Job Description

Tiered Approach

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:

• Tier 0 UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1 Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2 UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The nexus between digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and governance is increasingly central to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the Arab States region. UNDP’s regional digital transformation portfolio – spanning AI governance, digital public infrastructure, digital public services, and direct support to Country Offices – requires coordinated delivery capacity to translate strategy into tangible results for governments, institutions, and communities.

At the core of this portfolio is the AI Sprint, UNDP’s flagship regional initiative built around four pillars: AI Landscape Assessment (AILA), Capacity Building, Trust & Safety, and AI Language. The AI Sprint aims to strengthen regional ecosystems, equip policymakers and institutions with AI skills, promote responsible governance, and advance the use of Arabic and other local languages in AI. Delivering the AI Sprint effectively requires dedicated programme support that is also positioned to connect its outputs to the wider digital transformation work underway across UNDP Country Offices in the region.

To meet this need, the Digital & AI Programme Associate is established as a new function within the Regional Programme’s digital transformation team, funded from the existing AI Sprint allocation. Approximately 70% of the role is devoted to direct delivery of the AI Sprint across all four pillars, with a particular focus on AILA and Trust & Safety. The remaining 30% supports wider regional digital transformation priorities and provides digital advisory backstopping to UNDP Country Offices. This repositioning enables the same investment to deliver the AI Sprint in full while extending its reach, amplifying its impact, and adding explicit value to the broader regional digital programme. Following six months of AI Sprint implementation, the programme has generated substantive outputs – particularly through the Trust & Safety exercise, the AI Landscape Assessment, and capacity building activities – that now provide a strong evidence base and practical foundations for advancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the region. These outputs have surfaced concrete opportunities to support governments and institutions in translating AI governance principles into operational digital infrastructure. There is therefore a clear and immediate need to leverage the AI Sprint results to drive forward DPI implementation and broader digital transformation work across UNDP Country Offices in the Arab States region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Digital Transformation Specialist, and in close coordination with the DAIA focal point, UNDP Country Offices and relevant regional teams, the Digital & AI Programme Analyst will:

Integration of AI Sprint Outputs into Digital Initiatives:

• Contribute to advancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) efforts by applying insights generated through the AI Sprint, including Trust & Safety exercises, AI Landscape Assessments, and capacity-building activities.
• Support the development of AI governance approaches, including policies, frameworks, and ethical guidance.
• Assist in identifying and assessing risks related to AI systems, with attention to fairness, bias, transparency, and data privacy.
• Facilitate engagement with stakeholders to encourage responsible and context-appropriate AI adoption.
• Provide support in coordinating and delivering AI-focused events and workshops.

AI Ecosystem Analysis and Evidence Generation:

• Contribute to country-level AI Landscape Assessments by supporting ecosystem mapping and analysis of capacities, gaps, and governance readiness.
• Assist in synthesizing findings into analytical outputs, including briefs and reports, to inform regional planning and priorities.

Inclusive AI Development and Localization:

• Support ongoing efforts to advance Arabic and local-language AI models, including their development and application.
• Assist in coordinating with partners to strengthen inclusivity and representation in AI systems.
• Capture and document lessons learned to support the promotion of culturally relevant and inclusive AI practices.

Learning, Capacity Development, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Support the preparation of training materials and learning resources related to AI governance, ethics, and Trust & Safety.
• Assist in organizing regional learning activities, including workshops, webinars, and peer exchange sessions.

Research and Knowledge Contributions:

• Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as case studies and concept notes to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor and compile relevant global developments in AI governance and digital transformation to inform regional work.

Country Office Digital Advisory & Regional Digital Transformation:

• Provide digital support to UNDP Country Offices in the Arab States region on digital transformation strategies, AI integration in country programmes, and the uptake of AI Sprint outputs.
• Contribute to broader regional digital transformation initiatives beyond the AI Sprint, including digital public infrastructure, digital public services, and data governance workstreams.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange between Country Offices and regional teams to accelerate replication and scaling of successful digital and AI interventions.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Competencies

Digital & innovation, Digital ecosystems: Knowledge of how they work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society

Digital & Innovation, Digital business analysis: Ability to support digital business processes across a range of digital projects, programmes and activities.

Digital & Innovation, Connectivity and the digital divide: Knowledge of how connectivity and the digital divide work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society

Digital & Innovation, Digital public goods Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society

Digital & Innovation, Digital inclusion: Knowledge of how digital inclusion works, opportunities and challenges for governments and society

Digital & Innovation, Digital transformation: design Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organisations

Business Management, System Thinking 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in business, AI, data science, or international affairs or any other related field. Or a first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree.

Experience:

Up to (02) years (with Master’s degree) or two (02) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in digital transformation, computer sciences, AI governance or any other field.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in digital transformation, AI ethics, AI governance, or regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with experience producing policy briefs and reports.

Desired skills:

• Experience conducting AI or digital readiness assessments, or supporting Country Office digital transformation initiatives, is preferred.
• Knowledge of digital public infrastructure, digital public services, or data governance is an asset.
• Excellent facilitation, research, and communication skills is an asset.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership coordination abilities is an asset.
• Experience with UNDP, other UN agencies, or government institutions is an asset.

Languages:

• Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English is required.
• Knowledge of second UN language especially French would be an asset.

Equal opportunity

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.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

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.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.