Project Management Office (PMO) - Specialist [Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert] - Retainer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 201

• UNOCT has five mandated functions: (1) Provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system; (2) Enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; (3) Strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (4) Improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (5) Ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist – Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert (Retainer) will provide substantive technical expertise and programme support to design, implement, and translate research, policy, and capacity-building activities relating to digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems within the context of preventing and countering violent extremism. This position supports the implementation of UNOCT/UNCCT’s Global PCVE Programme, specifically under its Emerging Threats and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Portfolio of activities. The role contributes to advancing UNOCT's work on digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems in PCVE, focusing on understanding the opportunities, risks and challenges associated with these technologies, analyzing how digital harms may influence terrorism and violent extremism, and supporting the development of evidence-based policy guidance and practical tools to strengthen Member States' ability to prevent and respond to evolving digital threats while promoting responsible, rights-based and context-sensitive approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development and Planning: Provide technical input into the design and implementation of activities related to digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems in PCVE, ensuring alignment with project objectives, donor requirements, and UNOCT priorities. Develop research frameworks and methodologies to assess the risks, opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence (AI), gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism. Design and deliver targeted capacity-building activities, technical briefings and learning initiatives to strengthen Member States' and practitioners' understanding of emerging digital threats and opportunities. Support PCVE-relevant stakeholder mapping across governments, academia, civil society, international organizations and private sector actors, including technology companies, AI developers, gaming stakeholders and online platforms.
• Project Set-Up and Closure: Design and implement research activities, technical assessments, consultations and other project activities to inform evidence-based programming and tailored technical support. Provide technical advisory support to partner institutions, including the development of policy recommendations, technical guidance, training materials, toolkits and other knowledge products relating to digital harms, AI, gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies. Facilitate coordination with stakeholders, including Member States, international organizations, civil society, academia, technology companies and other relevant partners. Support the development and delivery of project activities, including expert consultations, workshops, stakeholder dialogues, training programmes and other capacity-building initiatives.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of data collected through research, consultations and project implementation activities. Produce high-quality analytical outputs, including policy reports, policy briefs, guidance documents, recommendations and presentations. Translate technical and policy insights into practical, user-oriented recommendations and tools for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders. Support reporting to donors and internal stakeholders, ensuring outputs are accurate, results-oriented and aligned with project frameworks.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all outputs meet high standards of analytical rigor, methodological soundness, and policy relevance. Apply human rights-based, gender-responsive, and conflict-sensitive approaches across all activities and deliverables. Integrate principles of responsible technology use, including considerations related to transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. Review and refine project outputs to ensure clarity, usability, and alignment with UN standards and best practices.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Contribute to the development of knowledge products and practical tools (e.g. assessments, guidance frameworks, toolkits) to support institutional capacity and decision-making. Support the design and delivery of trainings, workshops, and learning initiatives to strengthen stakeholder capacity, including on governance, risk management, and responsible technology use. Facilitate knowledge exchange through stakeholder dialogues, policy discussions, and participation in relevant global or regional forums. Document lessons learned and emerging practices to inform future programming, policy development, and scaling efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security studies, social sciences, technology policy, organisational management, or related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required. OR; First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in international relations, political science, security studies, social sciences, technology policy, organisational management, or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desired.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, political science, security studies, social sciences, technology policy, organisational management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the same fields is acceptable, provided the candidate has additional relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience that is progressively responsible in nature, specifically in areas such as preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), counter-terrorism, digital harms, trust & safety, emerging technologies, digital ecosystems, or related fields. Candidates should have experience in research design, analysis, and the production of policy-relevant knowledge products, including analytical reports and policy guidance. Experience working with artificial intelligence (AI), gaming ecosystems, digital platforms, online communities, and other emerging technologies is also required. Additionally, experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives and translating complex technical concepts into accessible content for non-technical audiences is desired. Experience within the United Nations or similar international organizations would be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Russian, and Spanish is desirable. Candidates who can communicate effectively in these languages will have an advantage in this role, as it involves working with diverse stakeholders across various regions.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is ICA - IICA - Retainer, with a contract level of IICA

• The position is home-based and is classified at a mid-level seniority (ICS 10). The duration of the contract is until 31 December 2026, with possibilities of extension based on performance and availability of funds. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women, indigenous and racialized communities, and individuals with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct.