AI Innovation and Mediation Intern

United Nations Development Programme • New York, NY

1d • $1,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience or coursework in AI, automation, data analysis, and software tools.
• Strong understanding of AI tools and systems, especially Copilot and Gemini.
• Strong interest in mediation and broader alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and negotiation is required.
• Fluent written and spoken English is required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with workflow automation, data visualization, or prototyping tools is desirable.
• 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.
• Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of AI tools for mediation practice, including 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.
• Create 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.
• Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities, including preparation of 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.
• Provide other administrative and substantive support as required.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend in accordance with the applicable UNDP Internship Policy.
• Interns may apply for and be considered for positions within UNDP during the internship, in accordance with the UNDP Internship Policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree