Internship - Support Strategic Research and Policy Development

Duration 

3 months

Internships

 The IAEA accepts a limited number of interns each year. The internships are awarded to persons studying towards a university degree or who have recently received a degree (see Internship web pages for further details).

The purpose of the programme is\:

• To provide interns with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in line with their studies or interests, and expose them to the work of the IAEA and the United Nations as a whole;
• To benefit the IAEA's programmes through the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.
• The duration of an internship is normally not less than three months and not more than one year.

Organizational Setting 

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA's duties and responsibilities as the world's nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including\: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis;  collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

The Division of Concepts and Planning (SGCP) is responsible for the development and promotion of safeguards concepts and policy; the coordination of research and development activities and Member State Support Programmes; strategic planning; the implementation of the quality management system of the Department; and the provision and development of training.

Main Purpose

To support the Department's strategic initiatives by conducting research in specialized areas, contributing to the review and enhancement of strategic planning documents, and providing inputs for the development of a policy on artificial intelligence in the context of IAEA safeguards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Conduct research into specialized areas to contribute the Department strategic analyses, as requested
• Contribute to the review and updating of the Department's suite of strategic planning documents. 
• Conduct research and provide inputs to a policy on artificial intelligence for IAEA safeguards.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in international relations, public administration and/or computer science.
• Research and analysis of international security and nuclear non-proliferation regimes and issues
• Research on the impact of emerging technologies in nuclear non-proliferation and/or verification matters
• Experience in artificial intelligence, data science and/or coding is an asset

Applicant Eligibility

• Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years of age and have completed at least three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a first degree.
• Candidates may apply up to one year after the completion of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree.
• Candidates must not have previously participated in the IAEA's internship programme.
• Good written and spoken English essential; fluency in any other IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian) an asset.
• Candidates must attach two signed letters of recommendation to their application.