Generative AI Research Intern

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.

Corporate background

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Internship office background  

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) offers a selected group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to ICPSD's work as a center of excellence for the private sector in development. It is designed to provide support to ICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services and to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, skills generation, impact investing and other topics of international development. The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.

UNDP ICPSD leads UNDP’s private sector strategy, mobilizing the private sector to engage in development. ICPSD convenes stakeholders from public and private industry as well as foundations to facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships, catalyzes private sector actors for developing products and initiatives for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation and provides support to raise capital through innovative financing models such as blended finance. 

The SDG AI Lab is a joint initiative of UNDP BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support) teams, and it is hosted under UNDP ICPSD. The SDG AI Lab provides research, development, and advisory support through cutting-edge digital solutions in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable development. The Lab aims to strengthen the UNDP’s internal and its partners’ capacities for the increasing demand for digital transformation.

  Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct research on the application of Generative AI, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs), to tackle global development challenges such as poverty, inequality, and digital inclusion.
• Draft analytical briefs that communicate project findings, use cases, and methodologies related to Generative AI in a format accessible to the public and development stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) solutions to tackle issues in the field of economic and international development.
• Assist Power Automate implementation to connect the prompt workflow with Microsoft tools like Outlook, SharePoint, or Teams.
• Provide as needed support to the Technical Specialist as required for, amongst others, participating in meetings, conferences, providing administrative support, drafting meeting minutes and performing other functions and duties.
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Education:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application and at the start of the internship:

a) be enrolled in a second university degree programme (Master’s Degree);

b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor’s Degree); 

c) have graduated with a university degree in fields such as Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Economics or similar and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

 

Experience:

• Experience in implementing machine learning models using frameworks such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
• Previous experience in implementing Natural Language Processing (NLP) projects leveraging libraries and models including NLTK, SpaCy, BERT, RoBERTa, and GPT-4.
• Proficient in Prompt Engineering, with hands-on experience in designing, testing, and refining prompts for large language model (LLM) applications.
• Familiar with a range of open and closed-source LLMs, including OpenAI, Gemini, LLaMA, and other foundation models.
• Previous exposure to LLMs using chaining frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, and ChromaDB.
• Knowledgeable in evaluation frameworks for assessing performance, bias, and robustness of generative AI systems.
• Previous exposure to Power BI, Power Automate and other MS Power platforms or interest in workflow automation and Microsoft 365 integration is an advantage.

 

Language:

• Strong spoken and written English is required;
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

 

Technical/Functional Competencies:

• Excellent IT and programming skills;
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate complex data clearly;
• Strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;
• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision and collaborate with a wide range of colleagues while meeting deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal skills: being able to listen and collaborate with a wide range of players, being able to work independently, being pro-active and taking initiative;
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

 

Other Competencies and Attitude:

• Commitment to UNDP's mission, vision, and values;
• Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty.

Financial Issues

Interns will be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if they are not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme.

The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

 

Application Procedure

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post; and
• Current and complete CV in English;

Please combine all your documents into one single PDF document before uploading it with your application.

Candidates who are selected must submit the following documents:

• Official document(s) confirming your education status;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical insurance.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa, and need to plan for these well in advance.

 

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies.
Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
More information is available at: http://www.undp.org/internships/.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

  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. 
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