Internship: Data and Analytics for development programmes, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal (6 months)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, a future

How can you make a difference? 

• Analyzing survey data to inform policy decisions.
• Supporting field-based data collection systems.
• Applying machine learning techniques to design programmes that support vulnerable populations.
• Using GIS tools to identify communities at risk.
• Developing automated monitoring systems to enhance administrative data quality.

• Support the Data and Analytics Specialist in the generation of codes that automate data reporting and visualization processes of the Country Offices.
• Do active research on statistical techniques that can improve data collection and analytics that the Country Offices are developing.
• Using information produced by UNICEF through MICS in the region, produce an academic paper on the needs of the children of at least two countries in the region.

• Enrolment in a statistical, computer science, operation research, or mathematical degree programme (or a programme with a major component in data analytics) in an undergraduate or graduate school, or recent graduation (within 2 years).
• Knowledge of programming in R or Python is required.
• Knowledge of programming in Java is an asset.
• Experience using Earth Engine is an asset.
• Strong academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g. father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office; and have no other relatives in the line of authority which the intern will report to.
• Proficiency in English.

1. A one-page cover letter where the candidate describes their motivation to be selected for the internship.
2. A one-page description of previous coding experiences in R or Python. For candidates without working experience, they can describe projects that have been done as part of their coursework. As part of this description the candidate should describe the main challenges faced and how they were solved.
3. A list of all the courses that the candidate has taken that are related to statistics, mathematical modelling, GIS, or programming. The list should include for each course the programming language or the statistical software used (if there was one); which were the main tools taught in that course; and what was the score obtained (the candidate should provide the grade obtained and the maximum possible grade.
4. No CV is required, but in case the candidate has previous working experience, a CV is encouraged that highlights the work done, statistical software used and/or coding language practiced.

1. Status: Although not considered a staff member of UNICEF, the intern shall be subject to the authority of the Executive Director and the authority delegated by her to the Division Director and Heads of Offices. Interns are not entitled to the privileges and immunities accorded by member states to UNICEF’s officials and staff members. The internship is full time (40 hours per week), and based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
2. Financial support: This internship is open for both national and international students. If an international intern is selected, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia will support the Intern’s round trip travel costs up to $1000. The cost of the monthly stipend will be covered by the UNICEF. Any other costs will be borne by the candidate.
3. Medical health and coverage: UNICEF accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, the intern must carry adequate and regular medical insurance.
4. Confidentiality and publication of information: As an intern, you will respect the confidentiality of information that you collect or are exposed to at UNICEF. No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from UNICEF without the explicit written authorization by the Head of Office or Division Director.
5. Employment prospects: The UNICEF internship programme is not connected with employment and there is no expectancy of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to UNICEF staff during the period of internship.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts 7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.