Intern - Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Operational Support

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;

b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or

c) are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.

d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Socioeconomic Inclusion and Labour Migration Unit (LMI) aims to promote employability, stimulate the creation and strengthening of entrepreneurship, and foster social cohesion. The LMI unit focuses on multiple areas, including the provision of technical training and soft skills development aligned with the needs of national and local labour markets. These efforts are implemented in collaboration with academic institutions nationwide, as well as business chambers and implementing partners.

Furthermore, considering the growing need to strengthen operational efficiency and the traceability of institutional processes, it has become a priority to promote the optimization of technological processes through artificial intelligence-based tools.

LMI’s employability strategy is implemented in partnership with the private sector to promote the labour inclusion of migrants and strengthen host communities. In this context, in 2023, the pilot launch of the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) was initiated in the Americas region. This initiative of the International Organization for Migration is aimed at strengthening SMEs through non-repayable grants directed to sectors with high labour demand, fostering business growth, decent job creation, and inclusive economic development. In Ecuador, the EDF adapts global tools to promote the labour inclusion of people in situations of human mobility and vulnerability, while also contributing to the reduction of irregular migration. Through structured selection and monitoring processes, the fund seeks to consolidate itself as a sustainable development instrument by strengthening its financial architecture and exploring scalable financing mechanisms that ensure its long-term sustainability.

For this reason, the Labour Migration and Inclusion Unit (LMI) of IOM Ecuador seeks to hire interns to support the unit in implementing various activities aligned with its objectives, thereby contributing to several strategies aimed at promoting the labour inclusion of migrants and Ecuadorians at risk of migrating to other countries, including initiatives focused on optimizing technological processes through artificial intelligence applied to the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF).

SUPERVISION

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Operations in Ecuador and directly supervised by the National Project Officer - Management alongside the national LMI team in Quito, the Intern - AI Solutions and Operational Support will assist in carrying out the tasks mentioned below, in accordance with the instructions and processes of IOM Ecuador.

Responsibilities

1. Support the mapping and documentation of operational processes within the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
2. Assist in the design, testing, and iterative development of basic AI agents (e.g., chatbots, prompt-based tools, and simple automations) to optimize tasks such as information organization, report generation, and tracking of business financing applications.
3. Contribute to the organization, cleaning, and basic analysis of data using spreadsheets or other simple tools.
4. Support the preparation of dashboards, summaries, and reports to facilitate decision-making.
5. Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams to translate operational needs into simple technological solutions.
6. Document workflows, tools, and prototypes developed during the internship, ensuring knowledge transfer and potential scalability.
7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Build practical knowledge of AI-supported operational improvement by helping map workflows and identify opportunities for automation.
• Strengthen technical skills in artificial intelligence and automation by assisting with the design, testing, and development of simple automation solutions.
• Improve data management and analytical skills by supporting the organization, cleaning, and basic analysis of data, as well as the preparation of dashboards and reports.
• Develop documentation and knowledge-sharing skills by documenting tools and prototypes developed.

Training Components and Learning Elements

• The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
• Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
• Gain a better understanding of IOM's work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration, and work on formulating and editing institutional strategies, priorities and workplans.
• The Intern will acquire technical knowledge and experience on disability inclusion issues, and on global coordination mechanisms, in particular humanitarian clusters.
• The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM staff.
• The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.

Qualifications

Education

Applicants must satisfy one of the following educational criteria:

• Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Systems Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related disciplines from an accredited institution; OR
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or graduated within the last 12 months with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related disciplines from an accredited institution.

Experience

• Basic to intermediate knowledge of programming (preferably Python or similar;
• Familiarity with generative AI tools, including prompt engineering, chatbots, workflow automations, or API-based integrations;
• Experience handling spreadsheets, databases, or basic data analysis and visualization tools;
• Participation in academic, volunteer, freelance, research, or internship projects related to digital transformation, automation, or operational improvement;
• Interest or initial exposure to entrepreneurship, development projects, social innovation, or international cooperation environments;
• Demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence, automation, and technology-driven solutions for development contexts;
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Skills

• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated learning capacity and adaptability to new technologies;
• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence and automation concepts;
• Attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Ability to document processes and technical workflows clearly;
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams;
• Proactivity and initiative in identifying opportunities for process improvement;
• Teamwork and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments;
• Time management and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Interest in applying technology to development, entrepreneurship, and social impact contexts.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For all applicants, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies:
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Eligibility and Selection
This internship opportunity is part of IOM’s 2026 Global Access Internship Programme, which is a sub-set of IOM’s regular internship programme. The main condition to be eligible for this opportunity is that applicants be citizens of Member States not represented or with lower representation in IOM, as of June 2026. Additionally, IOM strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities from those nationalities as well as other minorities. If you would like to explore all vacancies that are part of the programme and more details, please go to: Internship programme | International Organization for Migration

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
• Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
• Candidates are also encouraged to research and study the the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
• For this programme, IOM will also provide travel arrangements and will cover visa-related costs.
• Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and alignment with core competencies. The evaluation process may include written assessment, and/or interview.

Notes

Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by his/her university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.

IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE  system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.