Digital Technologies and AI Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Digital Technologies and AI Specialist
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 17/03/25

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, operating in both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-203

• It supports regional and national implementations of the framework and works to catalyze action and increase global awareness to reduce disaster risk by collaborating with U.N. Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community.

Job Overview:
The Digital Technologies and AI Specialist position is designed to support UNDRR in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies into disaster risk reduction (DRR) programming. The role involves enhancing risk modeling, scenario planning, and decision-making through the use of advanced technologies such as Earth Observation, digital twins, and predictive analytics. The specialist will also work on improving early warning systems by leveraging AI to strengthen risk knowledge production, automation, and monitoring. Additionally, the position entails strengthening disaster tracking through AI-driven data integration and visualization, as well as improving the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) by identifying AI applications for effective data collection, validation, and reporting. The specialist will explore big data applications to enhance risk knowledge, early warning capabilities, and disaster impact assessments, while also advising on aligning UNDRR's AI initiatives with UN 2.0 to ensure leadership in digital transformation and innovation. Furthermore, the specialist will contribute to UNDRR's engagement in the UN Task Force on Digital Technologies, providing policy recommendations and capacity-building support for governments and stakeholders on AI adoption in DRR strategies and programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultancy is home-based and will be conducted under the supervision of the Chief of Risk Knowledge Branch (RKB) and in collaboration with various UNDRR branches and regional offices. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of UNDRR's disaster risk management tools and processes to identify opportunities for integrating AI and other digital technologies. They will evaluate global best practices on AI and digital technologies in DRR and recommend solutions for adoption. The consultant will develop proposals for AI integration into early warning systems to enhance risk knowledge, programming, monitoring, and reporting. They will provide technical guidance on AI-driven automation in the disaster tracking system, ensuring interoperability with related databases and reporting portals. Strengthening data analytics and visualization capabilities for the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) will also be a key responsibility. The consultant will design AI-driven risk profiles to support country-level disaster risk assessments and impact-based forecasting, develop training materials and technical guidance on AI for UNDRR staff and partners, and provide advisory support for Member States on integrating AI into DRR and climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, the consultant will expand dissemination and communication of AI-driven data insights through engaging data visualizations and infographics, draft policy recommendations and best practices on the ethical and responsible use of AI in DRR, and facilitate workshops, webinars, and consultations to raise awareness of AI applications in DRR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in AI, data science, and digital technologies, preferably in areas related to development, humanitarian action, resilience-building, disaster risk reduction, or climate adaptation. Proven experience in AI-driven predictive modeling, machine learning applications, and data integration is required. Additionally, experience in risk modeling, impact forecasting, geospatial analytics, and real-time data processing is desirable. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms, AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, and geospatial analysis tools is also desirable. Experience in policy advisory roles within UN agencies, governments, or international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a strong educational background in fields related to artificial intelligence, data science, digital technologies, or a related discipline. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles and practices of AI and its applications in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, specifically a minimum of seven years, in the fields of AI, data science, and digital technologies. This experience should preferably be in contexts related to development, humanitarian action, resilience-building, disaster risk reduction, or climate adaptation. The candidate should demonstrate a proven track record in AI-driven predictive modeling, machine learning applications, and data integration, as well as experience in risk modeling and geospatial analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which UNDRR operates.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based and is expected to last from March 17, 2025, to September 16, 202

• Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.