Senior National Consultant on AI Systems Integration & Digital Innovation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization is committed to addressing complex global challenges and has a strategic plan for 2026-2029 that aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA emphasizes the importance of ethical staff who uphold human rights and international norms, and it seeks to deliver high-impact results through effective partnerships and resource mobilization.

Job Overview:
The Senior National Consultant will serve as a senior advisor to UNFPA Moldova, focusing on advancing the AI-Hub in Moldova. This role involves providing strategic advisory support to ensure that the development, governance, and implementation of AI systems are aligned with UNFPA's mandate on gender equality, protection from violence, and ethical digital transformation. The consultant will advise UNFPA leadership on strategic positioning and institutional anchoring within the AI-Hub, particularly in areas such as preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and promoting responsible AI for social good. The consultant will also help identify new areas of engagement in digital safety and governance, positioning the AI-Hub as a scalable model for rights-based innovation that aligns with national priorities and the SDGs. The consultancy is expected to last for an initial period of six months, starting from April 1, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will provide strategic, technical, and coordination support across several key areas:

• Strategic Expansion and Systems Integration: Offer guidance on expanding digital tools addressing TFGBV within national governance frameworks, ensuring interoperability and data integration.
• Stakeholder Coordination and Partnership Facilitation: Engage with government institutions, regulatory bodies, technology companies, and private sector partners to strengthen partnerships and consolidate frameworks emerging from Moldova’s AI Hub.
• Research & Studies: Coordinate and provide technical input to research examining AI's role in recovery and development, ensuring gender-responsive and ethical perspectives are integrated.
• UNFPA’s Role within the AI Hub: Strengthen UNFPA’s strategic positioning within the AI Hub and ensure visibility and impact in ongoing initiatives.
• Resource Mobilization and Risk Management: Identify funding opportunities and establish governance tools for data use and AI accountability.
• Strategic Oversight and Quality Assurance: Provide oversight and ensure alignment with UNFPA priorities and international standards. The consultant will be responsible for delivering several key outputs, including monthly reports, strategic roadmaps, frameworks for interoperability, and a final consolidated advisory report summarizing achievements and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences, economics, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. At least two years of progressively responsible experience in public policy advisory roles related to finance, economy, IT, or digital transformation is required. Previous experience in coordinating AI implementation projects or managing multi-stakeholder programs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop partnerships with senior stakeholders across various sectors, including government, private sector, and civil society. Familiarity with digital governance and public sector innovation is crucial, along with exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation skills. Experience working with UN agencies is an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in social sciences, economics, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public policy and digital transformation in the context of UNFPA's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of progressively responsible experience in high-level public policy advisory roles, particularly in finance, economy, IT, or digital transformation. Experience in coordinating projects related to AI implementation or managing public sector stakeholders in the AI thematic area is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder, donor-funded programs and developing partnerships with senior stakeholders from various sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Romanian is required for this position. A working knowledge of additional languages such as Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension. The activities will commence on April 1, 2026, and conclude by December 31, 2026, with an estimated total of 120 working days. The consultant will work remotely and in person as required, interacting with stakeholders. Deliverables will be submitted electronically, and the consultant will be accountable for quality outputs. Payment will be made in nine installments based on the completion of deliverables, and the consultant must complete mandatory courses on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, fraud awareness, and safety training before signing the contract.