Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Regional Programme for Africa contributes to the UNDP Strategic Plan by focusing on three outcome areas: 

  • African Union and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) deliver on their mandate, especially cross-cutting issues related to resilience building (contributing to the Strategic Plan Outcome 1); 
  • Regional growth is inclusive, transformational, and sustainable with reduced economic inequalities, and characterized by structural transformation (contributing to the Strategic Plan Outcome 2); and 
  • Regional institutions sustain peace and build resilience to crises and shocks (contributing to the Strategic Plan Outcome 3).

In 2021, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) commenced planning of a new initiative, timbuktoo, which aims to galvanize African youth as entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem solvers. timbuktoo’s ambition is to mobilize one billion dollars with US$ 350 million invested as catalytic and more than US$ 650 million crowded in as commercial capital to transform more than 100 million livelihoods and create 10 million dignified new jobs. 

In January 2024, UNDP launched the timbuktoo Initiative which includes a Catalytic Pan-African Innovation Fund designed to support African startups. Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Fund has already received a commitment of $3 million from the Government of Rwanda. The ambitious plan aims to mobilize and invest the targeted $1 billion to foster the growth and development of entrepreneurial ventures across the African continent. This focused approach, combined with a “blended capital” model that incorporates both commercial and catalytic funds, aims to reduce risks associated with private investment and foster a comprehensive startup ecosystem. The main target for the Execution Phase is to establish the institutional arrangements for the Fund, and crowd in additional investments on the catalytic side as well as kick off effective operationalization of the Initiative. 

The timbuktoo initiative is establishing 11 thematic vertical Hubs across the continent to serve as critical intervention nodes with full innovation ecosystem support. Each hub is sector-specific and engages with startups across Africa rather than only those based in the host country, catalysing innovation for sustainable development, including through the African Continental Free Trade Area. The initiative also features University Innovation Pods (UniPods) established in public universities across the continent, which bridge academic research and entrepreneurial application and act as a pipeline for the tech and tech-enabled ventures that receive ecosystem support and early-stage risk capital under the Hubs.

Within this architecture, the MineTech Hub is deploying the Thematic AI Labs — a sectoral AI layer embedded within each thematic hub, designed to accelerate AI-native and AI-enabled ventures in the relevant vertical, build a sectoral AI talent pipeline, and position the host hub as a credible anchor for sectoral AI partnerships. The MineTech AI Lab combines five operational modules — Compute & Data Access; Sectoral AI Learning Pathway; Talent Pipeline and Venture Staffing; AI Venture Acceleration; and Ecosystem Orchestration and Partnerships — governed by two cross-cutting gates (Intake & Triage; Responsible AI & Compliance), and articulates with the AI UniPod in the host country (where present) and with the Lab's technology partners.

UNDP Zambia is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as the MineTech AI Analyst of the timbuktoo MineTech AI Lab, in Lusaka, Zambia. The incumbent reports to the timbuktoo MineTech Hub Manager, in close operational articulation with the timbuktoo Coordinator and timbuktoo Hubs lead and leads the operational design, launch and ongoing delivery of the MineTech AI Lab.

Scope of Work 

The Mine Tech AI Analyst translates the Lab's architecture into functioning programmes across the five modules and two cross-cutting gates, orchestrates its partner ecosystem, and produces the venture-level outcomes that define the Lab's success. The incumbent is accountable for the Lab's performance against its pipeline, venture-acceleration, talent-development and partnership objectives, and serves as the operational counterpart of the Lab's anchor technology partner, where applicable, working within the frameworks established at hub and timbuktoo level (the VIRAL Pathway, the IMM framework and the timbuktoo digital platform).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Mine Tech AI Analyst will perform the tasks and activities as follows:

Lab launch, operational leadership and programme delivery

  • Lead the end-to-end operational design and launch of the AI Lab, translating its architecture into an annual operational plan, calendar, resource needs, deliverables and KPIs, in coherence with the Lab's concept note and the host hub's workplan.
  • Establish the Lab's operational procedures and ensure integration within the host hub's operations so it functions as an integrated capability; activate and coordinate the Lab's five modules; support budget execution within delegated thresholds; ensure articulation with the broader AI initiatives of timbuktoo and RBA (EDGE Africa, the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, DISRUPT, the timbuktoo AI Programme Strategy).

Pipeline, technology partnerships and AI venture acceleration

  • Operate the Intake & Triage Gate (including a technical capability questionnaire before intake) and the Responsible AI & Compliance Gate, ensuring no significant access to Lab resources without minimum verification of data governance, responsible-AI standards and sector-appropriate regulatory alignment.
  • Activate and curate the self-service technology foundation layer across cloud, open-source and academic ecosystems; serve as operational counterpart for the anchor technology partnership, where applicable (masterclasses, hackathons, certified-instructor programmes, venture-level mentorship); track partnership milestones and the AI applications built with partner tools, SDKs and libraries.
  • Lead the AI-specific layer of the acceleration pathway (use-case validation, data strategy, model architecture, pilot and investment readiness, responsible-AI governance), coordinated with the host hub's Programme Manager; manage the Lab's partner portfolio and sectoral Advisory Board; design sectoral challenges, activations and hackathons, and integrate the Lab's events, activations and AI residencies into the hub's annual events agenda, planning and delivering them in close collaboration with the Ecosystem Manager so the AI programming runs in synergy with the wider hub calendar rather than in isolation.

Compute, data access and technical environment

  • Organise structured compute access (cloud credits, continental initiatives including the AI Hub for Sustainable Development's Compute Accelerator Programme, and on-premise resources where available), subject to available partner resources and UNDP compliance procedures, with fair, outcome-oriented allocation rules.
  • Establish and manage a sectoral data sandbox adapted to the vertical's regulatory and ethical requirements; coordinate with the Country Office Compute Focal Point and, where relevant, the EDGE Africa team; ensure alignment with UNDP security, data-protection and governance standards.

Sectoral talent pipeline, learning pathway and UniPods articulation

  • Curate and operate the Sectoral AI Learning Pathway, drawing primarily on existing content (including self-paced DLI and partner modules) complemented by focused Lab-developed masterclasses rather than full custom content; mobilise instructors, technical experts, mentors and academic partners; track training outcomes.
  • Build and maintain a registry of AI talents; coordinate the AI Fellows programme (Fellows are administratively managed by the host hub / Country Office / implementing partner); structure the continuity between the local AI UniPod (upstream) and the AI Lab (downstream), organise joint activations, and establish arrangements for continental access to Lab resources.

Monitoring, reporting, knowledge management and network coordination

  • Define, track and update the Lab's KPIs; own Lab-level data integrity and ensure AI Lab data (AI technical assessments, track assignments, compute/data usage, responsible-AI gate outcomes) is entered into the timbuktoo digital platform and aligned with the Hub's IMM framework and VIRAL Pathway; produce periodic and annual reporting.
  • Contribute to the Thematic AI Labs Network's shared knowledge base (playbooks, lessons learned, adaptation guidance); coordinate with peer AI Lab  Analysts/ Managers; represent the Lab in relevant external fora; and produce periodic strategic recommendations to the Tech Hubs Section.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements

The MineTech AI Anlayst reports to the MineTech Hub Manager in close collaboration with the timbuktoo Tech Hubs Section Lead (RBA). The MineTech AI Analyst coordinates closely with the MineTech Programme Analyst and Ecosystem Analyst, works within the frameworks established at hub level (the VIRAL Pathway, the IMM framework and the timbuktoo digital platform), and serves as the operational counterpart of the AI Lab's anchor technology partner, where applicable.  The MineTech AI Analyst leads the sectoral AI layer (gates, compute/data, learning pathway, AI Fellows, AI venture acceleration, technology partners) within the MineTech AI Lab's perimeter; the broader programme and cohorts remain with the Programme Analyst and hub strategy and partnerships with the Hub Manager. The Lab's events, activations and AI residencies are integrated into the hub's annual events agenda and delivered in close collaboration with the Ecosystem Analyst, so the AI programming is planned in synergy with the wider hub calendar and optimises the use and allocation of resources. The role does not carry direct line-management responsibilities.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline;
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements;
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback;
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible;
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident;
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships;
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Functional/Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy 

  • System Thinking
    • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Digital: 

  • Artificial Intelligence Thought leadership
    • Deep understanding of current and  emerging trends in AI, along with their social, ethical, and economic implications, including data privacy  and human rights.
    • Ability to engage with industry  experts, government representatives, and academics to  stay updated on latest trends and  to form partnerships.
    • Strong skills in conducting and  interpreting research to support thought leadership initiatives,  including white papers, policy  briefs, or case studies.
    • Understanding of global trends and  cultural nuances, as they relate to  the field of AI.
    • Familiarity with international laws  and standards regarding technology, particularly in a multi-stakeholder environment.
  • Digital product management
    • Ability to design and lead digital  product development including  testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.
  • Facilitation of digital innovation
    • Ability to facilitate groups and individuals through a digital innovation process.
  • Innovation ecosystem curation
    • Ability to identify key players in an  ecosystem, engage with them and  UNDP | People for 2030 – Competency Framework – Technical Competencies (2024) mobilize them to build a  community and over time a  movement around a common  mission that can bring about  changes at the system level. 
    • Ability to give sense of purpose and  build trust, develop programmes of  activities and platforms to build and strengthen relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in a technical discipline relevant to AI — Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering or a closely related field is required.
  • A first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced technical and venture-building experience, may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in in AI, machine learning or closely adjacent fields, including hands-on exposure to the design, development, deployment or programme-level management of AI applications.

Desired skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to engage credibly on AI technical topics with developers, researchers and founders, with fluency in modern AI tooling, frameworks and deployment environments are assets.
  • Experience in at least two of: AI / ML / applied data science; product development for technology ventures; startup acceleration and venture building; technology-partnership management; data governance, responsible AI and sectoral compliance; management of technical programmes or innovation labs are assets.
  • Concrete experience with early- or growth-stage ventures and demonstrated experience operating in African tech ecosystems or comparable emerging markets are assets.
  • Working knowledge of major AI developer ecosystems — including cloud-provider startup programmes, deep-learning training platforms, registered-developer communities, open-source AI tooling and partner-led venture-enablement programmes — and familiarity with Responsible AI frameworks are assets.
  • Experience in Mining/ Mining Technology including exposure to the Mining regulatory dimensions and to defining AI use cases is strongly desirable.
  • A dual background combining a technical AI discipline with business, innovation or development studies would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Proficiency in English is required.

Professional Certificates

  • Professional certifications from recognized technology developer programmes e.g. NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute/Inception Programme/ and Registered Developer Programme.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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