Project Analyst (30% part-time), NPSA-8

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Over the past 10 years, Serbia has made progress in modernizing its strategic and regulatory framework to support development of the information society. With digital transformation of the national economy and public administration high on the government’s agenda, Serbia now has a good chance for future-proofing its administration’s capabilities for rapid deployment of cost-effective, secure and citizen-focused services, and coordinated implementation of ICT policies. First steps have been made with the establishment of the central Office for IT and e-Government (ITE) and strengthening of the Ministerial Council for IT and Innovative Entrepreneurship, but expectations from these institutions run high and they need an initial push to meet the expectations and demonstrate the ability of the government to deliver.

Serbia was the first country in the region to develop and adopt the Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for the period 2020-2025 (hereinafter AI strategy) and to established the Institute for AI . The newly established Institute would lead the development of AI and provide the ground for rapid development of innovations and start up ecosystem and attract the new investment.

This project aims to support the efforts to build internal capacities of the ITE by establishing an AI implementation unit to strengthen and shape the nascent AI ecosystem in Serbia and improve collaboration among public and private sector and academia. The AI implementation unit seeks to underpin the institutional and legal frameworks for AI, secure effective coordination and monitoring of the AI strategy and assist other institutions in introducing AI use cases in priority sectors (medicine, energy, telecommunications, transport/mobility, smart cities, education, agriculture, justice/ethics, security, environment, public administration). Thus, the project aims at enhancing the digital transformation of Serbia’s economy, in particular through increasing human capital, enhancing the regulatory framework and implementing innovative solutions.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Supports the Project with quality expertise in the assigned areas of responsibility;
• Conducts research and analyses for the Institute for AI;
• Collects, analyzes and consolidates general and issue-specific materials, documentation, information and reports, as well as prepares background materials required/or useful for the implementation of the Project;
• Actively works to achieve goals set by Senior Researchers;
• Supports the public awareness of the Project by contributing to writing of outreach materials and planning of events;
• Actively participates in implementation of the national and international science & Research projects;
• Actively participates in activities of the Institute for AI, including meetings, training sessions, conferences and public promotion of projects and activities related to the Strategy;
• Links experience from learning events, seminars, capacity building workshops, meetings with Project activities;
• Responds to requests/queries on information regarding aspects of the Project;
• Participates in the process of writing concept papers/project proposal/strategies/development processes by providing expert opinions;
• Perform other duties as required.

Institutional Arrangement

Project Analyst will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Technical Advisor – Artificial Inteligence.

Competencies

Core Competencies

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

Business Management Digital Awareness and Literacy Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Digital & Innovation Digital ecosystems Knowledge of how they work, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree) in Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related field with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master`s Degree.

Experience

Up to 2 years (with Master´s degree) or minimum 2 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience in areas of Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT/ICT, Molecular biology or related field.

Required Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills in Serbian and English language;
• Good organizational and time management skills;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
• Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, presentation software, internet, as well ability to code in Python;
• Knowledge of AI tools would be considered an asset;
• Treats all people fairly without prejudice;
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competences section:

• Understanding of Serbia’s political, institutional and socio-economic situation;
• Familiarity with current policies and legislation in the field of Artificial Intelligence;
• Experience in Machine Learning and/or Artificial intelligence will be considered as an asset;
• Familiarity with the main governmental, non-governmental and international actors in the field of AI will be considered an asset.

Required Languages

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English

The online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Disclaimer

Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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