Intern - Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Operational Support

Introduction

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.

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

Support the mapping and documentation of operational processes within the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.

• 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.

Contribute to the organization, cleaning, and basic analysis of data using spreadsheets or other simple tools.

• Support the preparation of dashboards, summaries, and reports to facilitate decision-making.
• Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams to translate operational needs into simple technological solutions.
• Document workflows, tools, and prototypes developed during the internship, ensuring knowledge transfer and potential scalability.
• 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.

• 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.

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

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;

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.