Junior AI Solution Developer
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization established in 1966, operating in 170 countries and territories with a mission to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. UNDP focuses on developing strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions to sustain progress in various areas, including governance reforms and sustainable development. In Kenya, UNDP's primary objective is to eradicate poverty within the framework of sustainable development and to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes democratic governance, supporting the country's Vision 2030 Political Pillar, which aims to create a democratic, accountable, and people-centered governance system. UNDP Kenya has been instrumental in fostering governance reforms and inclusive economic growth, and it collaborates with the Government of Kenya and key partners to enhance digital competencies across African governments through initiatives like the Regional Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling of Public Servants.
Job Overview:
The Junior AI Solution Developer position is part of UNDP's digital transformation agenda in Kenya, specifically aimed at enhancing public service delivery through the development of AI solutions. The role involves supporting the design, development, and deployment of practical AI applications, particularly focusing on an AI-powered sentiment analysis tool for government and citizen communications. The position is crucial for moving the sentiment analysis tool from a prototype stage to a production-ready solution that can be utilized by government partners. The developer will also contribute to the creation of additional AI tools that improve service delivery and efficiency in government operations. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and technical teams, to gather requirements and ensure the successful integration of AI solutions into existing workflows. The Junior AI Solution Developer will also engage in capacity building for government officers through training and workshops on the developed tools, thereby enhancing the overall digital competencies within the public sector.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Junior AI Solution Developer include:
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Junior AI Solution Developer position include a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Candidates should possess technical skills in programming languages such as Python or R, as well as experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries. Familiarity with AI ethics, data protection regulations, and responsible AI practices is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication skills are necessary for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and presenting technical information clearly. A commitment to continuous learning and a passion for leveraging technology to improve public service delivery are also important attributes for this role.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the Junior AI Solution Developer position should have a degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in AI or machine learning are advantageous but not mandatory. A solid understanding of software development principles and experience in developing AI applications will be beneficial for applicants.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in developing AI solutions, particularly in the areas of machine learning and natural language processing. Previous experience working on projects that involve sentiment analysis or similar applications is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver solutions that meet user needs. Experience in the public sector or with governmental organizations is a plus, as it provides valuable context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in public service delivery.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language for documentation and communication. Knowledge of Kiswahili is also required, given the local context and the need for sentiment analysis in both languages. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The Junior AI Solution Developer position is a volunteer assignment based in Nairobi, Kenya, where the UNDP Kenya Country Office is located. The contract duration is specified, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. Volunteers are expected to bring their own laptops, although office space and IT support will be provided. The role involves working primarily from the Country Office and may require travel to stakeholder offices, including the Kenya School of Government. UN Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic needs, and additional benefits such as life and health insurance, travel allowances, and a resettlement allowance upon satisfactory service completion. The position emphasizes the importance of responsible AI practices and compliance with data protection regulations.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization established in 1966, operating in 170 countries and territories with a mission to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. UNDP focuses on developing strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions to sustain progress in various areas, including governance reforms and sustainable development. In Kenya, UNDP's primary objective is to eradicate poverty within the framework of sustainable development and to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes democratic governance, supporting the country's Vision 2030 Political Pillar, which aims to create a democratic, accountable, and people-centered governance system. UNDP Kenya has been instrumental in fostering governance reforms and inclusive economic growth, and it collaborates with the Government of Kenya and key partners to enhance digital competencies across African governments through initiatives like the Regional Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling of Public Servants.
Job Overview:
The Junior AI Solution Developer position is part of UNDP's digital transformation agenda in Kenya, specifically aimed at enhancing public service delivery through the development of AI solutions. The role involves supporting the design, development, and deployment of practical AI applications, particularly focusing on an AI-powered sentiment analysis tool for government and citizen communications. The position is crucial for moving the sentiment analysis tool from a prototype stage to a production-ready solution that can be utilized by government partners. The developer will also contribute to the creation of additional AI tools that improve service delivery and efficiency in government operations. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and technical teams, to gather requirements and ensure the successful integration of AI solutions into existing workflows. The Junior AI Solution Developer will also engage in capacity building for government officers through training and workshops on the developed tools, thereby enhancing the overall digital competencies within the public sector.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Junior AI Solution Developer include:
- Developing an AI-powered sentiment analysis tool for government and citizen communications, progressing it from prototype to a production-ready solution.
- Designing, building, testing, and iterating on machine-learning and natural language processing (NLP) models, including text classification and sentiment analysis in both English and Kiswahili, while improving accuracy and usability based on user feedback.
- Contributing to the design and development of at least three local AI solutions/tools that enhance public service delivery and efficiency, in alignment with the objectives of the Regional Centre of Competence.
- Preparing clear technical documentation, user guides, and deployment materials, ensuring adherence to responsible AI, data protection, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security best practices throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborating closely with the RCoC technical team, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, demonstrate solutions, and support their adoption and integration into government workflows.
- Strengthening knowledge and understanding of volunteerism by engaging in relevant UNV activities and reflecting on the quality of voluntary action undertaken.
- Systematically applying and documenting an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective in all activities throughout the assignment.
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Junior AI Solution Developer position include a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Candidates should possess technical skills in programming languages such as Python or R, as well as experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries. Familiarity with AI ethics, data protection regulations, and responsible AI practices is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication skills are necessary for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and presenting technical information clearly. A commitment to continuous learning and a passion for leveraging technology to improve public service delivery are also important attributes for this role.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the Junior AI Solution Developer position should have a degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in AI or machine learning are advantageous but not mandatory. A solid understanding of software development principles and experience in developing AI applications will be beneficial for applicants.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in developing AI solutions, particularly in the areas of machine learning and natural language processing. Previous experience working on projects that involve sentiment analysis or similar applications is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver solutions that meet user needs. Experience in the public sector or with governmental organizations is a plus, as it provides valuable context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in public service delivery.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language for documentation and communication. Knowledge of Kiswahili is also required, given the local context and the need for sentiment analysis in both languages. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The Junior AI Solution Developer position is a volunteer assignment based in Nairobi, Kenya, where the UNDP Kenya Country Office is located. The contract duration is specified, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. Volunteers are expected to bring their own laptops, although office space and IT support will be provided. The role involves working primarily from the Country Office and may require travel to stakeholder offices, including the Kenya School of Government. UN Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic needs, and additional benefits such as life and health insurance, travel allowances, and a resettlement allowance upon satisfactory service completion. The position emphasizes the importance of responsible AI practices and compliance with data protection regulations.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.