Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence - Research & Development

Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) enables a better, safer, more sustainable future through innovative technology. It is committed to ensuring United Nations colleagues all over the world have every tool necessary to succeed in their respective mandates.

Context

You will interact and collaborate with a global team of UN personnel to share insights and integrate feedback into your research and testing processes. For Task 1: (2 volunteers) Find and evaluate open-source artificial intelligence tools and data analytics platforms (deliverable: identify and document 2 to 3 tools in different categories e.g. LLMs; vector databases; training, fine-tuning, RAG libraries, front-ends.) Background & Objective: The objective of this task is to leverage the potential of open-source AI and data analytics tools to bridge the technology gap between developed and developing countries. The background stems from the need for low-cost, scalable solutions that can be easily implemented in countries with limited resources, enabling them to use AI for social and economic development. Audience: The audience for this research includes United Nations agencies, local government bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in developing countries who could benefit from implementing these tools, as well as the global development community looking to support technology-driven progress. Contribution to SDGs: Volunteers' contributions through this task will support the SDGs by promoting innovation and infrastructure, fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization (SDG 9), and potentially contributing to other goals by making AI tools accessible to underserved communities. For Task 2: (2 volunteers) Engage in rapid tool testing and solution prototyping (deliverable: 1 or 2 working prototypes and respective code repositories) Background & Objective: This task is designed to rapidly test the practicality and effectiveness of AI tools in real-world scenarios specific to developing countries. The aim is to rapidly prototype open-source solutions using e.g. Ollama, PrivateGPT, GPT4All, and H2Oai tools. Audience: The findings from this task will be of particular interest to field practitioners and decision-makers in developing nations, international development organizations, and the donor community that funds innovation in these regions. Contribution to SDGs: The input from Online Volunteers in this area aids in achieving the SDGs by ensuring that the benefits of AI technology are not limited to high-income countries, thus contributing to inclusive and sustainable industrialization (SDG 9). For Task 3: (2 volunteers) Draft a white-paper (deliverable: 2-5 pages + technical annexes) Background & Objective: The purpose of this task is to synthesize research and development activities into a cohesive document that articulates the viability and impact of the proposed AI solutions. It aims to inform and guide the replication and scaling of these solutions. Audience: The white-paper is intended for an audience that includes tech developers, international development agencies, policy-makers, academic institutions, and other entities involved in deploying AI for development. Contribution to SDGs: This task contributes to the SDGs by disseminating knowledge and fostering collaboration (SDG 17), encouraging the adoption of useful innovations (SDG 9), and providing insights that could lead to actionable projects.

Task description

We are seeking dedicated online volunteers with a passion for technology and development to collaborate with the Innovation Unit at the United Nations OICT. Please apply if you are interested in researching and prototyping innovative solutions in the fields of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a focus on their applicability and accessibility in developing countries. Task description: Find and evaluate open-source artificial intelligence tools and data analytics platforms, assessing their adaptability and scalability for use in varied socio-economic environments. Engage in rapid tool testing and solution prototyping, aiming to identify accessible and efficient AI solutions suitable for use in developing nations. (2 volunteers will be selected for this task). Draft a white-paper that documents the research conducted, and the outcomes of the prototype solutions.