Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region in achieving sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms, accelerating structural transformations, and building resilience to crises and shocks. RBAS operates across the full spectrum of development settings in the region, including Least Developed Countries, Middle Income Countries, Net Contributor Countries, and countries affected by crisis.

The Regional Hub for Arab States in Amman serves as the centre for thought leadership, crisis response, and country office support. Its work spans strategic policy advice, programme development and implementation, capacity development, policy research and analysis, knowledge services, and operations support. The Amman Regional Hub hosts the Regional Programme for Arab States, which responds to emerging regional priorities through knowledge generation, regional initiatives, and development projects aligned with the Regional Programme Document 2026–2029.

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a defining force in the development landscape of the Arab States region, presenting both transformative opportunities and significant governance challenges. In response to growing demand from governments, donors, civil society, and private sector partners, RBAS is accelerating its engagement on AI as a cross-cutting enabler for sustainable development outcomes. This work is embedded within the Regional Programme and implemented in close collaboration with governance, innovation, and programme teams across the Hub.

UNDP’s AI Sprint is a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development across the Arab States and Africa. The Sprint is structured around four key pillars: AI Landscape Assessment (AILA), AI Trust & Safety, AI Capacity Building, and AI Model Development. The initiative seeks to equip governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society with the skills, policies, and tools required to leverage AI responsibly and effectively in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the AI Sprint, UNDP supports partner countries in identifying national AI priorities, assessing ecosystem readiness, strengthening governance frameworks, building human capacities, and advancing inclusive AI solutions particularly in Arabic and local languages.

Within this framework, and under the direct supervision of the head or regional digital and AI team - Digital Transformation Specialist the Artificial Intelligence(AI )Analyst will be responsible of supporting the implementation of activities across the four AI Sprint pillars, while also providing substantive support to the Regional Programme’s AI-related components and delivering tailored AI technical support to UNDP Country Offices across the Arab States. The candidate will support research, policy development, and knowledge sharing to ensure that AI adoption in the region is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Digital Transformation Specialist, the AI Analyst will perform the following key functions:

1. Contribute to the Regional AI work

Providing substantive support to the Regional Programme’s AI-related components.
Delivering tailored AI technical support to UNDP Country Offices across the Arab States.
Coordinate AI Landscape Assessment (AILA)
Coordinate country-level assessments of AI readiness, ecosystem maturity, and policy frameworks.
Analyze findings to produce synthesis reports and actionable insights for national and regional planning.
Support the facilitation of engagement with governments, academia, and private sector partners to validate and apply assessment results.

2. Contribute to AI Trust & Safety

Support the development of responsible AI governance frameworks and practical guidance on fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy.
Develop tools and methodologies for risk assessment and mitigation.
Track global AI governance trends and align regional efforts with international standards.

3.Facilitate AI Capacity Building

Design and coordinate capacity-building programmes and workshops for policymakers, practitioners, and institutions.
Support in developing learning materials and toolkits on AI ethics, governance, and applications for sustainable development.
Support the coordination with UNDP Country Offices to identify AI priorities, technical support needs, and opportunities for south-south collaboration.

4.Support AI model development and knowledge sharing

Support initiatives focused on Arabic and local-language AI model development and deployment.
Support the engagement with partners to enhance linguistic inclusivity and representation in AI systems.
Document lessons learned and promote inclusive and culturally relevant AI approaches.

5.Research, policy and partnership support

Prepare policy briefs, knowledge products, and concept notes on responsible AI.
Support coordination among partners, including governments, research institutions, and the private sector.
Contribute to advocacy, communication, and reporting on AI Sprint outcomes and progress.

6. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analyst will report directly to the Digital Transformation Specialist and work in close collaboration with:

• The Regional AI and Digital Team in Amman.

• The AI, Digital, and Innovation Hub in New York.

• Regional Programme Team.

• UNDP Country Offices across the Arab States.

The candidate will work remotely but may be required to travel for regional workshops, consultations, and coordination meetings. The candidate will provide their own work equipment (laptop, internet connection, etc.) and maintain flexibility to work across time zones.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results – LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively – LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously – LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination – LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner – LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion and understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 1: Appreciates and respects differences, is aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Digital

Artificial Intelligence Thought Leadership
Deep understanding of current and emerging trends in AI, along with their social, ethical, and economic implications, including data privacy and human rights. Ability to engage with industry experts, government representatives, and academics to stay updated on the latest trends and to form partnerships. Strong skills in conducting and interpreting research to support thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, policy briefs, or case studies. Understanding of global trends and cultural nuances as they relate to the field of AI. Familiarity with international laws and standards regarding technology, particularly in a multi-stakeholder environment like the UN.
Policy/Regulations for Digital and Emerging Technology
Ability to design or advise on regulations and policy for digital and emerging technology.
Transformation in Developing Organizations
Knowledge of re-designing processes and leading projects that involve development issues.

Data

Data Analysis
Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision-making.

Business Management

Digital Awareness and Literacy
Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to do the same.

Communication

Digital Capacity Building
Ability to increase the impact of digital communications through trainings, partnerships, and relevant resources.

Business Direction & Strategy

Systems Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

*Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education Requirements

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Telecommunications, International Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum Years of Relevant Work Experience

Minimum of 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in AI development, digital innovation, or applied data technologies.

Required Skills

Proven experience in conducting AI ecosystem assessments and policy design.
Demonstrated experience in AI capacity building, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience in developing AI models, AI governance, responsible AI, digital transformation, and emerging technology frameworks.
Proven experience in developing project proposals and partnership engagement.
Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, concept notes, and strategic recommendations.

Desired Skills

Experience in international or regional AI or digital development projects in the Arab States Region is an asset.
Familiarity with UN or other international development organizations, Digital and AI teams' policies, procedures, and programme implementation frameworks is desirable.
Experience supporting the development of national AI strategies or assessments, digital transformation roadmaps, or innovation policies in the Arab States Region is an advantage.
Familiarity with emerging global debates, standards, and policy frameworks related to AI trust and safety, digital ethics, and responsible AI implementation is desirable. Relevant work in the Arab Region is preferred.
Experience working with Arab States Region government institutions, regulators, innovation hubs, academia, or private-sector technology partners is considered an asset.

Required Languages

Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
Knowledge of another UN language, particularly French, is an asset.

Professional Certificates

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Artificial Intelligence Analyst - Homebased (Open to Internal & External applicants)