The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recruiting a Digital Policy & AI Researcher intern for its Office of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). The internship lasts 3 months, can be conducted remotely, is unpaid and full-time, and focuses on policy research on artificial intelligence, data governance and digital sustainability. Applications close on 21 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full job opening and gathered every duty, requirement and condition in one place.
About UNEP
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority. It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.
UNEP's Vision for Digital Transformation
UNEP's vision for its digital transformation responds to a changing digital development landscape and the evolving needs of its partners, including government, businesses, finance and civil society. UNEP continues to seek out and embrace existing and emerging digital technology in all aspects of its work, to better serve partners tackling the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss and pollution.
Through a process of scanning, testing and scaling relevant digital technologies, UNEP aims to become an increasingly data-driven, agile, transparent and effective partner.
The Office of the Chief Digital Officer
The internship is based in the Office of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO), which plays a critical role in UNEP's digital transformation, data strategy and technology policy work. The job opening describes the internship offer as being within UNEP's Office of the Chief Digital Officer, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The job opening ID is 287855, in the category Affiliate Personnel, Internships, level I-1, with recruitment type Intern.
What the Internship Covers
Responsibilities include support in policy research and analysis on digital technologies for the environment, focusing on emerging technologies such as:
🤖 Artificial intelligence
🗄️ Data governance
♻️ Digital sustainability
The role also includes secretariat support and talking point preparation on these topics.
Remote Work and Flexible Hours
The internship can be conducted remotely, and working hours may need to be flexible to accommodate time differences with Nairobi. Interns work five days per week (35 to 40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
Who You Report To
Under the supervision of the Associate Data Scientist, the intern's responsibilities are expected to fall within one or several of the broad activities below. The job opening notes that the specific details of the internship vary according to the individual's background, the intern's assigned office and the period of the internship.
Research on Digital Technologies and the Environment
The intern will conduct research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impact, focusing on AI policy, digital governance and sustainability.
Analysis at the Intersection of Technology and Environmental Policy
The intern will provide analysis on the intersection of technology and environmental policy, identifying key challenges and opportunities for sustainable digitalization.
Research on Potential Partners
The intern will assist with research on potential partners and organizations working in:
🧭 Digital sustainability
⚖️ AI governance
🌐 Environmental data initiatives
This research supports UNEP's engagement efforts.
Policy Briefs, Concept Notes and Research Papers
The intern will assist in developing policy briefs, concept notes and research papers on digital transformation and the environment, and will undertake desktop research and support the development of concept notes.
Presentations and Talking Points
The intern will support the preparation of technical presentations, talking points (TPs) and slides for internal and external engagements.
Other Duties
The intern will carry out other duties to support the work of the Office as requested and in accordance with the intern's interests.
Academic Requirements
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 is listed
📖 Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent)
🏫 Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation
No Professional Work Experience Required
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.
Skills the Office Is Looking For
🖥️ Computer literacy in standard software applications is required
🔬 Proficiency in policy research methodologies is required
🧠 Excellent analytical skills are desirable
🤖 Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain and big data is desirable
📊 Experience with data visualization tools (for example PowerPoint, Tableau) is desirable
Language Requirements
English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required.
Costs: Interns Are Not Paid by the United Nations
The job opening states that the internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Visa and Work Authorization
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee at Any Stage of Recruitment
The job opening carries the United Nations' standard warning in capital letters: the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, whether at application, interview meeting, processing or training. The Organization also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
That rule is one of the checks we describe in how Youth Works Hub checks every opportunity. If you want to see where internships like this can lead, our guide to the UN Junior Professional Officer programme explains who can apply, and you can browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Digital Policy & AI Researcher intern at UNEP do?
The intern conducts research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impact, analyses the intersection of technology and environmental policy, researches potential partners, helps develop policy briefs, concept notes and research papers, and supports presentations, talking points and slides. The work is supervised by the Associate Data Scientist.
Can this UNEP internship be done remotely?
Yes. The job opening states that the internship can be conducted remotely, and that working hours may need to be flexible to accommodate time differences with Nairobi.
How long is the internship?
The internship is for a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months, depending on the needs of the Unit. Interns work five days per week, 35 to 40 hours.
Is the UNEP internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school programme, be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme at minimum Bachelor's level, or have graduated with a university degree and commence the internship within one year of graduation.
Is professional work experience required?
No. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.
Which skills are required?
Computer literacy in standard software applications and proficiency in policy research methodologies are required. Excellent analytical skills, familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain and big data, and experience with data visualization tools such as PowerPoint and Tableau are desirable.
Which languages are required?
Fluency in oral and written English is required. English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Which office hosts the internship?
The internship is based in UNEP's Office of the Chief Digital Officer, which plays a critical role in UNEP's digital transformation, data strategy and technology policy work.
Does the United Nations charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meeting, processing or training, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Deadline
⏳ 21 November 2026
Links
🔗 Job opening: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287855?language=en
📝 Application (Apply Now): https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=287855&languageCd=ENG
