Internship – Data Engineering Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which recognizes its efforts in addressing hunger and promoting food security. The organization values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media for updates on their initiatives and impact.

Job Overview:
The Data Engineering Intern position at WFP is designed to provide hands-on experience in modern data engineering practices while contributing to real-world projects that support the organization's intelligence, reporting, and data operations. The intern will be part of the Data & Analytics team, which is responsible for designing and maintaining data infrastructure, pipelines, and tools that enable data-driven decision-making across the organization. The intern will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of the NYC office and the ICT Assistant, gaining valuable insights into the workings of a leading humanitarian organization. The role requires a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the team's objectives, with a focus on building and maintaining scalable data systems and processes. The internship is expected to start on 15 August 2025 and will last for three months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Engineering Intern will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: integrating data from various internal and external sources; supporting the cleaning, transformation, and structuring of raw data for analytics; working with cloud services such as SharePoint and OneDrive; managing video conferencing setups; documenting processes and assisting with data quality checks and debugging; collaborating with analysts, network administrators, and software engineers on data-related projects; and delivering weekly progress reports or check-ins. The intern will also be expected to handle detailed work, manage confidential information, and work efficiently under time constraints while interacting with individuals from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Additional tasks may be assigned based on the intern's qualifications and the needs of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program (Bachelor’s degree) in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field from a recognized university and have completed at least two years of the program; or be currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree) in the same fields; or be a recent graduate from an undergraduate or graduate program in these fields within six months prior to applying for the internship. Familiarity with SQL, Python, or similar programming languages is essential, along with a basic understanding of data structures, APIs, and database concepts. Exposure to cloud computing or big data tools is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced environment, and proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required. Excellent command of English and strong writing skills are necessary, while experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in or completion of a degree program in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution. Candidates must have attended classes in the last 12 months of their enrollment and should have a solid foundation in relevant technical skills, including programming languages and data management concepts. The internship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, allowing for a diverse range of applicants with varying levels of academic experience.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is primarily academic, as candidates are expected to be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a degree program in a relevant field. While prior work experience is not mandatory, familiarity with data engineering concepts, programming languages, and data management tools will be beneficial. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, so candidates should be prepared to learn quickly and apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks effectively is essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is required for this position, as the intern will be expected to communicate effectively in a professional environment. Knowledge of another UN language, such as Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish, or Russian, is preferred but not mandatory. This additional language skill can enhance the candidate's profile and may be advantageous in a multicultural workplace.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position with a duration of three months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. Interns will receive a monthly stipend from WFP, up to a maximum of US$1,000 per month, depending on the duty station of assignment. WFP does not cover living expenses, accommodation arrangements, or visa requests. However, travel ticket reimbursement is available for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are studying in their home country. Candidates must be US residents, citizens, or hold an F-1 (international student visa) with OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization. Female applicants and qualified candidates from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. WFP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment.