Call for Applications: UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has opened applications for its 2026 Digital, AI and Innovation Internship.
UNDP is offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain international experience while working remotely on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and development projects.
The global internship is hosted by UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub, which works on areas including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data governance, digital public infrastructure, innovation and systems transformation.
The three-month, home-based internship is open to eligible applicants worldwide. The start date is flexible and needs-based, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis.
What Interns Will Do
Selected interns may be assigned to different workstreams depending on their skills, interests and the needs of the DAI Hub.
Potential responsibilities include:
- Researching systems transformation, innovation and emerging policy approaches.
- Tracking and analysing global and regional trends in digital and innovation policy.
- Supporting the design and documentation of innovative programmes and policy approaches.
- Contributing to digital, data and AI initiatives with UNDP country offices.
- Developing training and capacity-building materials for governments and development partners.
- Supporting national digital, data and AI strategies.
- Preparing toolkits, guidance notes and implementation resources.
- Helping organise webinars, training sessions and other learning activities.
The internship can therefore provide practical exposure to areas such as AI, digital policy, data, innovation, research, public-sector transformation and international development.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet at least one of UNDP’s educational requirements. They must either:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme or equivalent;
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree at bachelor’s level or equivalent; or
- Have completed a university degree and, if selected, be able to begin the internship within one year of graduation.
An interest or previous experience in one of the internship’s work areas is desirable. Applicants are also expected to have strong communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
Stipend and Benefits
The internship is a paid opportunity. Under UNDP’s internship policy, interns are eligible for a monthly stipend, although the applicable amount varies according to the duty location and remote or part-time arrangements may be prorated. Therefore, applicants should not assume that every intern will receive a fixed US$500 monthly payment.
Other potential benefits include:
- Fully remote, home-based work;
- International professional experience;
- Exposure to AI, digital transformation and innovation projects;
- Opportunities to collaborate with international teams;
- Practical research and policy experience;
- Professional networking and skills development.
Important Application Requirement
Applicants are required to complete both parts of the application process: the UNDP vacancy application and the additional DAI Hub Airtable form specified in the vacancy announcement.
The internship is listed under UNDP Job ID 33001.
Application Deadline
The current closing date is September 30, 2026.
Applications are being considered on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early rather than wait until the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official UNDP recruitment platform and complete the additional form required by the DAI Hub.
Apply through the UNDP Careers Portal
The opportunity is particularly suited to students and recent graduates looking to build careers at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, digital policy, innovation and sustainable development.
