(VALENCIA, SPAIN) Intern - Research and Programme Supportnew

Work Location

In-person in Valencia, Spain or remote; full-time or part-time modalities would be considered.

Expected duration

Expected duration: 3-6 months. Desired start date: November 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

The position is located in the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET). UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, with a mandate to: (a) advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; (b) serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders; (c) facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; (d) strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on digital and emerging technologies; (e) support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1). Under its mandate UNODET also supports the AI governance mechanisms established within the United Nations through General Assembly resolution 79/325, including the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance. Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET also leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology – while mitigating the risks – so that progress towards achieving the Goals by 2030 can be made collectively, as well as carrying out other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General, including follow up actions from the Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report "Our Common Agenda". The AI Governance for Humanity Lab is part of an Initiative in support of the realization of the vision put forward by the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. Its objectives include mobilizing multistakeholder networks around agile and networked international AI governance as AI technologies evolve, establishing and catalysing new norms of information-sharing between key nodes in these networks and supporting informed and impactful AI cooperation at the global level. The Lab’s focus areas include (among others) interoperability and inclusive participation, Frontier AI governance in the private and public sector, AI governance sandboxes, AI Safety and innovative approaches to AI governance. To support its research and programmatic activities, the Lab is seeking motivated and analytically strong interns to contribute across both research and operational workstreams. Working under the supervision of senior team members, the intern will assist with and support the team’s research, programme and operational activities. The intern’s assignments are intended to provide a learning experience and exposure to the work of the Lab and will be carried out under appropriate supervision. Depending on the Lab’s needs and the intern’s skills and interests, the intern may be assigned project-based and ad hoc tasks, which may include assisting with and supporting the following activities: - Assist with desk research on AI governance, digital policy, and emerging technology issues. - Support the monitoring and analysis of global AI governance trends and regulatory developments across jurisdictions. - Assist in preparing research briefs, background notes, and analytical summaries for internal use. - Support preparations for events, consultations, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, including assisting with invitations, agendas, participant lists, briefing notes, and logistical materials. - Assist in drafting concise summaries, meeting notes, and action trackers from consultations, workshops, and internal meetings. - Support stakeholder engagement activities, including assisting with contact lists, participation tracking, and engagement records. - Provide project-based programme, administrative, and operational support in connection with the Lab’s activities. - Assist with other related project-based and ad hoc tasks, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship by the United Nations Headquarters Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: - Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); - Be enrolled in the FINAL academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or - Have graduated with a university degree as defined in (1) and (2) Preferably in the area of the below degree programme(s) in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a relevant degree. Interested candidates can pursue broad range of studies as indicated below: Business Administration, Computer Science, Communications, Data Science, Digital Transformation, Economics, International Relations, Information Systems, Law, Machine Learning, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, or related fields. Required skills: - Strong analytical and research skills. - Strong organizational and coordination skills. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely. - High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. - Ability to work collaboratively in an international environment. Desired skills: - Demonstrated interest in AI governance, digital policy, or emerging technologies. - Familiarity with AI regulatory or policy discussions. - Experience supporting events, stakeholder engagements, or administrative coordination.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization: Applicants should ensure that they are able to obtain and maintain any necessary visa, residence permit, or other authorization required to reside and, where applicable, work in Switzerland for the duration of the internship.

Intern Specific text

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. 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/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

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.