UNDP AI Team Coordinator Role in New York: A Comprehensive ;Responsibilities, Impact, and Career Opportunitie

April 7, 2025

13 minutes read

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the global development network of the United Nations. It operates in more than 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and support sustainable development. One of the transformative trends affecting global development in the 21st century is digital technology.

Recognizing this, UNDP launched its first Digital Strategy in 2019, and then the second Digital Strategy (2022–2025), which aims to ensure that digital is an empowering force for people and the planet. This strategy addresses how digital can be a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance internal transformation.

Central to this digital evolution is the Chief Digital Office (CDO), a unit within UNDP that leads the organization’s digital transformation. The CDO supports:

Embedding digital tech into development initiatives.
Building inclusive digital ecosystems with governments.
Internally transforming processes, systems, and capacities for a more agile UNDP.

The AI Horizon Programme is one of the CDO’s flagship initiatives, emphasizing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving development and capacity-building through data-informed decisions, skills training, and ethical use of technology.

🤖 2. Purpose of the Role: Why the AI Team Coordinator Matters

The AI Team Coordinator position is pivotal for delivering results in this ambitious AI agenda. You’ll be part of the team that:

Coordinates AI-related projects and programs.
Builds internal capacity to understand and apply AI responsibly.
Fosters collaborative communities of practice around digital innovation.
Engages academic partners, UNDP leadership, and external stakeholders to maximize impact.

The job is ideal for someone who understands technology’s social potential, can manage complex multi-stakeholder projects, and is committed to ethical, inclusive development.

📌 3. Core Responsibilities

A. Coordinate Internal AI Projects and Capacity Strengthening Initiatives

This part of the role involves project management of AI learning and development offerings. You’ll:

Lead the coordination of the AI Working Group, bringing together different departments and stakeholders.
Oversee the AI Horizon Programme, including:
- Finalizing the curriculum with academic partners.
- Conducting pre-training assessments and organizing a pilot phase.
- Promoting participation across the organization.
- Monitoring and evaluating training outcomes and impact.
Ensure smooth resource allocation, communication, and reporting.
Document best practices and generate knowledge products.
Create final reports and provide recommendations to leadership.

B. Strategic Partnership Building, Communication, and Advocacy

AI for development is not a solo journey. You’ll:

Engage with external partners, including tech organizations and universities.
Support UNDP’s contribution to the UN 2.0 and Quintet of Change initiatives.
Coordinate system-wide engagement with the UN Digital and AI community.
Organize events, webinars, and public awareness efforts.
Support cross-functional teams and facilitate high-level communications.
Prepare top-tier PowerPoint decks, briefing notes, and speaking materials.
Manage internal communications to keep stakeholders aligned.

C. Facilitate Knowledge and Capacity Building

Collect, synthesize, and distribute lessons learned from AI initiatives.
Engage in knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Create knowledge platforms for ongoing learning and collaboration.
Ensure that the CDO’s knowledge products support learning and visibility.

🧠 4. Core Competencies & Skills

UNDP uses a competency-based framework to evaluate candidates, emphasizing both technical and behavioral excellence.

🧩 Core Competencies

Competency	Description
Achieve Results	Prioritizes work effectively and delivers results on time.
Think Innovatively	Brings creative, open-minded approaches to problem-solving.
Learn Continuously	Seeks feedback, embraces learning, and applies new knowledge.
Adapt with Agility	Adjusts to ambiguity and change with confidence and flexibility.
Act with Determination	Maintains drive and calmness even under pressure.
Engage and Partner	Builds meaningful, respectful relationships across teams.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion	Confronts bias and champions equity in all settings.

🔧 Cross-Functional & Technical Skills

Thematic Area	Skill	Definition
Digital	Co-creation	Facilitate collaborative problem-solving with diverse groups.
Digital	Digital Ecosystems	Understand how digital systems affect governance and society.
Project Management	Planning & Prioritization	Organize tasks, resources, and people for optimal outcomes.
Business Development	Knowledge Facilitation	Enable knowledge sharing internally and externally.
Communication	Strategic Messaging	Craft clear, concise communication for various audiences.
Resource Management	Accountability	Strategically use time, budget, and assets.

🎓 5. Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in:
- Public Policy
- Politics
- Business Administration
- Technology
- International Development
- Communications
- or related fields.

If you have a Bachelor’s degree, you must have at least 2 years of relevant experience to be considered in lieu of a Master’s.

Experience:

With Master’s degree: No professional experience is formally required—though relevant experience will give you an edge.
With Bachelor’s degree: At least 2 years of professional experience in digital innovation or project coordination is required.

Required Technical Experience:

Proven experience managing digital initiatives, communities, or AI-related programs.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools: Word, Excel, Teams, etc.

Desirable Experience:

Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders.
Familiarity with UN system or large-scale development organizations.
Experience supporting digital products, like newsletters or internal tools.

Languages:

Fluency in English is mandatory.
Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is highly desirable.

🗺️ 6. Duty Station & Work Environment

Location: New York, USA.
Work Modality: Office-based with flexibility for remote work.
Reporting Line: Reports to the Head of Data and Technology at the CDO.
Contract Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-8).
Duration: Initial contract is for 6 months, with possibility of extension based on performance and funding.

You will be expected to accommodate meetings across multiple time zones, and coordinate with a globally distributed team.

💡 7. Why This Role Is Unique

A. Strategic Importance

The AI Team Coordinator supports not just internal learning, but wider system-level change. By helping UNDP and partners understand and ethically apply AI, you shape future development pathways for the Global South.

B. Influence and Visibility

You will:

Work directly with senior UNDP leadership.
Collaborate with academic partners and government stakeholders.
Be the face of UNDP’s AI capacity-building mission.

C. Innovation with Impact

This isn’t a purely technical AI role—it’s development innovation with purpose. You’ll work at the intersection of:

Technology
Learning & Training
Policy & Development

Your role helps ensure AI doesn’t widen existing inequalities but empowers the marginalized.

📈 8. Career Trajectory

If successful, this position sets you up for:

AI & Digital Strategy roles within the UN system.
Senior roles in tech-enabled development policy.
Future leadership within UNDP Innovation or Chief Digital Office units.
Roles in global think tanks, digital NGOs, or even multilateral donor organizations working in digital governance.

⚠️ 9. Other Notes & Safeguards

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.
All hires undergo checks for harassment, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
UNDP reserves the right to:
- Hire multiple candidates for this position.
- Retain applications for future similar vacancies.

📅 10. Key Dates & Application Tips

Job ID: 25434
Posting Date: April 2, 2025
Deadline: April 16, 2025 (11:59 PM New York time)

Apply early and tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight:

Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder digital or AI initiatives.
Fluency in project management, M&E, and training delivery.
Your motivation for using AI as a development enabler.

Would you like help with your cover letter, CV, or interview prep for this role next? I can tailor everything based on your background and strengths.

Absolutely! Here’s an in-depth explanation (over 3000 words) of the AI Team Coordinator position with UNDP in New York, United States, covering the job’s context, duties, qualifications, strategic importance, career impact, and much more.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking an AI Team Coordinator to join their Chief Digital Office (CDO) in New York, United States. This full-time position, under an International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-8), offers a contract duration of six months. The application deadline is April 16, 2025, at 5:59 AM.

Position Overview:

The AI Team Coordinator will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of AI-related projects and ensuring the smooth execution of digital transformation initiatives within UNDP. This includes coordinating internal AI projects, strengthening capacity-building efforts, and fostering strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Coordinate Internal AI Projects and Capacity Building:
- Manage the internal AI working group and related initiatives.LinkedIn+3UNjobnet+3Oracle Cloud+3
- Finalize and implement the AI Horizon Programme curriculum in collaboration with academic partners.
- Monitor and evaluate programme progress, gathering feedback and reporting to senior management.
- Engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment and document best practices.
Build Strategic Partnerships, Communication, and Advocacy:
- Collaborate with external partners on joint advocacy efforts.
- Coordinate UNDP’s support to the UN 2.0 initiative, facilitating system-wide Digital and AI communities.
- Provide research and coordination support for ongoing AI and data projects.LinkedIn+5Oracle Cloud+5UNjobs+5
- Enhance communication between senior leadership and management teams.
- Produce quality presentations, briefing notes, and support day-to-day operations.
Facilitate Knowledge and Capacity Building:
- Identify and document best practices and lessons learned.
- Participate in knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Support the establishment of knowledge platforms and develop knowledge resources.

Qualifications:

Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Policy, Politics, Business Administration, Technology, International Development, Communications, or a related field.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
- For Master’s degree holders: No professional experience required.
- For Bachelor’s degree holders: Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the private or non-profit sector, with digital and/or innovation-related experience.
- Experience in managing digital initiatives, communities, or AI-related projects.
- Proficiency in advanced office applications (MS Word, Excel, Teams, etc.).
Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.

Competencies:

Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Co-creation: Ability to design and facilitate processes that enable diverse groups to solve common problems collaboratively.
- Digital Ecosystems: Knowledge of their workings, opportunities, and challenges for governments and society.
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources to achieve specific goals.
- Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and groups to share and exchange knowledge, information, and ideas.Oracle Cloud
- Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and unambiguously, tailoring messages to different audiences.
- Resource Management: Strategic allocation and use of resources in line with business needs and principles of accountability.

Institutional Arrangement:

The AI Team Coordinator will report to the Head of Data and Technology in the Chief Digital Office (CDO). The position is based in New York, with flexibility for home-based work. The coordinator is expected to be reasonably flexible with availability for meetings across different time zones. LinkedIn

Equal Opportunity:

UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability without discrimination. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to the mission and benefit from career opportunities.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their applications by April 16, 2025, at 5:59 AM. For more details and to apply, please visit the official UNDP careers page:

Please note that UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, refer to their scam alert page.

Sources

🌐 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Setting the Stage

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, present in around 170 countries and territories. It aims to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises. UNDP operates at the forefront of developmental challenges, from governance and gender equality to climate action and technological innovation.

The world is entering a new digital era where technology—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—is becoming a major force in shaping development, governance, and international cooperation. Within this digital transformation, the Chief Digital Office (CDO) of UNDP plays a pivotal role in embedding digital strategies and tools across development efforts globally. That’s where the AI Team Coordinator steps in.

🧠 Position Title: AI Team Coordinator

📍 Location: New York, United States

🕒 Contract Type: International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA-8)

📆 Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

🗓 Deadline to Apply: 16 April 2025

💼 Bureau: Office of the Administrator, Chief Digital Office (CDO)

🔬 Practice Area: Innovation

1. 📌 Context and Strategic Importance

The Rise of Digital in Development

UNDP’s Digital Strategy 2022–2025 is not just an internal innovation—it’s a visionary document aiming to make digital an empowering force for people and planet. The AI Team Coordinator will operate within this digital ecosystem, supporting the AI Horizon Programme, an initiative to enhance internal capacity and strategically position AI within UNDP’s broader development goals.

Why AI Matters for UNDP

AI offers capabilities like predictive analytics, natural language processing, image recognition, and smart automation. It’s revolutionizing the way development organizations gather insights, assess impact, optimize operations, and deliver services. UNDP sees AI not just as a tool but as a transformational force capable of amplifying impact across sectors.

2. 🎯 Job Purpose

The AI Team Coordinator acts as a strategic project coordinator, internal advocate, and ecosystem enabler. The role ensures seamless implementation of AI-related initiatives, manages stakeholder engagement, and bridges the gap between technical innovation and organizational capacity-building. This person works closely with the Head of Data and Technology at CDO, playing an active role in the AI Horizon Programme, internal working groups, and external engagements.

3. 📋 Key Responsibilities in Detail

A. 🛠️ Coordinate Internal AI Projects & Capacity Strengthening

AI Horizon Programme Management:
- Finalize curriculum design with academic institutions.
- Conduct pre-training assessments.
- Organize pilot training sessions and workshops.
- Promote participation across departments and regions.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Design frameworks to assess training outcomes and project success.
- Gather qualitative and quantitative feedback from users.
- Develop detailed reports and dashboards for senior leadership.
Stakeholder Coordination:
- Liaise with internal units (digital, data, policy, HR).
- Maintain alignment with UNDP’s strategic priorities.
- Document lessons learned and best practices.

B. 🌐 Strategic Partnerships, Communication, and Advocacy

External Partner Coordination:
- Engage with tech companies, universities, think tanks, and other UN agencies.
- Promote AI and digital initiatives through events, webinars, and campaigns.
UN System-Wide AI Community Management:
- Coordinate the Digital and AI Community across UN agencies.
- Contribute to the UN 2.0 initiative and Quintet of Change (Data, Digital, Innovation, Strategic Foresight, and Behavioural Science).
Communication Support:
- Create engaging PowerPoint presentations and visual materials.
- Develop briefing notes and summary documents for key meetings.

Daily Operations:
- Organize meetings and workshops.
- Set up thematic sub-groups or task forces as needed.
- Ensure timely follow-up on decisions and commitments.
Knowledge Management:
- Curate knowledge products, such as guides, FAQs, blogs, and reports.
- Maintain platforms for collaboration and information sharing.
- Stimulate a culture of learning and innovation.
Research and Analysis:
- Conduct AI trend scanning, use case analysis, and stakeholder mapping.
- Identify cutting-edge examples of AI applications for sustainable development.

4. 🧠 Required Qualifications and Experience

🎓 Education

Minimum: Master’s degree in Public Policy, Politics, Business Administration, Technology, International Development, Communications, or related field.
Alternative: A bachelor’s degree in a related field + 2 years of qualifying experience will also be considered.

🏆 Experience

With Master’s: No experience required.
With Bachelor’s: At least 2 years in digital or innovation sectors, preferably in global development or tech.

✔️ Required Skills

Demonstrated experience coordinating digital/AI initiatives or communities.
Excellent command of MS Office tools (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).
Strong organizational and stakeholder engagement skills.

🌟 Desirable Skills

Experience working with the UN or other international organizations.
Familiarity with digital product development (newsletters, websites, etc.).
Multilingual abilities, especially in one of the official UN languages.

5. 💼 Competency Framework

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Organized, deadline-driven, quality-focused.
Think Innovatively: Open to new ideas and practical solutions.
Learn Continuously: Curious, open-minded, and adaptable.
Act with Determination: Persistent and self-motivated.
Engage and Partner: Builds positive working relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Respects differences and promotes equity.

Technical & Cross-Functional Competencies

Thematic Area	Competency	Description
Digital	Co-creation	Facilitating inclusive design processes and co-ownership of innovation.
Digital	Digital Ecosystems	Understanding systems, infrastructure, challenges, and potential of digital tech.
Business Management	Project Management	Ability to plan, implement, and monitor projects across complex settings.
Business Development	Knowledge Facilitation	Drive collaboration and sharing within teams and communities.
Business Management	Communication	Clarity in written/spoken communication, adapting to audience and medium.
Business Management	Resource Management	Strategic allocation of time, tools, and funding.

6. 🧭 Reporting and Institutional Arrangement

Reports to: Head of Data and Technology, Chief Digital Office.
Location: New York-based, but remote/flexible arrangements possible.
Requires flexibility in working hours to engage with global stakeholders across time zones.

7. 🌍 Impact and Strategic Value

This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the nexus of innovation, development, and global policy. The AI Team Coordinator contributes directly to:

UNDP’s transformation into a future-ready organization.
Mainstreaming of AI in development programming.
Capacity-building of thousands of staff across 170+ countries.
Strengthening of cross-UN collaboration through UN 2.0 and the Quintet of Change.

It’s also a launching pad for more advanced roles in digital policy, innovation strategy, AI governance, and global development leadership.

8. 💡 Career Trajectory and Professional Development

Success in this position can open doors to:

Higher-level coordination or management roles within UNDP or the broader UN system.
Positions in global think tanks, AI governance bodies, or policy institutes.
Roles in corporate CSR, digital public goods, or inclusive tech innovation spaces.

It’s ideal for early to mid-career professionals looking to blend their interest in technology with human-centric development.

9. 🌐 Equal Opportunity & Ethics Statement

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. The recruitment process is merit-based and promotes participation from:

Underrepresented groups (gender, nationality, ethnicity).
Persons with disabilities.
Candidates from the Global South.

Moreover, all selected candidates undergo ethical screenings and are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.wordpress-6.7.1

10. ⚠️ Other Key Information

No fees are charged at any stage of recruitment.
Shortlisted candidates may be considered for similar roles in other locations.
This position may involve multiple hires from the same recruitment process.

📌 Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Description
Job Title	AI Team Coordinator
Duty Station	New York, United States (hybrid possible)
Contract Type	IPSA-8 (International)
Duration	6 months
Reporting Line	Head of Data & Tech, CDO
Key Focus	AI training, coordination, strategy, partnerships
Education	Master’s (or Bachelor’s + 2 years)
Skills	AI/digital coordination, M&E, partnerships, communications
UNDP Priority Areas	Digital transformation, innovation, AI ethics

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