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About UNFPA and OAIS
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN’s leading agency for ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. As outlined in its 2022–2025 Strategic Plan, UNFPA is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending the unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. These priorities drive UNFPA’s global mission to accelerate progress towards the ICPD Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Within this framework, the Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) serves as an operationally independent body that reports directly to the UNFPA Executive Director. OAIS supports the organization’s mission through its internal audit, investigation, and advisory functions, contributing to enhanced risk management, improved internal controls, and operational effectiveness. OAIS comprises the Office of the Director, the Internal Audit Branch, and the Investigation Branch.
Internship Overview
UNFPA is currently offering an exciting remote internship opportunity within OAIS for a highly motivated student or recent graduate specializing in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field. This full-time, 24-week internship is designed to contribute directly to the development of innovative analytics-driven oversight methods, while offering hands-on experience in data engineering and machine learning within the context of UN operations.
Interns will work under the general direction of the Director of OAIS and report directly to the Data Management Specialist. The selected candidate will play a critical role in advancing ongoing digital transformation projects within the audit and investigation services of UNFPA.
Key Responsibilities
The Data Analytics Intern will support OAIS in developing and integrating advanced data analytics into audit and oversight activities. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Collaborating with audit teams to define and document data requirements
- Identifying and extracting relevant datasets from operational systems, such as Oracle ERP
- Designing and implementing data pipelines and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
- Writing scripts for automated data analysis and validation tasks
- Conducting exploratory data analysis and applying statistical methods
Educational Requirements
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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- Be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program (e.g., Master’s or higher) in data science, computer engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related field
- Be enrolled in the final year of an undergraduate degree program in a relevant discipline
- Have recently graduated (within the past year) in a qualifying field and be able to begin the internship within 12 months of graduation
Technical Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, applicants should have:
- Solid knowledge of data models, ETL processes, and database development
- Advanced proficiency in Python, particularly for data engineering and machine learning applications
- Understanding of statistical concepts such as regression, distribution analysis, and hypothesis testing
- Familiarity with business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI is highly desirable
- Knowledge of AI and LLM technologies is an advantage
Language Requirements
- Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory
- Knowledge of additional UN languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian) is a plus
Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the internship, the intern will have gained:
- A deeper understanding of how internal oversight functions within a UN agency
- Practical experience applying data science to real-world audit and investigation challenges
- Exposure to global development operations and humanitarian work from a data-driven perspective
- Skills in working remotely within a diverse, multicultural team of professionals
Core Competencies
- Strong integrity and ethical standards
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Analytical thinking and sound judgment
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Self-motivation, objectivity, and reliability
Financial Considerations
UNFPA internships are unpaid positions. However, interns who are not supported financially by any institution (such as a university, foundation, or government) may receive a modest stipend to help cover basic daily expenses. The amount of the stipend varies based on the intern’s location. Additionally, interns must have valid medical insurance for the entire internship duration. UNFPA does not cover insurance or living costs, and interns must arrange accommodation and other personal needs independently.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A letter of motivation explaining their interest in the internship
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Applications must be sent via email with the subject line “Application OAIS/DATA Intern” to: DirectorOAIS@unfpa.org. The deadline for submission is 31 August 2025 at 11:59 PM (EST).
Important Note
UNFPA does not charge any fees at any stage of the application or recruitment process. Applicants are advised to report any suspicious activity or fraudulent notices to the official UNFPA fraud hotline.
Conclusion
The 2025 Data Analytics Internship at UNFPA is more than an academic milestone—it’s a career-defining opportunity. By working remotely, interns gain access to a truly global platform where data is used to drive life-changing policies and programs. For students and young professionals eager to apply their analytical skills to real-world challenges, this internship opens the door to meaningful impact, international exposure, and professional growth.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the UNFPA 2025 Data Analytics Internship?
This internship is open to final-year students and recent graduates in data science, statistics, economics, computer science, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical skills and an interest in global development.
2. What technical skills should I have before applying?
Candidates are encouraged to be familiar with tools such as Python, R, SQL, Excel, or Power BI. Experience in data visualization and statistical analysis gives you a competitive edge.
3. Is the UNFPA Data Analytics Internship completely remote?
Yes. The 2025 internship is fully remote, meaning applicants from anywhere in the world can join and collaborate with UNFPA’s global teams without relocating.
4. What are the benefits of this internship?
Interns gain hands-on experience in processing and interpreting international development data. They also receive mentorship from UN experts, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to high-impact global initiatives.
5. Does the internship provide financial support?
UNFPA typically offers a stipend to help cover living expenses during the internship. The exact allowance may differ depending on policy and placement.
6. How do I apply for the 2025 UNFPA Data Analytics Internship?
Applicants must apply through the official UNFPA Careers Portal. Prepare a professional CV, academic transcripts, and, where required, recommendation letters to strengthen your application.
