As the world becomes increasingly digital, the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech has emerged as a serious threat to peace, security, and social cohesion—particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Recognizing this challenge, the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is offering a unique Data Science Internship within its Information Integrity Unit, based in New York, with flexible options for hybrid, remote, or in-person work. This internship presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring data scientists, technologists, and analysts to apply their skills in service of global peace and security.
Data Science Internship at the United Nations: Supporting Information Integrity in Peacekeeping Operations
About the United Nations Department of Peace Operations
The Department of Peace Operations plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security. It oversees UN peacekeeping missions around the world, supporting countries affected by conflict in creating conditions for lasting peace. Within DPO, the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS)—part of the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET)—works to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping operations by developing policies, sharing best practices, and providing thematic support to missions.
The Information Integrity Unit, where this internship is based, supports peacekeeping missions in addressing harmful speech, including misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. Such narratives can endanger peacekeepers, undermine mission mandates, and inflame tensions within host communities. The unit uses data-driven approaches to monitor, analyze, and respond to these threats, ensuring that peacekeeping operations are informed by timely and reliable insights.
Purpose of the Internship
The Data Science Intern will join a multidisciplinary data team tasked with developing and deploying innovative data science solutions to identify, measure, and analyze harmful speech in peacekeeping environments. Reporting to a Data Scientist and the Senior Programme Management Officer, the intern will contribute to cutting-edge analytical work that directly supports UN missions in the field.
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This internship is ideal for candidates who are passionate about using data science, artificial intelligence, and visual analytics to address real-world global challenges. It provides exposure to applied analytics in complex operational contexts, bridging technology, policy, and peacebuilding.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of senior staff, the intern will contribute to a wide range of analytical and technical activities, including:
- Assisting in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of data science and AI pipelines to support evidence-based decision-making in peacekeeping missions.
- Supporting the development and application of analytical methods to detect and assess misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in diverse peacekeeping contexts.
- Exploring the use of AI agents and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance analysis of harmful speech and information manipulation.
- Supporting monitoring and rapid analysis of country-specific and regional trends, enabling timely insights for operational planning.
- Helping subject matter experts visualize and communicate findings through interactive dashboards, data visualizations, and analytical reports.
- Assisting in building and maintaining efficient data processing pipelines to handle complex and large datasets.
- Reviewing and documenting relevant scientific and technical research to inform analytical approaches.
- Contributing to the drafting of training materials, policies, guidelines, and analytical reports that reflect lessons learned and best practices.
Through these tasks, the intern will gain practical experience at the intersection of data science, AI, and international peace and security.
Internship Structure and Conditions
This internship is categorized at the I-1 level and is unpaid, in line with UN internship policies. It is designed to be full-time (35 hours per week) and in-person at UN Headquarters in New York, but arrangements can be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) and/or remote, depending on the needs of the successful candidate.
The expected duration ranges from 2 to 6 months, with a desired start date of 23 February 2026 or later. Full-time internships typically begin with a two-month period, while part-time internships begin with four months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is well-suited for students or recent graduates with a background or strong interest in data science, artificial intelligence, information management systems, computer science, statistics, or related fields. Candidates should be comfortable working with data, conducting research, and collaborating in a professional, multicultural environment.
Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and an interest in applying technology to peacekeeping and information integrity challenges are essential. While specific language requirements are not detailed, proficiency in English is generally expected in UN working environments.
Why This Internship Matters
Misinformation and hate speech can escalate conflict, undermine trust, and threaten lives. By supporting the Information Integrity Unit, this internship allows you to contribute directly to efforts that protect peacekeepers and civilians alike. It also offers a rare chance to see how advanced data science and AI tools are applied within the United Nations system to address some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
For aspiring professionals, this role provides valuable UN experience, exposure to policy-relevant analytics, and the opportunity to work at the heart of global decision-making in New York—while retaining flexibility through hybrid or remote options.
