International Research Fellow - Artificial Intelligence

Background

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

UNDP Mongolia is recognized as a leading development partner to the government and a key facilitator of multi-stakeholder dialogue in areas including governance reform, environmental and natural resource management, climate change, and sustainable development across agriculture and energy sectors. The Country Office is currently implementing a range of donor-funded projects, including those supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and bilateral donors. The programme areas emphasize sustainable development through biodiversity conservation and financing, habitat protection, land management, and sustainable agricultural practices, such as pastureland management and improving market access for livestock products.

Key government partners include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, and the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development. UNDP also supports the development of sustainable commodity markets across agriculture value chains such as dairy, cashmere, wool, leather, and meat.

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre’s SDG Partnership support for ‘Statistical Capacity Building for Sustainable Development’ will be leveraged by UNDP Mongolia to build the AI capacity of the National Statistics Office (NSO) of Mongolia, particularly for poverty analysis. The Research Fellow will play a pivotal role in supporting this initiative by integrating AI into Mongolia's multidimensional poverty index (MPI) framework and enhancing the efficiency of census and population projection processes.

1.    Integration of AI into Statistical Processes 
•    Pilot AI tools for data compilation and analysis, leveraging Korea National Statistical Office (KOSTAT)’s experience in AI-based statistical production pipelines.
•    Assist in the development of AI-driven solutions, such as chatbots, to improve respondent engagement and data collection processes.

2.    Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer 
•    Support the delivery of workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions on KOSTAT's AI frameworks.
•    Contribute to the development of the Mongolia-KOSTAT AI Playbook, outlining replicable workflows, methodologies for data validation, and key challenges and solutions.

3.    Enhancement of MPI and Policy Integration 
•    Integrate AI and machine learning technologies to automate statistical systems and enhance the granularity of Mongolia’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index MPI.
•    Support NSO and policymakers in utilizing AI-enhanced MPI data to inform the design of targeted development programs, including resilient infrastructure and economic diversification strategies.
•    Promote the use of MPI as an analytical and policy-making tool among the government, UNDP, UN agencies, and development partners.

4.    Other Duties 
•    Provide support for additional or ad hoc activities as needed and deemed relevant by the supervisor.
 

Competencies

• Strong interest in international development and working in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent analytical skills for consolidating data and translating research into practical application.
• Proactive, goal-oriented, and capable of working independently and in teams.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates adaptability and sensitivity to diverse cultural, gender, religious, racial, and national contexts.
• Welcomes feedback and differing viewpoints constructively.
• Maintains a positive, energetic, and solutions-focused work ethic.
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Data science, Statistics, Computer science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Economics or closely related fields combined with relevant field work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in artificial intelligence, data collection, analysis, machine learning, and digital innovation
• Experience working in large-scale statistical projects is highly desired
• Proven expertise in reviewing and analyzing complex datasets, surveys, and methodologies.
• Experience in advanced AI technologies such as Generative AI and Generative models, Natural Language processing such as Transformer models, Deep learning of Neural networks, and Edge AI models is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in enhancing organizational capacity through effective knowledge transfer.
   

IT skills:
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
•    Advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, R, and Python.
 

Language skills:
•    Fluency in English is required.
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

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