Artificial Intelligence Research Analyst , Multiple positions

Global Pulse is a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General on big data. Its vision is a future in which big data and AI are harnessed and used responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and scaled adoption of data innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. To this end, Global Pulse will work to promote awareness of the opportunities Big Data presents for sustainable development and humanitarian action, forge public-private data sharing partnerships, generate high-impact analytical tools and approaches through its network of Pulse Labs, and drive broad adoption of useful innovations across the UN System.

Global Pulse implements data innovation programs through its Pulse Labs to provide UN and development partners with access to the data, tools and expertise required to discover new uses of big data and AI for development. Global Pulse develops policies, toolkits, applications and platforms to improve data-driven decision-making and support the evaluation of promising solutions

The consultant will execute the following duties:

• Support in the design, implementation, deployment and evaluation of artificial intelligence solutionsbased on neural network architectures (i.e. deep learning) that address sustainable development and humanitarian response challenges;
• Support the development of other complex technological solutions that leverage machine learning;
•  Collaborate with the engineering team to create efficient data processing pipelines that use neural network architectures;
• Perform background research on artificial intelligence topics including applications, ethics and any other related issues;
• Generate scripts required for accessing, cleaning, handling, analyzing, learning and modeling data;
• Support the writing of technical and scientific documentation;
• Assist the team to visualize data insights and prepare presentations and communication materials as required;
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Advanced university degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Design, Data Science or other related disciplines. 
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. 

• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in scientific research or software development involving machine learning and artificial intelligence is required;
• Knowledge of analytical techniques from machine learning, artificial intelligence, and modeling of complex systems is required;
• Experience working in development or humanitarian sector is an asset;
• Experience working in an international multidisciplinary scientific environment is an asset.

• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required, and a working knowledge of French is an asset.

Contract type:International Individual Contract Agreement

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC)

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.