Background
The nexus between digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and governance is increasingly central to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the Arab States region. Leveraging AI responsibly is not only a strategic necessity but also a pathway toward inclusive, accountable, and sustainable progress.
To accelerate this vision, UNDP launched the AI Sprint, a flagship initiative built around four key pillars: AI Landscape Assessment (AILA), Capacity Building, Trust & Safety, and AI Language. The AI Sprint aims to strengthen regional ecosystems, equip policymakers and institutions with AI skills, promote responsible governance, and advance the use of Arabic and other local languages in AI.
Within this framework, the AI Governance Analyst will support the implementation of the AI Sprint, focusing on the AILA and Trust & Safety pillars. The role contributes to mapping AI readiness across countries, advancing ethical governance frameworks, and ensuring inclusive adoption of AI technologies. By engaging with governments, academia, and private sector partners, the Analyst will help align AI initiatives with global best practices and regional development priorities, positioning the Arab States as leaders in responsible and inclusive AI.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Digital Transformation Specialist, and in close coordination with the DAIA focal point, UNDP Country Offices and relevant regional teams, the AI Governance Analyst will:
AI Governance and Trust & Safety
• Contribute to the design and development of AI governance frameworks, policies, and ethical guidelines.
• Assist in conducting risk assessments addressing fairness, bias, transparency, and privacy in AI systems.
• Support multi-stakeholder consultations to promote responsible AI adoption across the region.
• Support the organization and delivery of workshops and AI events.
AI Landscape Assessment (AILA)
• Support country-level ecosystem assessments to evaluate AI capacities, gaps, and governance readiness.
• Analyze data and prepare policy briefs and reports to inform regional priorities and strategies.
AI Models
• 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.
Capacity Building
• Develop and deliver training materials, toolkits, and workshops on AI ethics, governance, and Trust & Safety.
• Support the organization of regional workshops, webinars, and peer-exchange sessions.
Research and Knowledge Generation
• Support in the development of knowledge products, case studies, and concept notes to inform decision- making and share best practices.
• Monitor global AI governance trends and contribute to aligning regional frameworks with international standards.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
• Support the design and implementation of a partner engagement strategy.
• Liaise with governments, academia, and private sector partners to strengthen collaboration around AI governance.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
4. Institutional Arrangement
The AI Governance Analyst will report directly to the Digital Transformation Specialist. S/he will be based in Amman and can travel to other countries in the Arab region when required.
Competencies
Core
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 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 face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
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, Digital business analysis: Ability to support digital business processes across a range of digital projects, programmes and activities.
Digital & Innovation, Connectivity and the digital divide: Knowledge of how connectivity and the digital divide work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society
Digital & Innovation, Digital public goods Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society
Digital & Innovation, Digital inclusion: Knowledge of how digital inclusion works, opportunities and challenges for governments and society
Digital & Innovation, Digital transformation: design Practical and strategic skills in digital transformation for governments and organisations
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 use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements
• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in in business, AI, data science, or international affairs or any other related field.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience
• Up to (02) years (with Master’s degree) or two (02) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in digital transformation, computer sciences, AI governance or any other field.
Required skills
• Demonstrated expertise in AI ethics, governance, or regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with experience producing policy briefs and reports.
Desired skills
• Experience conducting AI or digital readiness assessments preferred.
• Excellent facilitation, research, and communication skills is an asset
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership coordination abilities is an asset
• Experience with UNDP, other UN agencies, or government institutions is desired.
Required Language(s)
• Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English is required.
• Knowledge of second UN language especially French is desired.
Professional Certificates N/A
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.
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