AI Governance and Policy Intern

Work LocationRemote. Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrg. Setting and Reporting The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation of the Organization to enable a better, safer, more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. The Policy, Strategy and Governance Division enables the UN Secretariat to deliver effectively on its mandate through responsible and innovative use of data, information and technology. We provide expertise in information technology to enable, protect and advance the work of the UN. This internship position is located in the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), under the Policy, Strategy and Governance Division. The internship is for three months with an opportunity for extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the Office. Interns work for up to five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of the Chief of Section, Information Management, or her delegate. The internship is UNPAID and can either be full-time or part-time. Responsibilities The AI Governance initiative of the Office of Information, Communication and Technology - Policy, Strategy, and Governance delivers responsible and ethical AI solutions across the global Secretariat. This initiative supports the implementation of Responsible AI controls aligned with the UN's mandate, ensuring operational and technical effectiveness. This internship offers a unique opportunity to assess theoretical frameworks, standards, and regulatory compliance requirements against practical needs of AI applications across the UN. The program begins with a comprehensive assessment of compliance, standards, and best practices, incorporating policy expert surveys spanning China, North America, and the EU, culminating in a comprehensive report. Subsequent phases involve translating proposed mandates into actionable policies and controls, ultimately implemented as operational guardrails. Participants will collaborate closely with UN subject matter experts, exploring the impact of AI on humanitarian efforts. Key Responsibilities: • Conduct research on AI policy, legal compliance, and Humanitarian Law, contributing to the development of UN-wide policies. • Analyze the Generative AI landscape, supply chain dynamics, technology trends, and relevant use cases to inform strategic initiatives. • Assist in the formulation and implementation of AI governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices. • Support the development of Responsible AI guidelines and protocols, emphasizing privacy compliance and ethical considerations. Required Skills: • Demonstrated experience in information research, policy development, or legal compliance, particularly in Humanitarian Law and Privacy Compliance. • Strong understanding of the latest trends in Generative AI, including its technological ecosystem and practical applications. • Technical proficiency with Python and familiarity with common libraries used in AI and data analytics Preferred Qualifications: • Background in International Relations, Law, Computer Science, or a related field. • Experience in conducting policy assessments, drafting reports, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: 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: (1) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (2) Be enrolled in the FINAL academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable. Additional InformationVisa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship. Intern Specific textInterns 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 FeeTHE 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.