ Working knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an asset
French and Scandinavian ability are described as desirable and an asset, not as conditions. English fluency is the only hard language requirement.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:
🎓 Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent
📘 Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master's programme or higher
🧾 Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, start the internship within one year of graduation
🏫 Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of that programme
Preferred Fields of Study
The vacancy states a preference rather than a restriction, and the preferred fields differ slightly depending on which eligibility route you fall under.
📗 For the first degree route: Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Public Policy, Gender Studies, Psychology, Sociology or other relevant social sciences
📙 For the postgraduate route: Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Public Policy, Gender Studies, Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation, Sociology or other relevant social sciences
Start Date and Duration
🗓️ The estimated start date is 4 January 2027
⏱️ The contract duration is 6 months
🕐 The schedule is full time
Is This UNDP Internship Paid?
Yes. In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, at a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend is paid monthly, and part time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly. The vacancy does not state the amount that applies in Oslo.
A stipend is not a salary, and the Youth Works Hub guide to how funded traineeships and paid internships differ sets out where stipends, employer wages and EU grants sit relative to each other.
External Funding and the Top-Up Rule
Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
What the Stipend Does Not Cover
🏷️ Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship are borne by the intern, the sponsoring government or the sponsoring institution
Your Status as an Intern
🪪 Interns are not considered staff members
🚫 Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
Will the Internship Lead to a Job at UNDP?
The vacancy answers this directly. The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern's studies. There should therefore be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
Documents You Need to Submit
Interested applicants must include the following documents when submitting their application in the UNDP job shop:
📄 An updated CV, together with the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three professional references
✍️ A brief description of why you consider yourself suitable for the internship
How to Apply
Only one file can be uploaded, so both documents above have to be combined into a single file before you submit. Put the updated CV, your own email address and telephone number, the details of at least three professional references and the brief suitability statement into one document, then upload that single file through the UNDP job shop.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UNDP
Diversity, equity and inclusion are described as core principles at UNDP. The organisation values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates, fosters inclusion so that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and aims to ensure equity and fairness in all of its actions.
Taking a leave no one behind approach to diversity means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Zero Tolerance and Background Checks
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment, or discrimination, and it has a zero tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Information for US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship, and applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
UNDP Rosters: One Vacancy, Several Possible Outcomes
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. It may also retain applications and consider candidates who applied to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with a similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
No Fees at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, disregard it.
🛡️ Emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced, so apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this UNDP internship in Oslo?
The internship is open to citizens covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) and to people who have legal residency in Norway. On top of that nationality or residency condition, you must also meet one of UNDP's four academic eligibility routes.
Is the UNDP Data Governance internship paid?
Yes. UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend under the UNDP Internship policy, at a rate that varies by duty location, paid monthly and prorated for part time arrangements. The vacancy does not state the Oslo amount.
Do I have to be a current student to apply?
Not necessarily. You can apply if you are in the final year of a first degree, enrolled in a postgraduate programme, enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme, or a recent graduate who would start the internship within one year of graduating.
How many files can I upload with my application?
Only one. The updated CV, your own contact details (email and telephone number), at least three professional references and your brief suitability statement all have to be combined into a single file before you upload it in the UNDP job shop.
Do I need to speak Norwegian or French?
No. Fluency in spoken and written English is the only language requirement. French is listed as desirable and working knowledge of a Scandinavian language as an asset, so both strengthen an application without being conditions.
When does the internship start and how long does it last?
The estimated start date is 4 January 2027 and the contract duration is six months, full time.
Who pays for travel, accommodation and insurance?
Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship are borne by the intern, the sponsoring government or the sponsoring institution. The vacancy does not list those expenses individually.
Can this internship turn into a job at UNDP?
The vacancy states that the purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern's studies, so there should be no expectation of employment at the end. UNDP may, however, keep your application on a roster for similar positions at the same grade level.
What does the Praia Group work on?
The Praia Group works on the advancement of standards on governance statistics, including governance household surveys, and UNDP engages with and contributes to that work. Supporting this engagement is one of the listed duties of the internship.
You can find more internships and traineeships like this one on the Youth Works Hub internship listings.
Deadline
⏳ 26 October 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy and application: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/37400
🏛️ Working at UNDP, values and stories: https://www.undp.org/careers
🪪 Important information for US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders): https://jobs.undp.org/cj_us_permanent_card_holders.cfm
