By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Rights Intern, Multiple positions

New York City

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • Security and Safety
    • Design (digital, product, graphics or visual design)
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Global Pulse is a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General on big data. Its vision is a future in which big data and AI are harnessed and used responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and scaled adoption of data innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. To this end, Global Pulse will work to promote awareness of the opportunities Big Data presents for sustainable development and humanitarian action, forge public-private data sharing partnerships, generate high-impact analytical tools and approaches through its network of Pulse Labs, and drive broad adoption of useful innovations across the UN System.
 
Global Pulse implements data innovation programs through its Pulse Labs to provide UN and development partners with access to the data, tools and expertise required to discover new uses of big data and AI for development. Global Pulse develops policies, toolkits, applications and platforms to improve data-driven decision-making and support the evaluation of promising solutions. 

Functional Responsibilities

Global Pulse is seeking an intern to assist with ongoing projects on the intersection between artificial intelligence and human rights. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to support of the following activities:

  • Conduct research and analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence in public policies around human rights and ethics (e.g. hate speech and discrimination);
  • Provide support for the development of tools for recognizing and analyzing online discrimination and hate speech;
  • Provide input into and assist drafting policies and guidelines for big data and artificial intelligence for Global Pulse and/or across the UN, working with the UN human rights experts, legal specialists, and the UN Global Pulse Advisory Group;
  • Assist with policy activities addressing risks to human rights posed by AI and related to algorithmic bias and misuse of data;
  • Attend meetings and support brainstorming on the gaps and challenges that exist in AI and ethics with key UN agencies, and external expert stakeholders;
  • Support in organizing meetings and consultations with the privacy, human rights and digital ethics experts, gather input and communicate on the issues related to digital ethics and AI;
  • Assist the team to communicate, present, visualize and report data findings and policies creatively in a variety of formats;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: 

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program (or equivalent) or have graduated from with within three months prior to the application date of the internship. Areas of study include Public Policy, Political Science, Human Rights, Law, Privacy, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, International Development, and other related specialty.

Experience

  • Familiarity with International law concepts and knowledge of the UN system and mandate is desirable;
  • Familiarity and understanding of the issues related to artificial intelligence, big data, digital privacy or ethical AI frameworks is highly desirable;
  • Experience with machine learning is an asset;
  • Coding experience is an asset (Python, Julia, SQL etc);
  • Any additional technical training or legal training is an asset;
  • Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving skills is an asset;
  • Demonstrated experience within an international environment is an asset;
  • Excellent communication, reporting, and writing skills are an asset.

Language

  • Intermediate knowledge in English (written and oral) is required

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration - Internship

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months



This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend  from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC)

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.


This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: