Project Analyst – Researcher for AI, NPSA-9 (20% part-time)

tendersglobal.net

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Over the past 10 years, Serbia has made progress in modernizing its strategic and regulatory framework to support development of the information society. With digital transformation of the national economy and public administration high on the government’s agenda, Serbia now has a good chance for future-proofing its administration’s capabilities for rapid deployment of cost-effective, secure and citizen-focused services, and coordinated implementation of ICT policies. First steps have been made with the establishment of the central Office for IT and e-Government (ITE) and strengthening of the Ministerial Council for IT and Innovative Entrepreneurship, but expectations from these institutions run high and they need an initial push to meet the expectations and demonstrate the ability of the government to deliver.

Serbia was the first country in the region to develop and adopt the Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for the period 2020-2025 (hereinafter AI strategy) and to established the Institute for AI. The newly established Institute would lead the development of AI and provide the ground for rapid development of innovations and start up ecosystem and attract the new investment.

This project aims to support the efforts to build internal capacities of the ITE by establishing an AI implementation unit to strengthen and shape the nascent AI ecosystem in Serbia and improve collaboration among public and private sector and academia. The AI implementation unit seeks to underpin the institutional and legal frameworks for AI, secure effective coordination and monitoring of the AI strategy and assist other institutions in introducing AI use cases in priority sectors (medicine, energy, telecommunications, transport/mobility, smart cities, education, agriculture, justice/ethics, security, environment, public administration). Thus, the project aims at enhancing the digital transformation of Serbia’s economy, in particular through increasing human capital, enhancing the regulatory framework and implementing innovative solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides strategic advice and regular updates and information to the Technical Advisor for AI on the AI;
Actively participates in science & research envisaged by it and done at the Institute for AI;
Coordinates and conducts research and analyses for the Institute for AI:
Coordinates and monitors and mentors the activities of the Junior researchers;
Ensures high quality research and analysis reports;
Actively participates in preparation, application and implementation of the national and international science & Research projects;
Ensures the development of cooperation with the institutions coming from the private sector and industry;
Maintains good cooperation and coordination between national counterparts, project partners and other relevant stakeholders;
Actively participates in activities and coordinate meetings, training sessions, conferences and public promotion of projects and activities related to the Strategy;
Support in organizing cross learning events, knowledge dissemination, capacity building workshops etc. and in preparation of knowledge products;
Perform other duties as required.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Analyst (Researcher for AI) will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Technical Advisor – Artificial Intelligence.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Digital & Innovation	Digital ecosystems	Knowledge of how they work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society
Digital & Innovation	Systems thinking & transformation	Understand that complex problems need a non-reductionistic, holistic approach. Ability to explore challenges from multiple perspectives by zooming in and out, with a focus on relationships and flows rather than individual elements; understand how certain dynamics and conditions are driving and influencing an issue. Ability to develop a collective understanding by a mapping systems and their dynamics (e.g. flows or resources, information; power relations); is able to handle ambiguity and can help others navigate it. Being able to identify intervention points to leverage change and system transformation by setting out a coherent collection of multiple interventions to probe the system for desirable effects. Understand that change is non-linear and unpredictable; being comfortable and able to work with emergence.
Digital & Innovation	Data literacy	Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation. Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration.
Digital & Innovation	Data privacy and digital ethics	Knowledge of ethical usage of digital technology (e.g. AI, robotics, automation) and data. Ability to assess ethical implications when using, combining or sharing data, when building or implementing AI systems, and when advising on robotization and automation etc. Ability to design privacy protocols to ensure data is protected and used for legitimate purposes without unnecessary privacy risks.
Business Management	Digital Awareness and Literacy	Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the area of Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related fields.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree) in Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related field with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s Degree.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related field.
Alternatively, if in possession of Bachelor’s Degree, 4 years of relevant work experience is required.

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of the science & research framework, with particular focus on the artificial Intelligence (AI);
Strong oral and written communication skills in Serbian and English language;
Strong research and science orientation: identifies ideas, needs and develop the projects; Leads and monitors ongoing developments inside; anticipate problems; keeps all the stakeholders informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
Good organizational and time management skills;
Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet;
Treats all people fairly without prejudice;
Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competences section:

Sound understanding of Serbia’s research and science situation;
Thorough knowledge of the national AI strategy;
Experience in Machine learning and/or Artificial intelligence will be considered as an asset;
Thorough knowledge of the international research and science scene.

Required Languages:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English

The online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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Project Analyst – Researcher for AI, NPSA-9 (20% part-time)

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