ICT Senior Analyst - Artificial Intelligence Research Analyst

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for the Global Pulse.

Global Pulse is a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General on big data. Its vision is a future in which big data and AI are harnessed and used responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and scaled adoption of data innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. To this end, Global Pulse will work to promote awareness of the opportunities Big Data presents for sustainable development and humanitarian action, forge public-private data sharing partnerships, generate high-impact analytical tools and approaches through its network of Pulse Labs, and drive broad adoption of useful innovations across the UN System. Global Pulse implements data innovation programs through its Pulse Labs to provide UN and development partners with access to the data, tools and expertise required to discover new uses of big data and AI for development. Global Pulse develops policies, toolkits, applications and platforms to improve data-driven decision-making and support the evaluation of promising solutions.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief Data Scientist UNOPS is seeking an ICT Senior Analyst - [Artificial Intelligence Research Analyst] to perform methodological and operational research and create solutions for development and humanitarian challenges. The incumbent will execute the following duties:

• Support the design and implementation of methodological and operational research projects harnessing artificial intelligence and data science to improve development outcomes and humanitarian response;
• Assist with the coordination of artificial intelligence and data science projects with multiple partners including UN agencies, government entities, the private sector and academia;
• Support the Implementation of software required for accessing, cleaning, handling, analyzing, modeling and visualizing data;
• Assist the technical team to perform critical evaluations of data, methodologies and models required to assess bias, validity and explainability of results in development and humanitarian response projects;
• Assist in analyzing the potential risk and harms associated with AI and data science projects.
• Assists in promoting the use of data science solutions through training and capacity building to extend the capabilities of partner offices.
• Liaise with technical partners from UN agencies, private sector and academia when required;
• Assist the technical team to produce high quality written technical and scientific reports;
• Provide technical advice to related policy initiatives as required;
• Support the development of project proposals and concept notes;
• Prepare presentations and communication materials as required;

Education/Experience/Language requirements

******* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*****

Education**

• Advanced university degree preferably in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or other related technical disciplines.
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience required:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in artificial intelligence and data science is required;
• Knowledge of analytical techniques from machine learning, predictive modelling, or modeling of complex systems is required;
• Experience coding algorithms (Python, R or an equivalent programming environment), data access, analysis and data visualization methodologies for call detail records, social media data or any other big data source is required;

Experience Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

• Proven strong writing and communication skills including demonstrated experience documenting processes and writing research articles is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary projects between AI and development or humanitarian response is an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to translate between data/science/technology and international development and humanitarian experts is an asset;
• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a dispersed team with members across various time zones is desirable;

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required.
• Knowledge of other official working languages of the UN is an asset.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA-1) Contract level: IICA-1/ICSC-9 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.