Result of Service
A comprehensive report with actionable recommendations including: • A detailed AI governance framework addressing accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance. • Best practices for responsible and effective AI utilization in DRR. • Clear ethical guidelines for AI integration projects in DRR. • A roadmap for integrating AI and digital technologies into DRR systems and programming, complete with milestones and timelines. • Recommendations for both open source and commercial software solutions to support AI development and integration. • Technology and infrastructure requirements for big data processing and advanced analytics. • An alignment with the UN’s AI related policies where the deliverables or recommendations require action from UNDRR
Expected duration
15/04/25 – 14/10/25
Duties and Responsibilities
Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. Objectives: The Digitial Technologies and AI Specialist will support UNDRR in: • Integrating AI and digital technologies (e.g., Earth Observation, digital twins, predictive analytics) into DRR programming for improved risk modeling, scenario planning, and decision- making. • Enhancing early warning systems by leveraging AI to strengthen risk knowledge production, automation, and monitoring. • Strengthening disaster tracking through AI-driven data integration, interoperability, and visualization. • Improving the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) by identifying AI applications for more effective data collection, validation, and reporting. • Exploring big data applications to improve risk knowledge, early warning capabilities, and disaster impact assessments. • Advising on aligning UNDRR’s AI initiatives with UN 2.0 to ensure leadership in digital transformation and innovation. • Contributing to UNDRR’s engagement in the UN Task Force on Digital Technologies, advising on AI applications in DRR and responsible AI governance. • Providing policy recommendations and capacity-building support for governments and stakeholders on AI adoption in DRR strategies and programming. Duties and Responsibilities: This consultancy is home-based. Under the supervision of the Chief of Risk Knowledge Branch (RKB) and in collaboration with the Communications Chief, RKB Section Chiefs, other UNDRR Branches and regional offices, and the head of the Design and Technology unit, the consultant will: • Conduct a comprehensive review of UNDRR’s disaster risk management tools and processes to identify AI and other digital technologies integration opportunities. • Evaluate global best practices on AI and digital technologies in DRR and recommend solutions for adoption. • Develop proposals for AI integration into early warning systems to enhance risk knowledge, programming, monitoring, and reporting. • Provide technical guidance on AI-driven automation in the disaster tracking system, ensuring interoperability with related databases and reporting portals. • Strengthen data analytics and visualization capabilities for the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM). • Design AI-driven risk profiles to support country-level disaster risk assessments and impact- based forecasting. • Develop training materials and technical guidance on AI to orient UNDRR staff and partners, integrating these into existing DRR training packages. • Provide advisory support through UNDRR for Member States on integrating AI into DRR and climate adaptation strategies. • Expand dissemination and communication of AI-driven data insights through engaging data visualizations and infographics. • Draft policy recommendations and best practices on the ethical and responsible use of AI in DRR. • Facilitate workshops, webinars, and consultations to raise awareness of AI applications in DRR.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in AI, data science, and digital technologies, preferably in development, humanitarian action, resilience-building, DRR, or climate adaptation, is required. Proven experience in AI-driven predictive modeling, machine learning applications, and data integration is required. Experience in risk modeling, impact forecasting, geospatial analytics, and real-time data processing is desirable. Experience with cloud computing platforms, AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), and geospatial analysis tools is desirable. Experience in policy advisory roles within UN agencies, governments, or international organizations is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English is required.
Additional Information
Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.