The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Representative, Syria Country Office. The intern will support the Damascus Office in the areas of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance programme delivery, data analysis, and operational efficiency.

This internship programme aims to engage local Syrian youth in supporting UNFPA’s digital transformation efforts while building their capacity and exposure to the UN system.

The internship programme seeks to:

• Complement academic studies with practical experience.
• Provide UNFPA offices with the assistance of qualified students or recent graduates specialized in innovative digital solutions, including AI applications. 
• Provide hands-on learning  and opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the work of UNFPA 
• Promote youth engagement and gender equality in technology and humanitarian work. 

About UNFPA and How You Can Make a Difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

You would be responsible for:

A. Digital Innovation & AI Support

Assist in identifying opportunities to integrate AI tools (e.g., data analysis, automation, chatbot support). 

Support the development of digital solutions for programme and operational needs. 

Contribute to data visualization, dashboards, and reporting tools. 

B. Programme Support

Assist in data collection, cleaning, and analysis related to UNFPA programmes. 

Support monitoring and evaluation activities using digital tools. 

Contribute to knowledge management and documentation. 

C. Communications & Knowledge Management

Support digital content creation (social media, reports, briefs). 

Assist in documenting innovation initiatives and lessons learned. 

Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing platforms. 

Conduct research on emerging AI trends, digital policy frameworks, data governance, and ethical AI practices.

D. Capacity Building & Learning

Participate in UNFPA relevant training and learning sessions. 

Engage in innovation-focused discussions and workshops. 

Support peer learning activities among UNFPA led  youth facilities. 

 

5. Expected Deliverables

Produce or support at least one AI or digital innovation prototype/tool based  programmatic (RH, GBV, youth empowerment or Data/statistics} solution . 

Monthly progress reports documenting tasks and learning outcomes. 

Final internship report including achievements, challenges, and recommendations. 

 

Qualifying for an Internship

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements:

Educational requirements

a. Be enrolled in a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed one full academic year; 

b. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as master’s programme or higher);

c. Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation; or

d. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Other eligibility requirements

e. Demonstrate interest in the field of development;

f. Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in at least one of the working languages of the United Nations Arabic and English 

g. Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have:

Your Education:  

University student or recent graduate in:  Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Engineering, or related field) or Social Sciences with strong digital/technical skills

Your Experiences: 

• Demonstrated interest in AI, digital tools, or innovation 
• Basic experience with: 
  • Data analysis tools (Excel, Python, Power BI, etc.) 
  • Digital platforms or content creation 

• Some experience in working with development agencies, including in volunteer capacity.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Learning Elements:

Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern will gain the following knowledge assets:

1. Increased understanding of the UNFPA and the Programme Division within UNFPA
2. Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including regional set-up 
3. Understand and familiarize with UNFPA Governance and Executive Board     
4. Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms
5. Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications to the field, and at the level of HQ
6. Learn UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms 
7. Write and formulate substantive documents
8. Network with UN colleagues 
9. Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting

Financial Aspects:

Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern's participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The stipend is based on the intern’s agreed place of work, which may be different from the duty station of the hiring office in cases of remote arrangements. 

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns. 

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.