What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Science and NLP Intern (home-based, reports to Office in New York, USA) position at UNDP Careers?
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.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions – alongside poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality - to support countries towards three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind and resilience.
As per UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the first objective of UNDP is increasing energy access for those furthest behind. By speeding up investment in distributed renewable energy solutions, especially for those hardest to reach and in crisis contexts, it aims to increase access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people.
Second, UNDP will work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive, green economies, particularly in countries with low levels of renewable energy generation or poor energy-efficiency improvement rates. This work will capitalize on technological gains, clean energy innovations and new business models in the energy sector.
The newly established UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub will be the arrowhead of UNDP’s new Strategic Plan objectives. The Sustainable Energy Hub will build on UNDP’s existing Energy Portfolio, covering over 100 countries to harness clean energy and support the energy transition as well as on UNDP’s Climate Promise, UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub, and UNDP’s Digital offer.
The Sustainable Energy Hub will develop and operationalize, policies, programmes and partnerships to support the realization of UN/UNDP’s Energy Compact, a commitment to help increasing access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people by 2025 and accelerating and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Recognizing that change will be disruptive, UNDP will work to ensure that such transitions are just, and that their impact on vulnerable people is understood and duly mitigated.
The intern will work closely to the Sustainable Energy Hub to support the UNDP’s vision to catalyze unprecedented action and partnerships to provide access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy to 500 more million people by 2025, and work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive green economies. The intern will provide day-to-day research, on the three pillars the Hub is focusing on: closing the gap of energy access, accelerating a just energy transition and increase energy resilience in crises and fragile context.
UNDP is looking for talented, motivated, and enthusiastic intern that will work closely to the SEH to support through analytical skills. The intern will be a key contributor to UNDP’s sustainable energy initiatives, combining advanced data analytics, digital tool innovation, and storytelling to support both strategic decision-making and knowledge management. Working across multiple projects—including the Energy AI and Energy Moonshot initiatives—the intern will leverage data science, natural language processing (NLP), and GIS analytics to develop digital solutions, streamline data pipelines, and create compelling visualizations and reports.
Duties And Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
Corporate
Communication
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required.
Additional Information
Institutional Arrangements
The interns will report to the Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub.
When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.
Interns’ Expenses
Interns May Be Given a Stipend Under Conditions Prescribed In The Section On Stipends, Below. Costs And Arrangements For Travel, Visas, Passports, Accommodation And Living Expenses Are The Responsibility Of
Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.
Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, will be paid by the receiving office.
The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend. No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.
Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.
Insurance
Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
Selected Candidates For In-person Internships Must Show Proof Of Valid Medical Insurance For The Duty Station In Which They Will Intern. For Interns That Are Neither Nationals Nor Residents Of The Duty Station Of The Internship, The Insurance Must Include Adequate Coverage In The Event Of An Injury Or Illness During The Internship Duration Which
Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.
Third-party claims
UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions – alongside poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality - to support countries towards three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind and resilience.
As per UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the first objective of UNDP is increasing energy access for those furthest behind. By speeding up investment in distributed renewable energy solutions, especially for those hardest to reach and in crisis contexts, it aims to increase access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people.
Second, UNDP will work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive, green economies, particularly in countries with low levels of renewable energy generation or poor energy-efficiency improvement rates. This work will capitalize on technological gains, clean energy innovations and new business models in the energy sector.
The newly established UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub will be the arrowhead of UNDP’s new Strategic Plan objectives. The Sustainable Energy Hub will build on UNDP’s existing Energy Portfolio, covering over 100 countries to harness clean energy and support the energy transition as well as on UNDP’s Climate Promise, UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub, and UNDP’s Digital offer.
The Sustainable Energy Hub will develop and operationalize, policies, programmes and partnerships to support the realization of UN/UNDP’s Energy Compact, a commitment to help increasing access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people by 2025 and accelerating and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Recognizing that change will be disruptive, UNDP will work to ensure that such transitions are just, and that their impact on vulnerable people is understood and duly mitigated.
The intern will work closely to the Sustainable Energy Hub to support the UNDP’s vision to catalyze unprecedented action and partnerships to provide access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy to 500 more million people by 2025, and work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive green economies. The intern will provide day-to-day research, on the three pillars the Hub is focusing on: closing the gap of energy access, accelerating a just energy transition and increase energy resilience in crises and fragile context.
UNDP is looking for talented, motivated, and enthusiastic intern that will work closely to the SEH to support through analytical skills. The intern will be a key contributor to UNDP’s sustainable energy initiatives, combining advanced data analytics, digital tool innovation, and storytelling to support both strategic decision-making and knowledge management. Working across multiple projects—including the Energy AI and Energy Moonshot initiatives—the intern will leverage data science, natural language processing (NLP), and GIS analytics to develop digital solutions, streamline data pipelines, and create compelling visualizations and reports.
Duties And Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
- Data processing and compilation for knowledge management activities focusing on sustainable energy to create a collection of documents and to clean and process extracted text.
- Contribution to the Energy AI initiative using NLP and data science techniques, including refining the knowledge graph and improving the retrieval augmented generative AI
- Support in quantitative and qualitative analytics for tracking UNDP project beneficiaries in sustainable energy.
- Ad-hoc support for development and implementation of data analytics and visualizations for SEH briefs and reporting.
- Data Management & Analytics
- Data Integration and Preprocessing: Organize and preprocess indicator datasets on sustainable energy to integrate with the Sustainable Energy Academy frontend via the UNDP Data Visualization library.
- Analytics on Key Initiatives: Perform quantitative and qualitative analytics on platforms such as the Energy Moonshot Tracker and other UNDP projects, tracking beneficiary impact and energy trends.
- Statistics and Reporting: Catalogue statistics and conduct detailed analytics to support tracking of beneficiaries and comprehensive reporting requirements.
- Document Database: Support the development of automated and manual systems for management and continuous updates of the document database
- Digital Innovation & Research
- Develop Proposals for New Digital Tools: Design and propose innovative digital and data solutions that enhance sustainable energy knowledge management and project tracking.
- Literature Reviews: Conduct thorough reviews of current digital tools and technologies in the sustainable energy sector to identify best practices and emerging trends.
- Catalogue Case Studies: Identify, document, and analyze case studies on digital technologies deployed in UNDP energy-related projects to inform future initiatives.
- Visualization & Data-Driven Storytelling
- Interactive Dashboards and Visualizations: Develop automated and interactive dashboards and visualizations for SEH briefs, reports, and knowledge products.
- GIS and Story Maps: Create data-driven storytelling products, including GIS-based story maps, to communicate insights and spatial data trends effectively.
- Media and Content Automation: Build and implement automations for the media content management system to streamline digital content updates and integrations.
- AI and Knowledge Graph Development
- NLP and Machine Learning: Utilize advanced NLP techniques to extract and process information from key documents (e.g., Project Documents, Country Programme Documents, evaluations), and support the refinement of knowledge graphs for Energy AI initiatives.
- Model Development: Collaborate on developing and refining machine learning models to predict energy trends and enhance retrieval augmented generative AI, thereby improving decision-making processes.
- Automated Data Pipelines: Support the automation of data processing pipelines to ensure continuous updates and maintenance of both structured and unstructured data sources.
- Ad-hoc support to the SEH team in data analytics and management
- Assist the SEH and staff of research group on research activities related to the UNDP energy-related projects to identify trends and patterns, including literature review, gathering data, drafting reports and other documents.
- Provide hands-on support to analyze and visualize various types of data and prepare reports to communicate the findings to the Sustainable Energy Hub.
- Data cleaning, processing, database management, including identification of data gaps and work with Country Offices to collect missing information.
- Set up Real-Time Data management pipelines to improve data availability for the SEH team.
Corporate
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
- Background in data analytics and research skills relevant to the topic of energy access in off-grid settings and/or green transition;
- Experience in computer science include in Python, MLP methods, backend services, and development and management of data pipelines
- Knowledge of data preprocessing, cleaning, and transformation techniques for structured and unstructured data.
- Background in data management and visualization with a focus on Monitoring and Evaluation
Communication
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a simple, concise and persuasive manner.
- Ability to work and build partnerships with multiple stakeholders and partners across a wide range of disciplines;
- Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking;
- Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
- Able to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision;
- Remains calm, in control and good humored, even under pressure;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and process.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in fields such as Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Energy, or related disciplines;
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in these disciplines;
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
- Strong background in data management and processing, including cleaning, transformation, and analysis of both structured and unstructured datasets relevant to sustainable energy.
- Demonstrated experience in data science, analytics, or research related to climate change, sustainable energy, and/or energy access, with a focus on applying data-driven approaches to inform policy and investment decisions.
- Proficiency in Python and machine learning techniques, with experience in developing data pipelines, backend services, and analytics platforms.
- Hands-on experience in designing and implementing data-driven development projects, including dashboards, analytics tools, and contributing to data-driven knowledge products.
- Knowledge of, or prior experience within, the UN system and multilateral development organizations is considered an advantage.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required.
Additional Information
Institutional Arrangements
The interns will report to the Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub.
When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.
Interns’ Expenses
Interns May Be Given a Stipend Under Conditions Prescribed In The Section On Stipends, Below. Costs And Arrangements For Travel, Visas, Passports, Accommodation And Living Expenses Are The Responsibility Of
- The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
- The intern.
Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.
Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, will be paid by the receiving office.
The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend. No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.
Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.
Insurance
Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
Selected Candidates For In-person Internships Must Show Proof Of Valid Medical Insurance For The Duty Station In Which They Will Intern. For Interns That Are Neither Nationals Nor Residents Of The Duty Station Of The Internship, The Insurance Must Include Adequate Coverage In The Event Of An Injury Or Illness During The Internship Duration Which
- Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
- Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.
Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.
Third-party claims
UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
