Project Management Intern (Data and AI governance)

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

UNOPS has been providing management services to the UN Global Pulse initiative since its establishment in 2009. As of 2023, the Indonesia Office will provide operational services to the UN Global Pulse - Asia-Pacific Regional Hub.

UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse is the Secretary General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.

We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights.

The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family.

UN Global Pulse’s Disha is an initiative managed by UNOPS and the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) and across UNGP Network that brings together UN agencies and private, public, and social sector partners for the development of data and AI products as digital public goods (DPGs). Disha aspires to catalyze the formation of a cohesive and responsibly open ecosystem of data and AI products and services that reduces inefficiencies in the development of digital solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian action—with an initial focus on natural disaster response and recovery—to accelerate attainment of the sustainable development goals.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

To achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse is looking for a Project Management Intern (Data and AI governance). Under the direct supervision of the Data Privacy Specialist, the selected candidate will work closely with the policy team to support the development of Disha on issues relating to data and AI governance, data protection and privacy, and digital public goods. The internship will also provide an excellent opportunity to learn about aspects of partnering with technology and data companies.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new initiative and to shape the direction of data and AI products as digital public goods to enable the development of digital solutions for impact at scale.

The responsibilities of the Project Management Intern (Data and AI governance), will include:

• Conduct policy and legal research of relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks as they relate to data governance, AI ethics and governance, digital public goods, data protection and privacy, and related topics
• Conduct research and analysis to identify best practices and innovative approaches to facilitate and enable efficient, ethical, and responsible data sharing through data exchange solutions
• Contribute to the conduct of ethical and risk assessments and preparation of mitigation recommendations
• Contribute to the development of data and AI governance frameworks and drafting of related policies, tools, and processes
• Assist with the organization of stakeholder engagement activities, such as workshops, peer exchanges, surveys, and similar activities to support the development of data and AI governance frameworks
• Contribute to production of communication assets, such as articles, blog posts, white papers, etc. on related topics
• Assist in the organization and contribution to advocacy engagements to promote Disha and promote the adoption of global solutions for responsible and ethical data sharing
• Perform other related duties as required

Monitoring and Progress Controls

In coordination with the UN Global Pulse staff, the Project Management Intern (Data and AI governance) will report on progress and assure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. The selected candidate is expected to exercise flexibility in the internship regarding the potential of dynamically adapting working arrangements so that outputs can be delivered.

• The selected candidate will work on the assignment full time (candidates who can only work part time will also be considered) for an estimated 6 months.
• This position will be based in New York or Helsinki.
• Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing an advanced university degree, such as a Masters or a Ph.D., or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years)

• To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate must preferably have studied or be studying towards a university degree in: public administration, law, political science, computer sciences or other relevant field

  Experience:

• Progressive experience in data ethics and governance, AI ethics and governance, digital public goods, data protection and privacy is highly desirable;

• Familiarity with local, regional, and global data ethics and governance, AI ethics and governance, data protection and privacy regulatory and legislative frameworks is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with data exchanges, data markets, data trusts and similar concepts is desirable;
• Excellent research, reporting, and writing skills is a strong advantage;
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and drafting policy recommendations on issues related to digital transformation is an asset;
• Technical expertise or familiarity in the area of AI or data science or related technical fields, including data innovation for social good is an asset;
• Familiarity with International Law concepts, knowledge of the UN system and mandate is an asset

Language

• Fluency in both written and oral English (read, write and speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Internship
• Contract level: N/A
• Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

This position will be based in Helsinki or New York.

The selected candidate will work on the assignment full time (candidates who can only work part time will also be considered) for an estimated 6 months.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.