Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes (the “Office”) is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the United Nations to make available impartial and independent conflict resolution services to address work-related issues of the personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).
The Office is seeking an AI Innovation and Mediation Intern with a technology-focused academic background and a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to support the Mediation Unit’s technology and AI-enabled initiatives.
See: https://fpombudsman.org/
Duties and Responsibilities
The Office is seeking a mediation intern with a technology‑focused academic background and a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to support the Mediation Unit’s growing portfolio of technology and AI‑enabled initiatives.
1. Support the development of AI tools for mediation practice:
- The intern will support the Mediation Unit’s innovation work by contributing to the research, prototyping, and testing of AI‑supported tools for mediation. This includes helping design and automate workflows, templates, and case management processes; structuring and analysing mediation data; and assisting in the development of UN reporting tools. The intern will also explore decision support concepts such as “AI judge” prototypes and help integrate generative AI into training materials and mediation support functions.
- The deliverables may include using UN-authorized AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini:
- Creating AI systems and workstreams to make mediation work more efficiently
- Prepare a list of AI resources that could be useful for mediation work
- Develop AI chatbots, which can guide the Ombudsman Office regarding resources of the organizations it serves, including creating dedicated spaces for each of the organizations based on policies and rules
- Create AI Judge dedicated spaces based on UNDT and UNAT cases on specific topics of concern
- Create automations for case management
- Develop case data snippets
- Suggest any other AI application tools for mediation and ombuds practice
2. Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities:
- Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist/Manager, the intern will be involved in the preparation of the mediation unit’s training materials, projects, and coordination of various events.
- Create AI-efficient training mechanisms and tools
- Explore and suggest AI tools useful for mediation and ombuds training
3. Other administrative and substantive support as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise sound discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals. Applicant solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
- Communication: Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
- Planning and Organizing: Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in computer science, information systems, data science, AI, software engineering, or related technology fields; or
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in a relevant technology field (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) or have recently graduated from a relevant technology programme(as defined above) within one year; or
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in a technology field and undertake the internship as part of this program
Master’s degrees in Law, Human Resources, Organizational Behaviour, Psychology, Counselling, and other social sciences may be considered if accompanied by strong technological and technical skills.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience or coursework in AI, automation, data analysis, and software tools.
- Strong understanding of AI tools and systems, especially Copilot and Gemini;
- Familiarity with workflow automation, data visualization, or prototyping tools is desirable.
- Strong interest in mediation and broader alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and negotiation is required.
- Experience with generative AI tools is an advantage.
- Knowledge of ADR systems and disciplines is highly preferred, and some work experience will be an advantage.
Language Skills:
- Fluent written and s poken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
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INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS
- Duration: 3 months (an extension of another 3-month period may be considered)
- Modality: Full-time
- Location/Modality: The internship may be conducted in person in New York or virtually, subject to the needs of the Office and agreement with the supervisor. Interns working in person in New York are responsible for any travel, visa, accommodation, and related costs. Virtual interns are expected to maintain regular availability during New York business hours, as agreed with the supervisor. The internship modality, duty location, and stipend arrangement will remain unchanged throughout the duration of the internship.
- Stipend: UNDP interns receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the applicable UNDP Internship Policy The stipend amount and eligibility are determined in line with the policy and internship modality. All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the individual or the sponsoring Government or institution. For New York-based in-person internships, the current rate is USD 1,000 per month. For remote internships, the stipend rate will be determined based on the candidate’s physical location.
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
- Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
- Interns may apply for and be considered for positions within UNDP during the internship, in accordance with the UNDP Internship Policy.
- Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
- Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
- Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
- Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
Please apply by submitting the following materials as Attachments in the application:
- Resume (not more than 2 pages)
- Cover letter (one page)
- Transcripts
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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