Digital & AI Capacity Building Lead

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.

Emerging and future digital technologies are one of the most profound drivers of change globally.  Recognizing that these technologies bring both opportunities to accelerate progress in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as presenting challenges to development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been undergoing an organization-wide digital transformation since 2019. UNDP’s digital transformation seeks to help create a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and the planet. 

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations. Present in 170 countries with over 22,000 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.

As part of broader global efforts of inclusive digital transformation, the Pact for the Future and its annex, the Global Digital Compact (GDC), were adopted on September 22, 2024, at the Summit of the Future. In the Compact, Member States emphasize equitable access to technology, ethical digital practices, and capacity building for governments, civil society, and communities worldwide.

In line with this, the Chief Digital Office (CDO) at UNDP is looking for a Digital and AI Capacity Building Lead to spearhead UNDP’s efforts to establish a Digital and AI Capacity Building Practice. Building on the aims within the GDC, the aim of the Practice is to foster partnerships, strengthen digital capabilities of stakeholders, and ensure alignment with UNDP’s broader digital transformation and development objectives.
 

Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Data and Technology at CDO, and collaborating closely with the CDO Digital Capacity Lab Lead, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

1. Strategic Leadership and Programme Management

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of a global Digital and AI Capacity Building programme aligned with UNDP’s Digital Strategy and the Global Digital Compact.
• Oversee the Digital and AI Capacity building programme management cycles, including budgeting, resource allocation, risk management, and reporting, ensuring timely delivery of objectives.
• Define the Digital and AI Capacity building programme goals, KPIs, and monitoring frameworks, ensuring scalability and relevance across UNDP’s country offices and partners.
• Anticipate challenges, identify solutions, and ensure alignment with UNDP’s operational priorities.

2. Partnership Development and Donor Engagement

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, governments, private sector entities, and civil society to mobilize resources for the programme.
• Serve as a focal point for donor relations, ensuring effective communication and alignment with donor priorities.
• Advocate for investments in capacity building through active participation in global forums and events.

3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

• Design and deliver capacity-building frameworks and initiatives for governments and partners to enhance their digital and programmatic capabilities.
• Develop and disseminate tools, guidelines, and best practices for digital and programme management capacity building, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
• Foster peer learning and the development of a global community of practice focused on digital transformation.

4. Team and Resource