The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is offering an in-person Data and Digital Support Intern position in its Digital and Technology Support Section, within the Statistics, Data and Digital Service, in Geneva, Switzerland. The placement runs from 1 February 2027 to 30 July 2027, is full-time and unpaid, and focuses on AI enablement, training materials and prototypes. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy, and every requirement is set out below.
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About the Team
The position is located in Geneva in the Digital and Technology Support Section of the Statistics, Data and Digital Service. The team supports the development and delivery of data, digital and artificial intelligence capabilities, including AI enablement, orientation and training materials, prototypes and practical use cases that respond to organizational needs. Throughout the internship, training and mentoring are delivered by the designated supervisor(s) and supported by colleagues in the office, with duties carried out under the guidance and supervision of a supervisor.
Placement Format and Dates
🗓️ Dates: 1 February 2027 to 30 July 2027
⏱️ Hours: full-time, five days per week (40 hours)
🏢 Format: in person, which means interns must have a valid visa
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
What the Intern Will Do
Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
🤖 Enhancing organizational AI capabilities by researching, documenting and supporting practical AI initiatives
🗂️ Organizing, structuring and maintaining materials for AI enablement, AI orientation and AI training
🧪 Identifying, designing, documenting and testing AI-related prototypes and use cases
🎤 Assisting with workshops, demonstrations and knowledge-sharing activities and related documentation, and performing other duties as required
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Who Can Apply: Academic Requirements
Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📚 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent)
There is a preference for studies in Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Knowledge Management. No working experience is required to apply for the UN Internship Programme, but the field of study should be in the same area as the work of the internship.
Skills and Personal Qualities
💻 Computer literacy in standard software applications
🌐 A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
🤝 A demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
Language Requirements
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship.
Is This UNCTAD Internship Paid?
No. The Internship Programme is unpaid and full-time. All costs of travel, accommodation, medical insurance and living expenses must be covered by the intern. 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, and successful candidates should discuss their visa requirements before accepting the offer. To compare unpaid and funded options, see our guide to paid internships abroad for students and recent graduates.
No Fee at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
How to Apply
A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Cover Note Requirements
📌 Title of the degree
📌 Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme, if not yet graduated)
📌 List of the IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
📌 Why you are the best candidate for the internship position
Personal History Profile (PHP)
👤 All past work experience, if any
💻 IT skills
📋 Three (3) references
Selection and Assessment
Candidates are assessed based on their Personal History Profiles (PHP). Individual interviews may be conducted for further assessment. Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
General UN Intern Obligations
🔹 Observe all applicable rules, regulations, instructions, procedures and directives of the Organization
🔹 Intellectual property: provide the receiving department or office with a copy of all materials prepared during the internship; the UN is entitled to all property rights regarding material made in consequence of the internship services
🔹 Impartiality: respect the impartiality and independence required of the UN and do not seek or accept instructions from any Government or external authority
🔹 Confidentiality: do not communicate to the media or any external source information that has not been made public; this obligation also applies after the end of the internship
🔹 Conduct: refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the UN
Special Notices
📌 No expectation of employment: this profile is for the sole purpose of the UNCTAD Internship Programme, and there should be no expectation of employment within the UN after the internship
📌 Post-internship restriction: interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, positions at the professional level and above carrying international recruitment status in the Secretariat for a period of six months following the end of their internship
📌 Family members: applicants who are children or siblings of a staff member are not eligible; other relatives may be engaged as interns, provided they are neither assigned to the same work unit nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of that staff member
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the Data and Digital Support Intern do at UNCTAD?
The intern assists with AI initiatives: researching and documenting them, structuring AI enablement, orientation and training materials, designing and testing AI-related prototypes and use cases, and supporting workshops and demonstrations.
Which studies are preferred?
There is a preference for studies in Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Knowledge Management.
When does the internship take place?
From 1 February 2027 to 30 July 2027, full-time, five days per week (40 hours), in person in Geneva.
What must the cover note include?
The title of your degree, your graduation date, a list of IT skills and programmes you are proficient in, and an explanation of why you are the best candidate.
Is the internship paid?
No. The programme is unpaid, and the intern covers travel, accommodation, medical insurance and living expenses.
Can children or siblings of UN staff apply?
No. Children or siblings of a staff member are not eligible. Other relatives may apply if they are not assigned to the same work unit or supervised by that staff member.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
Links
🔗 Job description: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/288052?language=en
🔗 Apply (UN Inspira, Job Opening ID 288052): https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=288052&languageCd=ENG
