Research and synthesize evidence on AI and the future of work in Moldova

Volunteering

Overview

Support UNDP by researching and drafting an evidence synthesis on AI and future of work.

You have:

• Candidates should demonstrate strong desk-research and analytical skills.
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to assess source credibility and work carefully with references.
• Candidates should demonstrate clear, concise and well-structured writing in English.
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to synthesize complex evidence into policy-relevant findings.
• Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with Moldova's social, economic or policy context.
• Candidates should demonstrate reliable self-organization and ability to meet agreed online milestones.
• Candidates should demonstrate confidence working collaboratively and responding constructively to feedback.

Contract

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Artificial intelligence is beginning to change how people learn, perform tasks, access services and participate in the economy. Its effects on Moldova will interact with the country's labour shortages, migration and diaspora dynamics, demographic change, digital transformation, education and skills systems, small and medium-sized enterprises, public-sector reform and European Union accession.

UNDP is developing a Moldova-focused body of analysis on artificial intelligence and the future of work. This analysis will inform a Green Paper and related policy dialogue on how Moldova can prepare young people, workers, employers and institutions for different possible pathways of artificial intelligence adoption. Direct evidence of how artificial intelligence is changing Moldovan workplaces remains limited and fragmented. A focused review is therefore needed to identify credible evidence, distinguish established findings from emerging signals, and translate the material into clear policy implications.

The Online Volunteer will support this effort by researching and drafting one source-annotated policy synthesis. The assignment will be conducted entirely online. It contributes primarily to SDG 8 by supporting evidence-informed policy thinking on productive employment, decent work and inclusive economic participation. It also relates to SDGs 4, 9, 10 and 16.

Under the guidance of a designated UNDP focal point, and in virtual coordination with relevant UNDP Moldova Country Office and Istanbul Regional Hub colleagues, the Online Volunteer will draft and revise a Green Paper on artificial intelligence, work and young people in Moldova.

The Online Volunteer will:

1. Review the existing UNDP research package and agree with the UNDP focal point on the Green Paper's purpose, principal audiences, structure, tone, source standards and drafting schedule.
2. Develop a clear narrative architecture that connects Moldova's development context, the changing nature of work, the experiences and aspirations of young people, and the opportunities, risks and uncertainties associated with artificial intelligence.
3. Draft the Green Paper in clear, engaging and policy-relevant English. The document should make complex issues understandable without oversimplifying them and should maintain a balanced, non-deterministic perspective on artificial intelligence and employment.
4. Integrate and synthesize evidence on themes such as:
   • changing tasks, occupations and entry-level work;
   • youth transitions from education to employment;
   • artificial intelligence literacy and skills;
   • labour shortages, migration, diaspora links and remote work;
   • productivity and adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises;
   • public-sector work and digital services;
   • inclusion, gender, rural-urban disparities and worker agency; and
   • European Union alignment and responsible artificial intelligence governance.
5. Undertake limited, targeted desk research in Romanian and English where needed to close priority evidence gaps identified during drafting. Moldova-specific evidence and relevant European or regional evidence should be prioritized over generic global commentary.
6. Maintain accurate citations and clearly distinguish established evidence, stakeholder perspectives, emerging signals, scenarios and the author's analytical interpretation.
7. Translate the analysis into policy choices, consultation questions and possible directions for action without presenting unapproved proposals as institutional commitments.
8. Edit the full document for narrative flow, consistency, plain language, repetition and coherence across sections.
9. Revise the draft in response to one set of consolidated comments from UNDP and submit the final Green Paper draft online.

The final deliverable will be one complete draft Green Paper of approximately 10-15 pages, excluding references and annexes, with:

• a short executive summary;
• a compelling introduction explaining why artificial intelligence, work and young people matter for Moldova now;
• a clearly structured, Moldova-specific analysis of the agreed themes;
• relevant European and regional comparisons where they add value;
• explicit treatment of uncertainty, inclusion, human agency and different possible effects across groups;
• policy choices or directions for consideration, framed as inputs to consultation rather than settled commitments;
• a concise set of consultation questions for government, young people, employers, workers, educators and development partners;
• a conclusion identifying priority issues for national dialogue and further evidence gathering; and
• complete citations and hyperlinks for all sources used.

The assignment is complete when UNDP confirms that the draft Green Paper is coherent, appropriately sourced, responsive to consolidated comments and ready to enter institutional consultation and clearance. UNDP will retain responsibility for stakeholder consultation, final policy positions, institutional clearance, design and publication.

Public policy; economics; labour economics; sociology; development studies; European studies; political science; public administration; education and skills policy; technology policy; digital transformation; artificial intelligence governance; or another closely related field.

Relevant experience

Experience in at least one of the following areas is desirable:

• policy or socio-economic research;
• labour markets, education, skills, youth employment or inclusive growth;
• digital transformation, technology policy or responsible artificial intelligence;
• Moldova-focused or European integration research; or
• preparation of analytical briefs, literature reviews or evidence syntheses.

Prior experience with the United Nations is not required.

Required skills and experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

• strong desk-research and analytical skills;
• the ability to assess source credibility and work carefully with references;
• clear, concise and well-structured writing in English;
• the ability to synthesize complex evidence into policy-relevant findings;
• familiarity with Moldova's social, economic or policy context;
• reliable self-organization and ability to meet agreed online milestones; and
• confidence working collaboratively and responding constructively to feedback.

Experience analysing artificial intelligence and work is an advantage, but strong candidates with relevant labour-market, education, public-policy or digital-transformation experience are encouraged to apply.

Area(s) of expertise

• Development programmes and policy
• Economics and labour-market analysis
• Research and knowledge management
• Information technology and digital transformation

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 11 days ago - Updated 8 hours ago - Source: unv.org