Intern – Information & Data Management

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeking a highly motivated intern to join the Data, Identity Management, and Analysis (DIMA) Unit at its Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa (RBESA) based in Nairobi, Kenya. This internship provides an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in data management, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and humanitarian information systems while contributing to UNHCR’s mission of protecting and assisting refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and internally displaced populations.

Key Job Information

Position: Intern – Information & Data Management
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-time Internship
Experience Level: Entry-level / Graduate Internship
Salary / Allowance: Financial allowance available for interns without external support
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Target Start Date: December 1, 2025

About UNHCR

Established in December 1950, UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building sustainable futures for millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or statelessness. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides protection, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy for displaced and stateless populations worldwide. The organization is recognized for its expertise in refugee protection, humanitarian data management, and large-scale operational coordination.

The DIMA Unit at RBESA plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality data for protection, programming, coordination, and advocacy across Eastern and Southern Africa. By offering human rights and data management internship opportunities, UNHCR equips young professionals with practical experience in information management, analytics, machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and data governance, fostering the next generation of humanitarian data specialists.

Job Description

The Intern – Information & Data Management will support the DIMA Unit in developing and maintaining robust data pipelines, analytics products, and digital solutions that enhance UNHCR’s regional operations. This role provides exposure to real-world humanitarian datasets, AI applications, RAG/LLM prototypes, and advanced data visualization using tools like Power BI, R, Python, and SQL. Interns will also learn and apply UNHCR’s strict data protection policies and humanitarian data responsibility standards, gaining experience essential for careers in humanitarian data science, information management, and analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and validate reproducible data pipelines across surveys, administrative datasets, and partner submissions using Python, R, SQL, or Power Query.
• Create Power BI dashboards, datasets, and visuals with DAX measures to support regional and country reporting.
• Document analytics workflows, R/Python notebooks, and QA reports to ensure reproducibility and transparency.
• Prototype ML and NLP models for classification, anomaly detection, forecasting, text clustering, and deduplication.
• Build and evaluate RAG/LLM solutions using frameworks like LangChain or LlamaIndex, incorporating secure knowledge indexing and prompt optimization.
• Automate data ingestion, validation, monitoring, and reporting workflows through low-code/no-code or scripted solutions (e.g., Power Automate, n8n, Python, Microsoft Fabric).
• Apply UNHCR Data Protection Policy and humanitarian data responsibility principles, including de-identification, DPIA, and secure storage practices.
• Develop documentation, user guides, data dictionaries, and conduct knowledge-sharing sessions to upskill colleagues.
• Coordinate with country operations and technical focal points, supporting collaboration across teams and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate (within two years) in data science, computer science, statistics, economics, information systems, engineering, or related fields.
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate studies in relevant disciplines.
• Proficiency in Python or R, and SQL for data wrangling and analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and data quality.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Power BI, DAX, Power Query, Git, APIs, and JSON data formats.
• Knowledge of ML/NLP libraries, vector databases, RAG frameworks, and prompt design.
• Familiarity with humanitarian data tools (e.g., ODK, Kobo) and basic Docker/MLOps practices.
• User-centered design mindset, documentation skills, and organizational capabilities.
• Interest in humanitarian data science, analytics, and large-scale information management.

Benefits and Compensation

• Hands-on experience in humanitarian data management and analytics.
• Training on UNHCR data protection, ML, NLP, and RAG/LLM applications.
• Exposure to regional and country-level refugee protection operations.
• Mentorship from experienced data and information management specialists.
• Networking opportunities with UNHCR technical units and international partners.
• Financial allowance for interns without external support to assist with living costs, local transport, and meals.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications through UNHCR’s official recruitment channels. The internship programme is open to students and recent graduates who meet eligibility requirements. Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. UNHCR encourages applications from candidates with refugee or stateless backgrounds and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, offering equal opportunities without distinction based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other factors.