Internship – Data Engineering Intern, New York, United States
Are you a passionate, solutions-driven student or recent graduate ready to apply your Data Engineering intern skills to global humanitarian efforts? The World Food Programme (WFP), a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world’s largest humanitarian organization, invites you to join our team in New York, USA. We’re on a mission to save lives in emergencies and build pathways to peace by addressing hunger and promoting food security worldwide.
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. We commit to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourage qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, color, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, or disability. If you’re looking for a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment where your contributions directly impact millions, this is your opportunity.
Why Choose a WFP Internship?
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Nobel Peace Prize Laureate: You’ll join an organization the world recognized globally for its profound impact.
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Inclusive Environment: Thrive in a diverse and multicultural workplace that values every individual.
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Professional Development: WFP invests in your growth through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs, as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
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Global Impact: Work alongside passionate colleagues who tirelessly ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
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Attractive Compensation: We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. Its efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid, and special operations. Two-thirds of our work takes place in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.
WFP saves and changes lives. We deliver food assistance in emergencies and work with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. WFP received the 2020 Nobel Prize for Peace because providing assistance to increase food security not only prevents hunger but can also help improve prospects for stability and peace.
The UN System and Multilateral Engagement Division, based in New York, serves as a key interface between WFP and international political, peace and security, development, and humanitarian actors. This Division galvanizes WFP’s government partners to fulfill their commitments under the 2030 Agenda, mobilizing attention and efforts toward a world without hunger.
Data Engineering Intern
Scope of Work: Hands-on Data Engineering for Humanitarian Intelligence
The Data & Analytics team at the World Food Programme designs and maintains the vital data infrastructure, pipelines, and tools that enable data-driven decision-making across our entire organization. As a Data Engineering Intern, you will support this team in building and maintaining scalable data systems and processes.
The primary objective of this data engineering internship is to provide you with invaluable hands-on experience in modern data engineering practices. Simultaneously, you will directly contribute to real-world projects that enhance the organization’s intelligence, reporting, and overall data operations. You’ll work in person at our New York Global Office, typically for three months, with potential for renewal.
Key Responsibilities as a Data Engineering Intern
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of the NYC office and the ICT Assistant, you will perform the following duties, crucial for a successful Data Engineering Intern:
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Data Integration: Help integrate data from various internal and external sources, ensuring smooth data flow.
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Data Transformation: Support the cleaning, transformation, and structuring of raw data, preparing it for sophisticated analytics. This core data engineering task ensures data quality.
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Cloud & Data Platform Support: Work with essential cloud services (like SharePoint, OneDrive) and/or other critical data platforms.
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Video Conferencing Management: Handle video conferencing setup, management, and execution for team collaboration.
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Documentation & Quality Checks: Document processes thoroughly and assist with crucial data quality checks and debugging efforts.
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Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with analysts, network administrators, and software engineers on diverse data-related projects. Your data engineering insights will be vital.
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Adaptability & Professionalism: You can perform detailed work, work of a confidential nature, and/or handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints. You will also deal patiently and tactfully with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
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Flexible Support: Circumstances and your qualifications will determine any additional tasks relevant to data engineering.
Deliverables During Your Internship
Throughout your Data Engineering Intern assignment, you will contribute directly to:
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Updated Data Pipelines: Actively work on and help update data pipelines for internal use.
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Regular Progress Reports: Provide weekly progress reports or check-ins to your supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience for This Data Engineering Role
To consider you for this Data Engineering Intern position, you must meet the following criteria:
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Academic Status: You should currently be enrolled in an undergraduate program (e.g., 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
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Graduate Enrollment: You are currently enrolled in a graduate program (e.g., Master’s degree) in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field; OR
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Recent Graduate: You are a recent graduate from an undergraduate or graduate program in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field (within six months prior to the internship application).
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Recent Coursework: You must have attended classes in the last 12 months of enrollment in a recognized university in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
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Programming Skills: Possess familiarity with SQL, Python, or similar programming languages, foundational for a data engineering intern.
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Data Fundamentals: Demonstrate a basic understanding of data structures, APIs, and database concepts.
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Cloud Exposure: Have some exposure to cloud computing or big data tools.
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Learning Agility: Show eagerness to learn and contribute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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Software Proficiency: Be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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Language Skills: You must have an excellent command of English, including strong writing skills. We require a working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C). Another UN language (Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian) is preferred.
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Preferred Skills: We prefer familiarity with data visualization, design, information products (e.g., Tableau, Publisher), and analysis.
Supervision and Training for the Data Engineering Intern
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director and the ICT Assistant, you will receive close mentoring, guidance, and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews, along with learning and development discussions, will form elemental parts of your supervision. All WFP interns gain access to an industry-leading learning platform, WeLearn, throughout their assignment.
Living Conditions and Security in New York, USA
New York City comprises five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. While Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, and the Bronx attaches to the US mainland. Bridges, tunnels, and ferries link the islands. A broad range of rental opportunities exist; living near the UN is pricey. Other areas of NY are more affordable, such as some parts of Brooklyn (Flatbush), Staten Island, Bronx, and Queens, etc. Alternatively, you can also consider suburbs outside the 5 boroughs (New Jersey, Westchester), though travel times and commuter prices will increase. Refer to the MTA site for transportation costs. Many rental options are available online.
The United Nations HQ occupies an 18-acre tract of land on Manhattan Island. The United Nations owns the site, which is international territory. The complex has 5 main structures that all connect: GA, Library, South Annex, Conference building (which includes the Security Council, Trusteeship Council), and the Secretariat (main 39-story building). Several adjacent buildings also house UN offices, including DC1, DC2, FF building, etc.
Regarding security, the United States is currently at security level 1 (Minimal). We consider it non-restrictive concerning travel and family accompaniment at the duty station. Currently, no significant security threats exist in general, nor direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. Travelers should, however, be aware of petty crime, which may include pickpocketing and street scams. Exercise caution while transiting in public areas, as well as when using ATM machines or money exchange tellers.
Terms and Conditions of the Internship
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Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1,000 per month, depending on the duty station of assignment.
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WFP does not take responsibility for living expenses, accommodation arrangements, VISA requests, and related costs.
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WFP will reimburse travel tickets for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
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WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognized institutions that competent international or national authorities, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education, have certified.
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Sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters of current WFP employees are not eligible to apply.
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Potential candidates must either be US residents, citizens, or F-1 (international student visa) and must have OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization.
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We especially encourage female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries to apply (OPT required). WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. WFP will not offer an appointment under any kind of contract to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
WFP’s Commitment to Integrity and Inclusion
“Saving Lives. Changing Lives.”
The WFP Leadership Framework guides the common standards of behavior that dictate HOW we work together to accomplish our mission. Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework: [Insert Link if available in original source, otherwise remove or specify placeholder].
WFP commits to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
NO FEE DISCLAIMER: The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, note that emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, we advise you to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Important Reminders Before You Submit Your Application
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We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN Grade (if applicable).
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Once you complete your profile, please apply and submit your application.
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Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language.
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Kindly note, you only need to submit your CV and Cover Letter at this time.
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We may request additional documents such as a passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc., at a future time.
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Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges submitting your application.
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We will notify only shortlisted candidates.
WFP makes all employment decisions on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP commits to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, WFP will conduct rigorous reference and background checks on all selected candidates.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10 August 2025 – 23:59 – GMT-05:00 Eastern Time (New York)
Apply here: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1753388023159
FAQs: Data Engineering Internship at WFP
Q: Is this a paid internship? A: Yes, WFP interns receive a monthly stipend of up to US$1,000, depending on the duty station. However, WFP does not cover living expenses or accommodation.
Q: Where is this Data Engineering Intern opportunity located? A: This is an in-person internship located at the WFP New York Global Office, 733 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, USA.
Q: What are the key technical skills required for this data engineering role? A: Essential skills include familiarity with SQL, Python, or similar programming languages; a basic understanding of data structures, APIs, and database concepts; and exposure to cloud computing or big data tools.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this Data Engineering Intern position? A: You must be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate (within six months) of an undergraduate (with at least two years completed) or graduate program in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Q: Does WFP offer any support for international students or travel? A: WFP reimburses travel tickets for nationals of developing countries studying in their home country. For US-based international students, F-1 visa holders must have Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization. WFP does not cover living expenses or accommodation arrangements.