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.
The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes (the “Office”) is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the United Nations to make available impartial and independent conflict resolution services to address work-related issues of the personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).
The Office is seeking an AI Innovation and Mediation Intern with a technology-focused academic background and a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to support the Mediation Unit’s technology and AI-enabled initiatives.
See: https://fpombudsman.org/
Duties and Responsibilities
The Office is seeking a mediation intern with a technology‑focused academic background and a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to support the Mediation Unit’s growing portfolio of technology and AI‑enabled initiatives.
1. Support the development of AI tools for mediation practice:
- The intern will support the Mediation Unit’s innovation work by contributing to the research, prototyping, and testing of AI‑supported tools for mediation. This includes helping design and automate workflows, templates, and case management processes; structuring and analysing mediation data; and assisting in the development of UN reporting tools. The intern will also explore decision support concepts such as “AI judge” prototypes and help integrate generative AI into training materials and mediation support functions.
- The deliverables may include using UN-authorized AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini: 2. Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities: 3. Other administrative and substantive support as required. Competencies
- Creating AI systems and workstreams to make mediation work more efficiently
- Prepare a list of AI resources that could be useful for mediation work
- Develop AI chatbots, which can guide the Ombudsman Office regarding resources of the organizations it serves, including creating dedicated spaces for each of the organizations based on policies and rules
- Create AI Judge dedicated spaces based on UNDT and UNAT cases on specific topics of concern
- Create automations for case management
- Develop case data snippets
- Suggest any other AI application tools for mediation and ombuds practice
- Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist/Manager, the intern will be involved in the preparation of the mediation unit’s training materials, projects, and coordination of various events.
- Create AI-efficient training mechanisms and tools
- Explore and suggest AI tools useful for mediation and ombuds training
- Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise sound discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals. Applicant solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
- Communication: Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
- Planning and Organizing: Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
