UNOPS is Seeking a Project Management Support Specialist (Digital Technologies Expert) – Apply By 12 April 2026

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is recruiting a Project Management Support Specialist (Digital Technologies Expert) under a retainer contract. This home-based, mid-level role contributes to global efforts at the intersection of artificial intelligence and preventing violent extremism.

The position supports initiatives led by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, particularly within its AI and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programme. The specialist will play a key role in shaping policy, advancing research, and strengthening institutional capacity around the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Role Overview and Purpose

The specialist is expected to provide both strategic and operational support across a range of programme activities related to AI and digital ecosystems.

Core responsibilities include:

• Supporting evidence-based research on AI risks and opportunities in PCVE
• Designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives
• Producing policy-relevant outputs such as toolkits, guidance, and frameworks
• Translating complex technical insights into practical applications

The role emphasizes ethical, human rights-based, and context-sensitive approaches to AI deployment in prevention settings.

Key Areas of Work

The position contributes to advancing global understanding and application of AI in countering violent extremism, with focus areas including:

• Responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence
• Risks linked to AI-enabled harms such as:
  • Online radicalization
  • Audience manipulation
  • Digital recruitment to extremist networks
• Institutional readiness for adopting AI technologies
• Strengthening safer digital ecosystems

The specialist will ensure that all outputs align with international standards and UN priorities.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

1. Development and Planning

• Design research frameworks to assess AI applications in PCVE
• Contribute to programme design aligned with donor and UN priorities
• Deliver targeted training sessions and mentorship initiatives
• Conduct stakeholder mapping across governments, civil society, and private sector

2. Project Implementation

• Lead institutional assessments such as readiness diagnostics and needs analyses
• Provide advisory support on governance frameworks and risk management
• Coordinate with diverse stakeholders including:
  • Governments
  • International organisations
  • Academic institutions
  • Technology companies
• Support workshops, consultations, and programme delivery

3. Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Produce high-quality outputs such as:
  • Policy briefs
  • Reports
  • Presentations
• Translate technical findings into user-friendly recommendations
• Support donor reporting and internal documentation

4. Quality Assurance

• Ensure methodological rigor and policy relevance
• Apply:
  • Human rights-based approaches
  • Gender-responsive frameworks
  • Conflict-sensitive methodologies
• Promote responsible AI principles including transparency and accountability

5. Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Develop knowledge products such as toolkits and guidance frameworks
• Facilitate training and stakeholder learning initiatives
• Support global dialogues and knowledge exchange platforms
• Document lessons learned to inform future programming

Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must demonstrate a strong combination of academic background and professional experience.

Education

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience

Relevant fields include:

• International relations
• Political science
• Technology policy
• Social sciences
• Security or development studies

Experience

• Proven experience in AI, digital technologies, or emerging tech governance
• Background in PCVE, counter-terrorism, or digital harms
• Strong research, analytical, and policy development skills
• Experience producing policy-relevant outputs

Desired Experience

• Engagement in multi-stakeholder environments
• Capacity-building and training design
• Work on responsible AI or online harms
• Experience within UN or international organisations

Skills and Competencies

The role requires a diverse skill set combining technical, analytical, and interpersonal abilities.

Key competencies include:

• Research and data analysis
• Project management and implementation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communication and reporting
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Strong attention to detail and adaptability

Language Requirements

• Fluent English is required
• Additional languages (desirable):
  • Arabic
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Russian
  • Chinese (Mandarin)

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Retainer (ICA – IICA)
• Level: Mid-level (ICS 10)
• Duration: Until 31 December 2026 (extendable based on performance and funding)
• Location: Home-based
• Application Deadline: 12 April 2026

The retainer structure means work is assigned on demand, and candidates may need to complete mandatory training prior to engagement.

Organisational Context

The role sits within broader UN efforts to advance the United Nations agenda, including:

• Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Counter-terrorism and peacebuilding initiatives
• Governance of emerging technologies

The programme contributes to global policy development and supports member states in addressing evolving digital threats.

Why This Role Matters

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global systems, its misuse in extremist contexts presents growing risks. This position directly contributes to:

• Developing safeguards for responsible AI use
• Strengthening institutional resilience against digital threats
• Bridging the gap between technology and policy
• Supporting global peace and security efforts

The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI governance, international policy, and global security.

Conclusion

The Project Management Support Specialist (Digital Technologies Expert) role offers a strategic platform for professionals seeking to influence how emerging technologies are governed in sensitive and high-impact contexts. Through research, policy development, and capacity building, the specialist will contribute to shaping safer and more accountable digital ecosystems globally.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.