Job categories Programme Management
Vacancy code VA/2024/B5011/29327
Level ICS-11
Department/office GPO, NYPO, UN Technology Support Services
Duty station Geneva, Switzerland
Contract type Fixed Term
Contract level P4
Duration One (1) year with possibility of extension based on performance and funds availability 
Application period 04-Dec-2024 to 19-Dec-2024
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of Programme (Senior Advisor), coordinating with the Senior Portfolio Manager, will meet with relevant stakeholders in the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology to outline planned and ongoing deliverables and ensure that their deadlines are realistic and aligned with relevant workflows.

Summary of Key Functions:
  1. Project and Program Management:
  2. Technical Support: 
  3. Stakeholder Engagement:
1. Project and Programme Management: Leads the Office’s DPI and Open Source (Digital Commons), and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams—develops project objectives, scope, and strategies, and delivers outcomes.
  • Manages the Digital Commons and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams and collaborates with the Office’s leadership and programme management to coordinate staffing, finances, and wider project management.
  • Develops and implements strategic plans for Digital Commons and SDG workstreams, ensuring alignment with broader UN objectives, and provides leadership and direction to multidisciplinary teams in order to achieve respective programme objectives.
  • Establishes robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track project progress and impact. Reports on progress to UN bodies and stakeholders, using data and analytics to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.
  • Supports the Office’s AI Governance workstream and co-leads specific work packages, particularly through injecting a high degree of technical expertise.
2. Technical support: Serves as the lead of project technology implementations and manages technology inquiries. 
  • Serves as a point of contact for technology-related inquiries within the United Nations system, as well as for donors, press, and external partners.
  • Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
  • Advises on the Office’s workstream on AI capability building for the economic development and welfare of developing countries.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Supports the management of relationships with external stakeholders and advises on the Office’s DPI, Open Source, and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams in senior fora.
  • Liaises with key stakeholders, such as potential donors, and presents the Office’s workstreams.
  • Manages relationships with external stakeholders, donors, and industry experts to leverage their expertise and support for OSET initiatives.
  • Supports global partnerships, engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors, in particular in Arabic- and French-speaking contexts
  • Represents the OSET’s DPI and Open Source (Digital Commons), and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams at meetings and conferences as required.

Perform other tasks and responsibilities relevant to the scope of this position.

Impact of Results
The Head of Programme’s efforts are pivotal in advancing OSET’s central initiatives in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Open Source, and AI Capacity Building for SDGs. Therefore, this role is critical for the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Road Map for Digital Cooperation and fulfilling the broader objectives of the Office. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in International development, in computer science and/or mathematical modelling or related areas with seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.
  • A first-level university degree in the above- mentioned fields of study, with nine (9) years of relevant work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience: 

Required:

  • Relevant experience is defined as experience working on big data and AI, related infrastructure and applications.
  • A minimum of 3 years experience managing technology implementations using natural language processing and big data analytics is required.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of deployment of AI solutions in developing country contexts is required.

Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

  • Recent experience working on data and artificial intelligence governance, including the application of ethical frameworks, handling of biases in datasets, sandboxing, and engagement with stakeholders.
  • Experience on Artificial intelligence governance across multiple jurisdictions, including in developing country contexts
  • Experience in evaluating/deploying artificial intelligence technology in complex societal domains such as agriculture, health, education, and public policy.

Language Requirements:
  • Fluency (read, write, speak) in English is required. 
  • Knowledge of French and Arabic is an asset.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.