UNDP has officially opened applications for its Home-Based Research Internship 2026, offering students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to work remotely on cutting-edge AI and sustainable development projects.
This international internship is hosted by the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development under UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub and focuses on Agentic AI research, digital transformation, and global development innovation.
The internship is ideal for candidates interested in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Research
- Sustainable development
- Data science
- International development
- Digital innovation
Home-Based Research Internship 2026
Internship Overview
Position
Research Intern (Home-Based)
Organization
UNDP
Duty Station
Istanbul / Home-Based
Internship Type
Remote Internship
Duration
5 Months
Application Deadline
1 June 2026
About the Programme
UNDP works in over 170 countries to support sustainable development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The internship is hosted under the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), which supports countries in:
- Financing sustainable development
- Promoting innovation
- Strengthening digital transformation
- Expanding inclusive growth
About ICPSD
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development is one of UNDP’s Global Policy Centres and supports governments and organizations through:
- Applied research
- Policy advisory
- Public-private partnerships
- AI and digital innovation
- Sustainable finance initiatives
Internship Responsibilities
The selected intern will support research and development activities related to Agentic AI and digital tools for sustainable development.
Main responsibilities include:
- Conducting AI and policy research
- Supporting development of AI workflows
- Assisting with autonomous agent systems
- Drafting analytical briefs and reports
- Supporting Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems
- Working with LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, and AI frameworks
- Supporting AI applications addressing poverty, inequality, and digital inclusion
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Master’s programme
- Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree
- OR be recent graduates
Preferred study areas include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Econometrics
- Economics
- Related disciplines
Required Skills
UNDP is seeking applicants with:
- Python programming skills
- API development experience
- Prompt engineering knowledge
- Research and analytical skills
- AI workflow development experience
- Communication and teamwork abilities
Experience with:
- LangChain
- CrewAI
- AutoGen
- OpenAI GPT
- Claude
- Gemini
- Vector databases
is considered highly valuable.
Language Requirements
Required
- Strong written and spoken English
Preferred
- Knowledge of another UN language
Is the Internship Paid?
Yes. According to UNDP:
- Interns may receive a monthly stipend
- The stipend supports basic daily expenses
- Funding depends on external sponsorship and UNDP policies
Required Documents
Selected candidates must provide:
- Proof of enrollment or graduation
- Medical and life insurance
- Supporting academic documents
Why You Should Apply
This internship offers:
- Remote international work experience
- Exposure to AI and UN innovation projects
- Research and development opportunities
- Networking with global professionals
- Practical experience in sustainable development technology
It is an excellent opportunity for students and graduates interested in combining AI with international development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this internship fully remote?
Yes. The internship is home-based with remote working arrangements.
Is prior work experience required?
No professional experience is strictly required, but technical AI and programming skills are important.
Is the internship paid?
UNDP may provide a monthly stipend according to internship policies.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International applicants from different countries are encouraged to apply.
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