UNDP Internship 2026 in New York: Data Analysis and Report Synthesis Opportunity with a Monthly Stipend

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme is offering an internship focusing on data analysis and report synthesis through its Regional Bureau for Arab States. Based in New York, United States, this three-month placement allows university students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in quantitative data analysis, economic research, policy development, and sustainable development. The selected participant will report to the Strategic Initiatives Advisor in the New York office, supporting policy research related to the Arab Human Development Report and socioeconomic analyses examining how conflicts and other shocks impact employment, poverty, inequality, human development, and economic growth.

Responsibilities during the placement involve collecting data, conducting literature reviews, and examining inclusive growth topics such as labor markets, macroeconomics, public finance management, social protection, small and medium-sized enterprises, and financing for the Sustainable Development Goals. The intern will help analyze economic and social data to identify regional trends and produce visual representations of economic indicators, as well as contribute to policy briefs, technical notes, and economic assessments. Additional duties include monitoring macroeconomic indicators across the Arab States region, updating internal databases, maintaining knowledge repositories, and assisting with regional consultations and webinars.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include individuals enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme like a master's degree or higher in economics, development studies, public policy, international development, or a related field. Candidates can also qualify if they are enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in a relevant subject, have recently graduated with a qualifying university degree and can start within one year of graduation, or are enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme that includes the internship.

Candidates should demonstrate an interest in economic development, policy research, and the challenges affecting the Arab States region. Required attributes include strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, familiarity with information and communication technology, and the capability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of quantitative analysis tools such as R, Stata, or Python is advantageous, while proficiency in Arabic or French is desirable but not mandatory. Applicants must also exhibit professionalism, accountability, teamwork, creativity, and effective task organization.

What you get

Participants receive a monthly stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses like meals and transportation at the duty station, provided they do not receive financial support from an institution or programme. The applicable monthly stipend follows the rates published annually by the relevant UNDP policy and compensation unit. If an intern receives financial support from a university, government, foundation, or other third party, the organization may pay the difference between that support and the applicable stipend according to relevant rules.

Key dates

Applications close on 14 October 2026.