[Hiring] AI Innovation and Mediation Intern @United Nations Development Programme

Role Description

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes 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.

• Support the development of AI tools for mediation practice:
  • Contribute to the research, prototyping, and testing of AI-supported tools for mediation.
  • Help design and automate workflows, templates, and case management processes.
  • Structure and analyze mediation data.
  • Assist in the development of UN reporting tools.
  • Explore decision support concepts such as “AI judge” prototypes.
  • Help integrate generative AI into training materials and mediation support functions.
  • 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 to guide the Ombudsman Office regarding resources of the organizations it serves.
  • 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.
• Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities:
  • 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.
• Other administrative and substantive support as required.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Benefits

• 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.
• Stipend: UNDP interns receive a monthly stipend in accordance with the applicable UNDP Internship Policy.
• 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.