Data Science Intern - AI Economics Unit

About Whiteshield

Whiteshield helps governments and businesses design better policies, manage resources and plan for growth. We do this by combining artificial intelligence with economic expertise to solve real policy challenges.

The AI Economics Unit

The AI Economics Unit builds AI products for governments, international institutions and leading corporations. We find where AI can add the most value inside client organisations and turn those use cases into working tools, from early prototypes to deployed applications, that improve how clients analyse information, make decisions and deliver services.

Position Overview

We are looking for a paid Data Science Intern to join the AI Economics Unit in Barcelona. The role combines product development with consulting. You will help identify, design and deliver AI tools for client projects, while building the problem-structuring and communication skills central to strategic advisory work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build AI applications and agentic workflows for real client use cases.
• Build and integrate the data pipelines, external APIs and LLM services that power these products.
• Work with consultants and client teams to spot opportunities for AI, assess their feasibility and value, and turn requirements into technical solutions.
• Help prepare client deliverables, and demo products to internal teams and client stakeholders.
• Work on R&D projects that explore what new AI capabilities make possible for clients.

Research and Development

Part of your time will go to exploratory research. You will evaluate emerging models, agent frameworks and development tools, assess their potential for new products and use cases, and prototype the most promising ideas. You will share your findings with the wider team, and the strongest may shape future client offerings.

We see these as a guide, not a checklist. If you don’t match every point but are excited by the role and keen to learn, we’d still love to hear from you.

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science or a related field.
• Strong Python skills.
• Hands-on experience with agentic coding tools (e.g. Claude Code, Cursor), and the rigour to review, test and take full ownership of the code they generate.
• Practical experience with REST and LLM APIs.
• Structured problem-solving, and the ability to explain technical ideas to non-technical audiences.
• A genuine interest in how AI can create value for governments and organisations.
• Professional fluency in English.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with public policy, economics or strategy.
• Knowledge of Arabic.

• Hands-on work on client projects, with direct exposure to senior government officials, international institutions and corporate leaders.
• Dedicated time to explore and pilot new AI tools and methods.
• Structured mentoring from senior engineers, economists and consultants.