In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region in achieving sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms, accelerating structural transformations, and building resilience to crises and shocks. RBAS operates across the full spectrum of development settings in the region, including Least Developed Countries, Middle Income Countries, Net Contributor Countries, and countries affected by crisis.
The Regional Hub for Arab States in Amman serves as the centre for thought leadership, crisis response, and country office support. Its work spans strategic policy advice, programme development and implementation, capacity development, policy research and analysis, knowledge services, and operations support. The Amman Regional Hub hosts the Regional Programme for Arab States, which responds to emerging regional priorities through knowledge generation, regional initiatives, and development projects aligned with the Regional Programme Document 2026–2029.
- Providing substantive support to the Regional Programme’s AI-related components.
- Delivering tailored AI technical support to UNDP Country Offices across the Arab States.
Coordinate AI Landscape Assessment (AILA)
- Coordinate country-level assessments of AI readiness, ecosystem maturity, and policy frameworks.
- Analyze findings to produce synthesis reports and actionable insights for national and regional planning.
- Support the facilitation of engagement with governments, academia, and private sector partners to validate and apply assessment results.
- Support the development of responsible AI governance frameworks and practical guidance on fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy.
- Develop tools and methodologies for risk assessment and mitigation.
- Track global AI governance trends and align regional efforts with international standards.
- Design and coordinate capacity-building programmes and workshops for policymakers, practitioners, and institutions.
- Support in developing learning materials and toolkits on AI ethics, governance, and applications for sustainable development.
- Support the coordination with UNDP Country Offices to identify AI priorities, technical support needs, and opportunities for south-south collaboration.
- Support initiatives focused on Arabic and local-language AI model development and deployment.
- Support the engagement with partners to enhance linguistic inclusivity and representation in AI systems.
- Document lessons learned and promote inclusive and culturally relevant AI approaches.
- Prepare policy briefs, knowledge products, and concept notes on responsible AI.
- Support coordination among partners, including governments, research institutions, and the private sector.
- Contribute to advocacy, communication, and reporting on AI Sprint outcomes and progress.
• The Regional AI and Digital Team in Amman.
• The AI, Digital, and Innovation Hub in New York.
• Regional Programme Team.
• UNDP Country Offices across the Arab States.
The candidate will work remotely but may be required to travel for regional workshops, consultations, and coordination meetings. The candidate will provide their own work equipment (laptop, internet connection, etc.) and maintain flexibility to work across time zones.
Core Competencies
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in AI, along with their social, ethical, and economic implications, including data privacy and human rights. Ability to engage with industry experts, government representatives, and academics to stay updated on the latest trends and to form partnerships. Strong skills in conducting and interpreting research to support thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, policy briefs, or case studies. Understanding of global trends and cultural nuances as they relate to the field of AI. Familiarity with international laws and standards regarding technology, particularly in a multi-stakeholder environment like the UN.
Ability to design or advise on regulations and policy for digital and emerging technology.
Knowledge of re-designing processes and leading projects that involve development issues.
Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision-making.
Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to do the same.
Ability to increase the impact of digital communications through trainings, partnerships, and relevant resources.
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Minimum Education Requirements
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Telecommunications, International Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum Years of Relevant Work Experience
Required Skills
- Proven experience in conducting AI ecosystem assessments and policy design.
- Demonstrated experience in AI capacity building, research, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in developing AI models, AI governance, responsible AI, digital transformation, and emerging technology frameworks.
- Proven experience in developing project proposals and partnership engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, concept notes, and strategic recommendations.
Desired Skills
- Experience in international or regional AI or digital development projects in the Arab States Region is an asset.
- Familiarity with UN or other international development organizations, Digital and AI teams' policies, procedures, and programme implementation frameworks is desirable.
- Experience supporting the development of national AI strategies or assessments, digital transformation roadmaps, or innovation policies in the Arab States Region is an advantage.
- Familiarity with emerging global debates, standards, and policy frameworks related to AI trust and safety, digital ethics, and responsible AI implementation is desirable. Relevant work in the Arab Region is preferred.
- Experience working with Arab States Region government institutions, regulators, innovation hubs, academia, or private-sector technology partners is considered an asset.
Required Languages
- Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
- Knowledge of another UN language, particularly French, is an asset.
Professional Certificates
N/A
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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