Organization Mission

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The program helps countries to developing policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to building resilience to sustainable development results.

UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation.

To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country”s growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.

Context

The Sustainable Environmental Development unit works in an integrated manner with other teams of the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP Brazil, in order to strengthen the project portfolio through technical and political support for the preparation, implementation and supervision of projects related to biodiversity, climate change, sustainable production, management of hazardous chemicals and protection of the ozone layer, etc.

With the aim of strengthening Brazil”s capacity to preside over COP30, the “COP30 in Brazil: Structured Presidency and Reinforced Delegation” was developed. The project will mobilize partnerships and social participation to generate technical, logistical and substantive subsidies and inputs not only for the presidency of COP30 from 2024 to 2026, but also for the Brazilian negotiating delegation at COPs 29, 30 and 31, intersessional meetings and pre-COPs.

UNDP will work together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) to define and implement priority activities, aiming to expand the country”s capabilities to participate in the negotiations and presidency of COP30. The UN Volunteer will support the work of project’s IT team and the MRE, in interface and helpdesk for chatbot Macaozinho and intelligent agenda Uirapuru

Key Responsibilities

Under the general coordination of the Project Manager and the Presidency Support Coordination of the UNDP within MRE, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the development and maintenance of AI-powered RAG systems using Python and Golang.
• Design, build, and optimize cloud-native applications on AWS.
• Implement and enhance user interfaces with React for smooth AI interactions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI features into products.
• Ensure code quality, scalability, and security throughout all development phases.
• Support other activities aligned with the objectives established in this DOA, as oriented by the Project management.

Required Skills and Experience

• Final-year undergraduate student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Practical knowledge of web development, including the creation and deployment of websites using modern technologies and frameworks.
• Experience in programming, with demonstrated ability to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code.
• Understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles, with ability to apply user-centered design in digital tool development.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D environments.
• Academic or project-based experience (including coursework or lab assignments) in website creation, development of metaverse prototypes, or integration of APIs.
• Knowledge of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technologies and other AI-related approaches, with an understanding of how these can be applied in practical digital solutions.
• Proficiency in Python and Golang.
• Experience deploying applications or services on cloud platforms such as AWS, including configuring infrastructure and managing deployment pipelines.
• Strong front-end development skills using React, enabling the creation of responsive and interactive user interfaces that integrate seamlessly with AI models and backend systems.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and innovate in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary and innovative team.

Core Competencies

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans aligned with UNDP’s objectives, based on a systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking vision to reality on the ground and creating tangible solutions.
• Ability to leverage learning from multiple sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; demonstrate forward-thinking to model future developments and possible paths forward for UNDP.
• Ability to research and transform information into useful knowledge that is relevant to the context or responds to a stated need.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and unambiguously through both written and verbal communication; tailor messages and choose communication methods according to the audience.

Living Conditions

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is located in the Federal District, in the central-western region of the country. Inaugurated in 1960, the city is celebrated for its groundbreaking modernist architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and its visionary urban planning by Lúcio Costa. The city is distinguished by its innovative urban layout, organized into sectors dedicated to specific functions, such as residential, commercial, and governmental activities. Known for its extensive green spaces, wide avenues, and architectural landmarks, Brasília is home to iconic structures like the National Congress, the Planalto Palace, and the Cathedral of Brasília. With a well-developed public transportation system, including an extensive bus network and the Brasília Metro, the city offers efficient connectivity and accessibility. Its blend of modernist design, functional organization, and urban greenery makes Brasília a unique and vibrant metropolis.

Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Brazil is security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.

Information on entitlements at the duty station is available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos