Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Unit of Information and Technology Management (ITM) in New York are the enablers supporting UNDP Country Offices around the world with technological solutions that empower the projects we deliver. Our Unit offers a stimulating and versatile internship in an international environment with contact to various partners from some 166 countries with UNDP presence. We are a team who work in a dynamic and informal atmosphere, and we expect our interns to become vital members of the team.
UNDP is committed to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to advance sustainable development objectives. The AI, Data and Engineering Team works across divisions to design and implement cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by global communities. This dynamic role facilitates innovation and AI-based insights that help achieve the organization’s strategic goals.
The AI Innovation Analyst is responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of AI-based solutions, fostering a culture of technological innovation, and ensuring adherence to ethical AI principles within UNDP’s global operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
1- Contribute to the AI Solutions Development:
- Support in designing AI tools and platforms that address corporate operation challenges.
- Contribute to the deployment of AI systems to optimize operational efficiency and business processes.
2- Contribute to the Strategic Innovation:
- Collaborate with business counterparts to identify new AI opportunities.
- Contribute to building frameworks for AI-driven decision-making processes.
3- Ensure Ethical Compliance:
- Ensure all AI initiatives align with international ethical standards and UNDP policies.
- Monitor AI implementations for potential risks and mitigate concerns proactively.
4- Facilitate Capacity Building and knowledge sharing
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing activities and conduct training workshops for stakeholders to understand AI applications.
- Work with partners to scale emerging AI innovations and foster collaboration and support capacity building
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
On a day-to-day basis, the AI Innovation Specialist will be working with and directly reporting to the Chief of AI, Data and Engineering.
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
Cross-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
Information Management & Technology - User Experience and business analyst: Capacity to translate efficiently users’ needs in IT requirements around human-centred design principles. Knowledge of ServiceNow, Oracle Cloud, Salesforce, and Microsoft 365 an asset.
Digital - Digital business analysis: Ability to support digital business processes across a range of digital projects, programmes, and activities
Digital - Digital product management: Ability to design and lead AI product development including testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.
Business Management - Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies,
as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to
Information Management & Technology - IT Customer Support: Ability to support customers on IT related issues and generate and contribute to continuous improvement processes to deliver a great user experience. Knowledge of ISO 9001 desirable. ITIL of ISO 20000 certification or similar is desirable.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience, preferably in the area of in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields, ideally within an international or UN environment is required.
- Demonstrated experience in AI applications, with at least one AI/ML project or solution is required.
- Working experience in programming with Python, plus at least one of JavaScript or C# is required.
- Experience and sound understanding of linear algebra, algorithms and statistics (degree, coursework, research or projects) is desirable.
- Experience applying ethical AI practices (for example governance frameworks, risk reviews or responsible-AI policies) is desirable.
- Hands-on work with AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini or DeepSeek (integration, prompt engineering, fine-tuning or deployment) is desirable.
- Experience with Microsoft Azure (10) and GCP (10) is desirable.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams on AI or technology delivery is desirable.
- Experience in an international or UN environment is desirable.
Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of Spanish and/or French is desirable.
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
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