JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Position Title

Programme Management – Senior Officer (AI Governance Specialist)

Job Category

Programme

Duty Station(s)

Valencia

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 09

Contract Type

ICA – IICA – Regular

Contract Level

IICA 1

Posting Start Date

17-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

01-Dec-2025

Duration

Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance

Job Highlight

Opportunity to help contribute to international AI governance via analytical and policy support.

Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA 1, depending on the incumbent”s personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit in duty station), a local fee scale (LICA-9) might be applied in determining the contractor”s fee.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) unites the New York Portfolios, including the Peace and Security team (PSC); the Geneva Office; and the Vienna-based Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) teams, to maximize global impact, foster efficiencies and streamline global programmes. Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, GPO supports UNOPS” strategic priorities and the SDGs across over 130 countries. We deliver project management, fund management, advisory services, project implementation, and HR services, working closely with major global partners. Our thematic focus includes sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Not Required – part of GPO/NYPO

Job Specific Context

UNOPS has signed an Implementing Partner Services Agreement with the United Nations Secretariat to implement AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative operations for the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET).

The UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, with a mandate to: (a) advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; (b) serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders; (c) facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; (d) strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on digital and emerging technologies; (e) support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1).

Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET also leads the implementation of the Secretary-General”s vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology – while mitigating the risks – so that progress towards achieving the Goals by 2030 can be made collectively, as well as carrying out other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General, including follow up actions from the Secretary-General”s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report “Our Common Agenda”.

The AI Governance for Humanity Lab, based in Valencia, Spain, is part of an initiative in support of the mandate of ODET, including realization of the vision put forward by the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. Its objectives include mobilizing multistakeholder networks around agile and networked international AI governance as AI technologies evolve, establishing and catalysing new norms of information-sharing between key nodes in these networks and supporting informed and impactful AI cooperation at the global level.

This role provides analytical and policy support to help that could contribute to the international dialogue on AI governance in the context of the United Nations.

The incumbent of that position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Role Purpose

The role will track and analyze trends in AI governance policies and frameworks across major geographies, identify commonalities and gaps, and support the development of international frameworks and safeguards through research, coordination, and policy outputs.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Mapping and Analysis of AI Governance Frameworks

• Conduct comparative analysis of national and regional AI governance frameworks, including across geographies and regions (including EU, U.S., China, India, Japan Brazil, ASEAN, AU, GRULAC etc).
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of AI policies, operational and governance sandboxes and safeguards.
• Produce regular analytical briefs summarizing findings and integrating the latest international developments.

Policy and Research Support

• Draft background notes, policy briefs, and analytical papers.
• Support internal and inter-agency consultations and expert multisectoral dialogues.

Coordination and Knowledge Sharing

• Liaise with global and regional organizations (OECD, EU, etc.).
• Organize workshops and support ODET senior leadership with synthesis reports, inputs, and talking points.

Cross-cutting

• Integrate gender, ethics, and human-rights-based approaches into research.
• Ensure compliance with UN data protection and PSEA policies.

Skills

Data Analysis, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Policy Research, Report Writing, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Communications, Legal Regulatory Compliance

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Master”s degree or equivalent preferably in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Data Governance, Economics or related field with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’”s degree or equivalent preferably in Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Data Governance, Economics or related field with 4 years of relevant experienceDesired

• Additional coursework or certification in AI ethics, data policy, or digital regulation is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in governance, public policy, or international cooperation.
• Prior experience producing comparative analyses and carrying out mapping exercises, including with reference to AI governance across major AI geographies.
• Prior experience providing policy and research support.

Desired

• Experience in AI policy and digital governance.
• Experience working within a UN or multilateral context.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredSpanishFluentDesirable

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.