Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 
Our Mission 

At UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), we are on a mission to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions around the world. UNDP is the United Nations' global sustainable development organization working across 170 countries with 17,000 staff. 

Digital technology is one of the most fundamental drivers of changes this century. Digital not only provides new opportunities and challenges for development, but it is also fundamentally changing the context in which development is taking place. Since the launch of its first Digital Strategy in 2019, UNDP has been on an ambitious transformation journey to harness the potential of digital technology for development. We are now in the next phase of our digital transformation, implementing the Digital Strategy 2022-2025, which puts forth a vision to create a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet.   

The Chief Digital Officer at UNDP is leading this effort with the goal of embedding digital technology in the development projects that we implement, supporting government partners to build inclusive digital ecosystems, and transforming the organization internally to enable these changes. 


 
Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Digital Strategy positions Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a significant opportunity. Internally, we are investing in our human capacity, infrastructure, and next generation tools to enhance our operations and become a better partner for those we serve. This includes building the strong data foundation required to leverage AI optimally and ethically, as set out in our Data Strategy. Externally, we are increasing our support to governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement cutting-edge development solutions, alongside capacity-building, financing and policy and technical advice.   

Within UNDP, the Chief Digital Office (CDO) coordinates this work, providing support across the organization, working with UNDP country offices and with development partners to develop a strong portfolio of products for governments. 

As the co-lead of assessments workstream in Inter Agency Working Group on AI, UNDP has developed an AI Readiness Assessment (AIRA). The AIRA is now being pilot tested in countries. 

The Chief Digital Office is looking for an AI Policy Analyst to: 

Strategy & Scaling Impact: Support in AI programmatic strategy, integrating AI into portfolio of digital programmes as relevant to scale UNDP initiatives to support local digital ecosystems across countries 
  • Support UNDP representation at the Inter-agency working group on AI and lead the coordination work to position the AI Readiness Assessment within the UN System.   
  • Produce policy briefs and talking points on AI, Machine Learning to presentations and high-level events. 
  • Contribute to donor proposals on AI Ethics and Governance for member states. 
  • Integrate feedback and continuously improve AIRA. Produce high quality assessments and report back on country activities. 
Delivery & Coordination: Support in identifying AI priorities with the Digital Transformation portfolio and support its integration across digital transformation programming portfolio 
  • Lead the implementation of AIRA in countries with close coordination with UNDP Country Offices and UNDP’s Global Policy & Programme Network. 
  • Contribute to the coordination and monitoring of AI analytical/research agendas in the Regional Offices  
Learning & Knowledge: Support in thought leadership and distilling lessons that enable strategic positioning of UNDP’s digital programmes and fosters collaboration between key stakeholders 
  • Contribute to exchange of data and information with UNDP country offices and HQ, and with other agencies of the United Nations, with academia and research entities, and with other partners. 
  • Develop regular insights from country offices to shape UNDP’s work on AI 
  Institutional Arrangement 

The incumbent will report to the Head of Country Digital Transformation Delivery with a matrix reporting line to Head of Data and Technology. 


 

 
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 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand 

horizons, diversify experiences 

 Adapt with Agility:     

LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new 

situations, involve others in change process 

Act with Determination:                      

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver 

calmly in face of adversity, confident 

Engage and Partner:      

 LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships 

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 


 
Required Skills and Experience

 
Min. Academic Education 

An advanced university degree in Business, Computer Science, Emerging technologies and international development or in other relevant areas. 

A bachelor's degree in the above fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree or equivalent. 
   
Min. years of relevant Work experience  
  • Minimum 2 years or 4 years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant experience in Computer Science, Digital , Artificial intelligence, machine learning or other emerging technologies. 
  • Minimum one year of experience working for a global organisation coordinating multiple stakeholders. 
Required skills and competencies 
  • Prior experience in implementing AI projects at global or country levels 
  • Demonstrated experience in drafting policy briefs, knowledge products or talking points on AI or emerging technologies. 
  • Demonstrated analytical skills. 
  • Project management skills, including entrepreneurial drive to develop and execute self-designed initiatives 
  • Ability to coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders 
  • Demonstrated leadership ability and record of impact in high-intensity, team-based environments 
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills, for both conceptual and analytical problems 
  • Values-based, collaborative working style with demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with reasonable ability to use common software tools for word processing, presentation, and spreadsheets 
Desired additional skills and competencies 
  • Capable of working in a high- pressure environment with sharp and frequent deadlines, managing many tasks simultaneously. 
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills. 
  • Exercises the highest level of responsibility and be able to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner. 
Required Language(s) (at working level)

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language 

(Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

                  

Travel:     

UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements. 

Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: 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.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
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