Research Volunteer for Communications & Knowledge Management Support
Support SDG AI Lab's knowledge production and communication efforts.
Overview
Support SDG AI Lab's knowledge production and communication efforts.
You have:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in communications, content development, research support, or a related area.
- Advanced level of English (written and spoken), with the ability to draft professional documents, correspondence, and communication materials fluently.
- Ability to draft clear and structured concept notes, briefs, and programme documents.
- Strong team player with excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Experience working in international or multicultural environments is a plus.
- Meticulous approach to document preparation, research synthesis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and consistency across deliverables.
- A genuine interest in sustainable development, digital innovation, and the application of AI for social good.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The ICPSD SDG AI Lab is a joint initiative of UNDP BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support) team and Sustainable Finance Hub, and it is hosted under UNDP ICPSD. The SDG AI Lab provides research, development, and advisory support through innovative digital solutions in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable development. The Lab aims to strengthen the UNDP’s internal and its partners’ capacities for the increasing demand for digital transformation.
This assignment is part of UNDP IICPSD SDG AI Lab.
The volunteer will play a pivotal role in supporting the SDG AI (Sustainable Development Goals Artificial Intelligence) Lab's knowledge production and communication efforts. Their primary responsibilities will span concept note development and content creation. They will work closely with the programme team to contribute to knowledge products, draft strategic documents, and support the Lab's internal and external communications.
The main duties that they will be expected to carry out are:
Concept Note Preparation: Contribute to the drafting and refinement of concept notes, proposals, and briefing materials for new initiatives and projects. This includes conducting background research, synthesizing findings, and supporting the preparation of clear and compelling documents aligned with SDG AI Lab's strategic priorities.
Communication & Content Development: Support internal and external communication efforts by helping to develop content for newsletters, social media, reports, and other knowledge-sharing materials. Assist in translating complex topics into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in communications, content development, research support, or a related area. Prior exposure to innovation ecosystems or UN/NGO environments is an advantage.
Core Competencies:
Ability to draft clear and structured concept notes, briefs, and programme documents.
Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce content for diverse audiences and platforms.
Experience conducting background research and synthesizing findings into concise, structured outputs.
Language Skills: Advanced level of English (written and spoken), with the ability to draft professional documents, correspondence, and communication materials fluently.
Collaboration: Strong team player with excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Experience working in international or multicultural environments is a plus.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to document preparation, research synthesis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and consistency across deliverables.
Passion for Impact: A genuine interest in sustainable development, digital innovation, and the application of AI for social good. Motivation to contribute meaningfully to SDG-related initiatives.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with creating content for diverse audiences? | This question assesses your ability to tailor communication for various stakeholders. | Provide examples of different types of content you've created and how you've adapted your approach for different audiences. |
| What motivates you to work on sustainable development initiatives? | The interviewer is exploring your personal commitment to the goals of the organization. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to draft a complex document. What was your approach? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure accuracy and detail in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you've conducted research and synthesized findings? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have collaborating in a multicultural environment? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for effective communication in written formats? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |