INTERN (VALENCIA, SPAIN) - Research and Programme Support

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

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

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). 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. 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 be responsible for supporting a combination of research and programme related activities, including: - Conduct desk research on AI governance, digital policy, and emerging technology issues. - Monitor global AI governance trends and regulatory developments across jurisdictions. - Prepare research briefs, background notes, and analytical summaries for internal use. - Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of events, consultations, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, including preparation of invitations, agendas, participant lists, briefing notes, and logistical materials. - Draft concise summaries, meeting notes, and action trackers from consultations, workshops, and internal meetings. - Support stakeholder outreach and engagement coordination, including maintaining contact lists, tracking participation, and organizing engagement records. - Provide general programme, administrative, and operational support to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lab. - Perform other duties as required.

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 or stakeholder engagements.

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

For Valencia-based internships the selected candidates are required to apply for visas as needed.

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.