AI Capacity Building Specialist [Open to All Applicants]

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Office/Unit/Project Description 

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations.  Present in 170 countries with over 17,000 people, UNDP works on the world’s biggest challenges, from rising poverty and inequality to a rapidly changing climate, the emergence of crises and the continued degradation and destruction of our natural world.  Our UNDP Digital Strategy 2022 – 2025 aims to support our partner countries to unlock the power of digital to tackle these pressing issues.  The strategy lays out UNDP’s ambition to use a rights-based approach to digital technologies to improve our development results and help build inclusive digital ecosystems globally that leave no one behind.

In line with UNDP’s strategic commitment to remain at the forefront of development innovation and transformation, a new organizational structure – the Digital, AI and Innovation Hub – has been established within BPPS, effective 2 April 2025. This Hub consolidates the Chief Digital Office (CDO), Accelerator Labs, Strategic Innovation Unit (SIU), and selected elements of the SDG Integration team into a unified platform.

The Hub builds on years of foundational investment in digital transformation, grassroots innovation and data-driven development. It is designed to enhance coherence across programmes, strengthen organizational learning, and improve operational efficiency. Most importantly, it will serve as the central point of contact for governments and development partners seeking support on digital and systems transformation, working in close collaboration with regional bureau, country offices, and global policy teams.

Project Description

The Digital Capacity Lab (DCL) at the UNDP Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub is committed to supporting UN agencies and governments in navigating their digital transformation journeys. By identifying capacity gaps, designing context-specific training programs, and building strategic partnerships, the Lab empowers stakeholders to embrace digital solutions effectively. 

 To further these goals, we seek an AI Capacity Building Specialist who combines digital and AI expertise with strong behavioural and interpersonal skills to develop impactful learning journeys, engage with diverse stakeholders, ensure alignment with government needs, and lead capacity-building initiatives. The position will also focus on partnerships and fundraising to sustain and expand the Lab’s impact. 

Scope of Work 

User Research and Needs Assessment

• Lead qualitative and quantitative research across selected country contexts to identify government AI capacity gaps and digital transformation priorities.
• Coordinate interviews, surveys, and co-creation workshops with national stakeholders to inform sprint design.
• Synthesize research into actionable insights to guide country-specific AI Sprint activities and training focus.

Design and Customization of AI Sprint Content

• Translate user needs into tailored AI Sprint training content and country-specific interventions.
• Ensure content reflects local contexts, integrates adult learning principles, and emphasizes hands-on, practical application.
• Collaborate with AI experts and partners to validate content and align with international best practices.

Sprint Delivery and Facilitation

• Manage and facilitate high-impact AI Sprint sessions in selected countries, using both in-person and digital delivery formats.
• Utilize collaborative tools and agile facilitation techniques to drive engagement and learning.
• Monitor participant feedback and adapt delivery for continuous improvement across countries.

Project Management and Coordination

• Oversee planning, implementation, and reporting of the AI Sprint across all participating countries.
• Coordinate timelines, stakeholder engagement, and logistics in close collaboration with country offices and global partners.
• Ensure delivery is on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives.

Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization

• Engage with UN agencies, donors, academic partners, and the private sector to build strategic partnerships.
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals to scale AI Sprin