Artificial Intelligence Strategy Specialist

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence and exploitation. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture. coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

UNICEF is committed to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for advancing children’s rights globally, ensuring innovations are inclusive, equitable, ethical, and aligned with our core values. As AI tools, platforms, and partnerships proliferate, there is a growing need for strategic leadership to map the AI ecosystem, align partnership opportunities with field demands, and ensure that UNICEF harnesses these technologies responsibly and impactfully.

The Global AI Hub aims to hire a Strategy Specialist who can improve the distribution of AIrelated guidance. The AI Strategy Specialist will work under the guidance of the Chief of AI
and in close collaboration with the AI Hub, ICTD, TeamOne and regional/country AI focal points. The specialist will be responsible for the following workstreams:

1. AI Strategy Development & Maintenance
-Lead the development and continuous refinement of UNICEF’s AI strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and ethical principles.
-Develop an external-facing AI strategy framework to position UNICEF as a global thought leader in responsible AI for children.
-Serve as a strategic advisor to regional and country offices on AI adoption, providing tailored guidance for responsible implementation in diverse contexts.

2. Portfolio Management
-Oversee UNICEF’s global portfolio of AI initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, responsible use, and measurable impact.
-Establish and institutionalize portfolio management methodologies to track progress, assess value creation, and manage risks.
-Support the transition of AI solutions from sandbox and testing environments into scaled sustainable production.

3. Roadmap & Value Framework
-Design and manage an integrated AI roadmap (Sandbox, Hub, and Portal), with clear milestones, timelines, and KPIs.
-Deliver regular insights, dashboards, and recommendations to inform decision-making by senior management.
-Monitor organizational progress against the roadmap, adapting priorities in response to emerging needs, technological developments, and available resources.

4. Governance & Oversight
-Act as Secretariat to the AI Steering Committee, developing governance charters, meeting materials, and decision-tracking mechanisms.
-Co-lead the AI Strategy & Value Realization Working Group, defining value levers, standard metrics, and impact measurement methodologies.
-Ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical guardrails are embedded across all AI-related initiatives.

5. Capacity Building & Partnerships
-Provide high-level strategic advice to UNICEF senior leadership on global AI trends, risks, and opportunities.
-Develop policy briefs, thought leadership papers, and briefing notes for both internal and external audiences.
-Build and maintain cross-agency collaborations and partnerships with UN entities, academia, the private sector, and civil society to advance UNICEF’s AI agenda.
-Strengthen organizational capacity through knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and the development of toolkits and guidance for regional and country offices.