Organization Mission

As the lead United Nations agency for international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnership capacity, institutional capacity, and build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work focuses on three areas of intervention: sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, establish democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change and help countries access the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to help people build better lives.

Context

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations. UNDP tackles the world’s biggest challenges, from rising poverty and inequality to a rapidly changing climate, emerging crises, and the ongoing degradation and destruction of our natural world. Our UNDP Digital Strategy 2022–2025 aims to support our partner countries in unlocking the power of digital technology to address these pressing issues. The strategy outlines UNDP’s ambition to adopt a rights-based approach to digital technologies to improve our development outcomes and help build inclusive digital ecosystems globally, leaving no one behind.

The UNDP’s mission in the Comoros is twofold. Through its international expertise, it offers the Comorian government analyses and solutions tailored to the challenges of development.

In addition, UNDP plays a unifying role in mobilizing and coordinating many national and international partners around a common agenda: the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNDP in the Comoros supports the Government in implementing programs and projects that contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience, governance, economic transformation, and social inclusion. In the context of global digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) represents a major lever for improving operational efficiency, data analysis, and the design of innovative solutions for development. To integrate these technological advances into its interventions, the UNDP Country Office is seeking to recruit a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) to support the identification, experimentation, and integration of AI technologies into the Office’s operations and programs.

This initiative is part of:
– UNDP’s AI Fundamentals, aimed at raising awareness, training and capacity building for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI;
– UNDP’s flagship AI initiatives, geared towards high-impact solutions for climate action, biodiversity, governance, crisis prevention and inclusive transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative, the Volunteer will be responsible for the following tasks:

A. Analysis and identification of opportunities
– Identify opportunities for using AI in the Bureau’s projects, operations, communications and internal processes (monitoring and evaluation, data management, reporting, automation, etc.).
– Conduct a needs assessment, assess existing capabilities and gaps in data management and digital tools.

B. Solution Development and Prototyping
– Design and develop AI prototypes or tools (scripts, chatbots, predictive models, automations, analysis tools, etc.).
– Test, document, and progressively integrate these solutions into the Office’s workflows.

C. Capacity Building
– Organize workshops, training sessions, and practical sessions for UNDP staff and national partners on the fundamentals of AI, available tools, and uses adapted to the development context.
– Develop educational materials, user guides, and technical documents.

D. Support for digitalization and automation
– Contribute to the digitalization of certain administrative and programmatic processes.
– Support the improvement of data collection, visualization and analysis systems.

E. Governance, Ethics and Compliance
– Support the establishment of an ethical framework for the responsible and inclusive use of AI within the Office by integrating UNDP guidelines on digital governance/AI.
– Ensure compliance with UNDP standards on data protection, algorithmic transparency and bias reduction.

F. Coordination and Partnerships
– Collaborate with UNDP regional and global teams working on AI, data science and innovation.
– Facilitate links with the national ecosystem (universities, start-ups, public institutions, etc.) when relevant.

G. Communication and capitalization
– Contribute to the documentation of good practices, case studies and results obtained.
– Support communication around UNDP Comoros AI initiatives (notes, articles, visuals, technical briefs).

Required Skills and Experience

– At least 3 years of professional experience, both nationally and internationally, in the development or implementation of relevant AI or data analysis solutions; Good knowledge of programming languages ​​(Python, R, etc.) and AI tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.);
– Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
– Previous experience with an international organization or in a development context is an asset;
– Ability to translate technical concepts into practical advice for non-technical staff.

Cross-cutting and technical skills:
– Digital – AI thought leadership: A deep understanding of current and emerging AI trends and their social, ethical, and economic implications, including data privacy and human rights; ability to engage with industry experts, government representatives, and academics to stay informed of the latest trends and build partnerships.
– Digital – User-centered design, user research, user testing: Knowledge of user-centered design methodologies and the ability to apply them practically.
– Business management – Project management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific objectives.
– HR, Learning and Development – L&D design: Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, learning styles, and modalities for delivering learning programs; ability to identify and design effective learning pathways, programs, and initiatives.

Core Competencies

– Responsibility
– Adaptability and flexibility
– Creativity
– Judgment and decision-making
– Planning and organization
– Professionalism
– Self-control

Other technical skills required:
– Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills;
– Accuracy and professionalism in producing and editing documents;
– Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including members of grassroots communities, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at various levels; familiarity with communication tools and approaches for development;
– Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively within a multicultural team of international and national staff;
– Strong general computer skills, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/Internet; familiarity with database management and office equipment;
– Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision; ability to work under tight deadlines
; – Good security awareness.
– To have an affinity or interest in the UNDP Office, volunteering as a mechanism for sustainable development and the United Nations system.

Living Conditions

The UNDP Comoros office is located in Moroni, the capital of the Union of the Comoros. Moroni is situated on the island of Grande Comore and has a population of approximately 110,000 (2016). Comorians are friendly and welcoming. The main languages ​​spoken in the Union of the Comoros are Comorian (or Shikomori) languages ​​and French. French is the administrative language, while Arabic is the religious language. Grande Comore has regular air links with East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The beaches in the north of the island, about an hour’s drive from the capital, are particularly popular. The Comoros offers opportunities for hiking and observing marine life (whales, dolphins, turtles, and the underwater world).

Moroni, Comoros, is a non-emergency, “family” service post. It is classified as Level 1 according to the latest UNDSS assessment: the security situation is considered calm, with no particular threats to UN personnel or their families. Various types of long-term accommodation are available in Moroni: detached houses, houses in gated communities, and apartments. These may be furnished and/or fully equipped, or unfurnished. There are several real estate agencies on site that can be contacted, and the UNDP office will also support the housing search process. Moroni has an international school, the Lycée Français Henri-Matisse, which offers the French curriculum. It is located near the UN compound that houses the UNDP office. This international school includes a preschool and a nursery for young children. Although the job market in Moroni is not very large, there are some opportunities for spouses/partners to work in the country, depending on their profession.

The volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which consists of a monthly living allowance (MLA) and a family allowance (FA) for dependents (up to three). During their assignment, United Nations Volunteers are covered by medical and life insurance, which also covers situations of permanent disability.

Link to calculate allowances and benefits: https://app.unv.org.calculator
Link to view the terms of service for United Nations Volunteers: https://app.unv.org/explore