Work at the Forefront of Innovation: UNDP AI Team Coordinator Role Now Open

Work at the Forefront of Innovation: UNDP AI Team Coordinator Role Now Open
UNDP Is Hiring an AI Team Coordinator in the Office of the Administrator – Apply Now for 2025!
Looking to lead innovation on a global scale? The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is now hiring an AI Team Coordinator based in New York for 2025. This full-time IPSA-8 role in the Office of the Administrator offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of digital development and artificial intelligence within one of the world’s largest development organizations.
Work at the Forefront of Innovation: UNDP AI Team Coordinator Role Now Open

🌍 About UNDP: Shaping Global Development with Digital Innovation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, operating in over 170 countries and territories. With more than 17,000 staff worldwide, UNDP works to eradicate poverty, advance democratic governance, and drive sustainable development across all sectors. UNDP is at the forefront of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
As global development rapidly transforms in the digital age, UNDP’s Chief Digital Office (CDO) leads strategic digital innovation and transformation across the organization. Since launching its first Digital Strategy in 2019, UNDP has made significant strides toward embedding technology into its development programming and internal operations. The current Digital Strategy 2022–2025 is focused on building inclusive digital ecosystems and unlocking the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
This role, AI Team Coordinator, is part of that mission.
🧠 Background & Job Overview: UNDP’s AI Horizon Programme
AI is no longer optional—it’s integral to solving complex development challenges.
As part of the broader digital transformation strategy, the AI Horizon Programme is a flagship initiative under the Chief Digital Office. It equips UNDP personnel with the skills, knowledge, and tools to leverage artificial intelligence ethically and effectively in development contexts.
This AI Team Coordinator will play a key role in implementing, managing, and scaling internal AI-related initiatives, particularly capacity building, internal coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Head of Data and Technology, this role sits within the Office of the Administrator and supports cross-functional digital innovation at the global level.
🎯 Key Responsibilities: What You’ll Be Doing
1. Coordinate Internal AI Projects & Capacity Building
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Lead internal AI working groups and initiatives
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Finalize and deploy the AI Horizon Programme curriculum in collaboration with academic partners
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Promote internal participation, manage workshop logistics, and ensure smooth delivery of content
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Conduct pre-training assessments and manage M&E frameworks
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Collect user feedback through interviews and surveys to improve programme delivery
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Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management and other stakeholders
2. Build Strategic Partnerships, Communications & Advocacy
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Support advocacy and awareness campaigns on AI-related work within UNDP
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Facilitate engagement with external stakeholders, including academic institutions and tech partners
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Coordinate digital knowledge sharing across the UN system (UN 2.0 and the Quintet of Change)
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Organize events, trainings, and webinars
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Produce briefing notes, PowerPoint decks, and other communication materials
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Maintain high-level engagement with senior leadership and stakeholders
3. Drive Knowledge Sharing & Organizational Learning
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Identify, document, and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and case studies
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Facilitate knowledge networks and communities of practice
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Contribute to the design and management of digital knowledge platforms
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Develop and share toolkits, guides, and success stories related to digital transformation
📚 Qualifications: What You Need to Apply
Education
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Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
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Public Policy
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Politics
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Business Administration
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Technology
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International Development
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Communications
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Other related fields
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Alternatively: A bachelor’s degree in the above fields + two years of additional qualifying experience will also be considered.
Work Experience
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No work experience required for master’s degree holders
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With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need at least 2 years of relevant experience, ideally in:
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Digital transformation
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Innovation management
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AI/technology in development
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Private sector or nonprofit sectors
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Required Skills
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Experience managing AI-related initiatives, digital products, or innovation communities
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Advanced user of MS Office tools (Excel, Word, Teams)
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Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Desired Skills
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Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder teams
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Familiarity with UN systems or other international development organizations
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Experience supporting digital tools like newsletters, websites, and platforms
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Knowledge of communication strategies and digital content design
🗣 Language Requirements
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Fluency in English is mandatory
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Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset
🌐 Work Location & Contract Details
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Location: New York, United States (with some flexibility for remote work)
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Contract Type: International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA-8)
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Duration: Initial 6-month contract (with potential for extension)
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Grade: IPSA-8
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Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (08:59 PM)
🧭 Institutional Arrangement
You will report directly to the Head of Data and Technology at the Chief Digital Office. While the position is based in New York, a hybrid or home-based work arrangement is possible depending on project needs and global time zone coordination.
🧩 Competencies
Core UNDP Competencies
Competency | Level | Description |
---|---|---|
Achieve Results | Level 1 | Deliver quality outcomes on time |
Think Innovatively | Level 1 | Promote creativity, test new ideas |
Learn Continuously | Level 1 | Open-minded, asks for feedback |
Adapt with Agility | Level 1 | Thrive amid uncertainty |
Act with Determination | Level 1 | Stays motivated under pressure |
Engage & Partner | Level 1 | Builds strong relationships |
Enable Diversity & Inclusion | Level 1 | Values differences, reduces bias |
Cross-Functional Skills
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Digital Co-Creation & Facilitation
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Knowledge Management & Ecosystem Building
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Project & Resource Management
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Clear Communication & Advocacy
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Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
💡 Why Apply? What Makes This Role Special
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Work at the forefront of AI for development
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Join a global innovation team with reach across 170+ countries
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Help shape the future of ethical and inclusive AI
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Collaborate with UN leadership, governments, and top academic institutions
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Influence how digital skills are built and scaled across a major international organization
🔎 How to Apply
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Visit the Official UNDP Careers Portal: https://jobs.undp.org/
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Search for Job ID 25434 or use keywords: AI Team Coordinator, Office of the Administrator
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Submit the following before the deadline:
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Updated CV/Resume
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Motivation Letter/Personal Statement
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Academic credentials
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Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (08:59 PM New York time)
📢 Important: UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
🚫 Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination Notice
UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful work environment:
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Welcomes applicants from all genders, nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds
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Has zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or abuse of authority
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Promotes a workplace culture of respect, empowerment, and opportunity for
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- Specialized training or MOOC certifications in areas such as GIS, data science, impact evaluation, or development finance may provide an added edge.
Experience
The ideal candidate should have the following background:
- At least 1–2 years of professional or academic research experience in development, public policy, sustainability, international relations, or related fields.
- Prior experience working with international organizations, NGOs, policy think tanks, or academic research teams is a significant asset.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze datasets using tools such as Excel, SPSS, R, Python, or Stata.
- Familiarity with qualitative research methods, including literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, participatory analysis, and case studies.
- Solid understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international development trends, including frameworks like the Human Development Index (HDI).
- Experience with writing technical documents, reports, white papers, and research summaries for both academic and non-academic audiences.
- Awareness of development finance mechanisms, policy design, and implementation frameworks is desirable.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in additional UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) is a strong advantage.
- Proven ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to multitask in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Team spirit, openness to feedback, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Ability to engage respectfully in multicultural, multilingual teams and to represent UNDP values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Comfort using digital collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Trello, and Zoom.
Additional Information
These roles provide exceptional opportunities for aspiring international development professionals to work from anywhere and contribute directly to impactful research on a global scale.
Key Benefits and Highlights:
- Fully remote or hybrid arrangements are available depending on the department and geographic focus.
- Competitive stipends or professional fees based on experience and location.
- Access to UNDP’s global learning resources, including e-learning courses, webinars, and training modules on cutting-edge topics in development.
- Possibility of contract extension or advancement into other UNDP roles depending on performance and organizational needs.
- Work-life balance and mental health resources available through UNDP’s well-being initiatives.
Work Environment:
- Research Assistants will report to a team leader or program specialist, who will assign research tasks, supervise deliverables, and provide mentorship.
- UNDP encourages a results-oriented, inclusive, and empowering workplace that fosters collaboration across time zones.
- Teams use cloud-based tools to ensure smooth coordination regardless of location.
- Internally, UNDP supports innovation labs and virtual communities of practice that research assistants can join.
Equal Opportunity:
UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Candidates of all backgrounds—including those from marginalized, underrepresented, and displaced communities—are encouraged to apply. Gender equity, accessibility, and intersectional representation are guiding principles in UNDP recruitment.
UNDP does not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, or religion. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.
How to Apply
To explore and apply for the 5 Remote Research Assistant positions, follow these steps:
- Visit the UNDP Careers website.
- Use the search filters to narrow listings by keyword (“Research Assistant”), job type (“Remote”), and year (“2025”).
- Review the Terms of Reference (TOR) for each listing to understand the exact tasks, duration, compensation, and reporting structure.
- Prepare a tailored resume and brief cover letter that emphasizes your research experience, familiarity with UN values, and ability to work independently.
- Complete the online application and submit your documents via the job portal.
- Monitor your email and UNDP career portal regularly for application updates, interview invitations, or requests for further information.
For a strong application:
- Align your experience with the specific requirements of the position.
- Quantify your research achievements where possible.
- Show genuine motivation to work on UNDP’s goals and a passion for sustainable development.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Research Assistants at UNDP provide vital analytical support that helps governments, NGOs, and international organizations make data-driven decisions. In an age where global challenges—like climate change, pandemic recovery, digital equity, and conflict mitigation—require nuanced policy interventions, the role of evidence-based research cannot be overstated.
Whether your interest lies in climate adaptation policy, governance reform, youth inclusion, digital innovation, gender equity, or poverty reduction, these positions allow you to:
- Join a global movement that’s shaping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Build a professional portfolio in international development research.
- Expand your network with peers and mentors across the UN system.
- Work on meaningful projects that directly impact the lives of communities worldwide.
- Acquire transferable research and policy skills that open doors across sectors and regions.
In the words of past research assistants:
“My UNDP research role gave me my first real taste of development impact – from policy drafts to grassroots implementation.”
“As a remote researcher, I contributed to national-level governance assessments. It’s proof that impact knows no borders.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart or elevate your development career from the comfort of your home while contributing to global progress.
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