Remote Consultant for AI Research

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a vital source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, enhancing its impact and reach. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The position of Remote Consultant for AI Research at UNU-Macau involves contributing to cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI) to support policymaking for sustainable development. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Researcher and will be responsible for generating and implementing agentic AI frameworks in policymaking scenarios aimed at sustainable economic development. This role requires ideation, construction, and implementation of multi-agent systems (MAS) that inform policymaking within the ethical and conceptual frameworks of the UN. The consultant will also enhance the explainability and reasoning transparency of MAS in various policymaking scenarios to advance the SDGs. Collaboration with other UN agencies may be required to implement MAS for strategic policymaking scenarios. The consultant is expected to deliver submissions to top-tier research conferences and journals, contributing to the academic and practical discourse on AI in sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Remote Consultant include:

• Generating and implementing agentic AI frameworks in policymaking scenarios for sustainable economic development.
• Ideating, building, and implementing multi-agent systems (MAS) that inform policymaking within the UN's ethical and conceptual frameworks.
• Enhancing the explainability and reasoning transparency of MAS in scenarios for policymaking to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Establishing connections between MAS and UN dynamic databases.
• Collaborating with other UN agencies to implement MAS for policymaking in strategic scenarios aimed at advancing the SDGs.
• Delivering a minimum of two publications in top-tier conferences or journals.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. Key performance indicators include delivering MAS in UN scenarios for policymaking and using MAS to support policymaking decisions in collaboration with UN agencies.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, or physics. Formal training in multi-agent systems is considered an asset.
• Current PhD students or postdoctoral researchers with experience in multi-agent systems (MAS) are also considered an asset.
• A proven track record of publications and/or hands-on project implementation in collaboration with governmental organizations, industry, or civil society partners on multi-agent systems, including building frameworks with chatbots, machine learning (ML), generative AI, and agent-based models (ABMs) to address real-world challenges.
• Experience in benchmarking and evaluating large language models (LLMs) in the context of agentic AI with industry or governmental partners.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python and/or Julia.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governmental and intergovernmental organizations, private sector, and non-profit organizations.
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of working with a variety of stakeholders while demonstrating sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• A passion for the mission of the United Nations and a commitment to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• A proactive and self-driven focus with a willingness to learn and pursue research and learning goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, or physics. Additionally, formal training in multi-agent systems is considered an asset. Candidates who are currently PhD students or postdoctoral researchers with relevant experience in multi-agent systems will also be viewed favorably.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a strong level of experience, which includes a proven track record of publications and/or hands-on project implementation in collaboration with governmental organizations, industry, or civil society partners. Experience in developing multi-agent systems and working with diverse stakeholders is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in benchmarking and evaluating large language models (LLMs) and a strong programming background, particularly in Python and/or Julia.

Languages:
Strong communication, presentation, and writing skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to the organization's mission.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be engaged under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for an initial duration of twelve (12) months, with the possibility of extension. Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period. This contract does not entitle the consultant to paid annual leave or sick leave. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and based on a daily rate submitted as part of the application process. Should mission travel be required, UNU will cover travel costs, subject to prerequisites such as medical clearance, security clearance, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel visa, and liability waiver. Travel costs will be calculated based on economy class travel, and costs for accommodation, meals, and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates. The expected start date for this position is immediate. To apply, candidates must fill out the UNU P11 Form, provide a motivation statement, and answer tailored questions related to the position. The application deadline is set for 01 March, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM (Macau time zone, GMT+8). Late entries will not be accepted. UNU does not sponsor working visas for this position, and consultants do not hold international civil servant status. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and persons living with disabilities.