AI Capacity Building Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations, established to address the world's most pressing challenges. With a presence in 170 countries and a workforce of over 17,000 employees, UNDP focuses on issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. The organization aims to leverage digital technologies to enhance development outcomes through its Digital Strategy 2022-2025, which emphasizes a rights-based approach to digital transformation and the creation of inclusive digital ecosystems.

Job Overview:
The AI Capacity Building Specialist will play a crucial role in the Digital Capacity Lab (DCL) at the UNDP Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub. This position requires a blend of digital and AI expertise along with strong interpersonal skills to develop effective learning journeys and engage with various stakeholders. The specialist will be responsible for conducting user research to identify AI capacity gaps, designing tailored training content, facilitating AI Sprint sessions, and managing project implementation. Additionally, the role involves partnership development and resource mobilization to ensure the sustainability of the Lab's initiatives. The specialist will also contribute to strategic communications and advocacy efforts to promote AI capacity building as a vital component of inclusive digital transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to assess government AI capacity gaps and digital transformation needs.
• Coordinate interviews, surveys, and workshops with national stakeholders to inform training design.
• Develop tailored AI Sprint training content that reflects local contexts and integrates adult learning principles.
• Facilitate AI Sprint sessions using both in-person and digital formats, ensuring participant engagement and feedback.
• Oversee project planning, implementation, and reporting, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Build partnerships with UN agencies, donors, and private sector entities to enhance resource mobilization.
• Create compelling communications materials to showcase the impact of AI capacity-building initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between the AI Capacity Building team and other units to ensure coherence and collaboration across initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Education, Innovation, Business Management, Psychology, Political Science, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in digital transformation projects (7 years with a Bachelor’s degree).
• Demonstrated experience in creating and delivering learning content, conducting user research, and managing projects.
• Knowledge of the latest trends in technology innovations, particularly in AI, is desired.
• Experience working with UN or large-scale development organizations is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Education, Innovation, Business Management, Psychology, Political Science, Development Studies, or International Relations. A Bachelor’s degree in these areas combined with additional qualifying experience may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should be focused on digital transformation projects, ideally within the private or non-profit sectors, and should include a strong background in project management and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. A working knowledge of another official UN language is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of the UNDP's commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace. The role may involve international collaboration and requires candidates to be adaptable and proactive in managing multiple demands. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.