Data Science Fellow (ML/NLP/LLMs)

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.

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.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the six global thematic policy centers of UNDP, supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. IICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world. 

The SDG AI Lab is a joint initiative of UNDP BPPS (Bureau for Policy and Programme Support) team, and it is hosted under UNDP ICPSD. The SDG AI Lab provides research, development, and advisory support through cutting-edge digital solutions in harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for sustainable development. The Lab aims to strengthen the UNDP’s internal and its partners’ capacities for the increasing demand for digital transformation. In addition, SDG AI Lab mobilizes volunteer data scientists under the Supporting Digital Transformation through Volunteerism partnership between UNDP IICPSD and United Nations Volunteers (UNV). Volunteer Data Scientist Initiative connects UNDP teams and data scientists to address development challenges such as Covid-19, disaster response, poverty, climate change and others. 

The objective of the Data Science Fellowship is to provide the opportunity to work on how to deploy frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Deep Learning (DL), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) on development issues. In particular, the Fellow will contribute to data acquisition, data analysis, modelling, deployment, and visualizations efforts. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No

Duties and responsibilities

% of time

1

• Conduct research on application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) approaches to development issues
• Draft analytical briefs summarizing the project findings and methodologies accessible to the general public audience 
• Conduct the data maintenance and data acquisition activities of the SDG AI Lab 

30 %

2

• Develop Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) solutions to tackle issues in the field of economic and international development 
• Support the team in developing and implementing NLP and LLM solutions 
• Manage and document the complete NLP/LLM project implementation process from conception to implementation

60 %

3

• Provide as needed support to the Technical Specialist as required for, amongst others, participating in meetings, conferences, providing administrative support, drafting meeting minutes and performing other functions and duties 
• Contribute to the SDG AI Lab’s Volunteer Data Scientists Initiative through advancing the volunteer engagement in SDGs related projects

10 %

  Required Skills and Experience:   Education:   Field of study: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Economics  or equivalent. 

• currently enrolled in Bachelor degree programme.
• currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme (such as a Master’s programme or higher).
• recent graduates.

IT skills:

• Strong understanding of LLM theory, foundation models, and deep learning principles.
• Proficiency in Prompt Engineering, LLM fine-tuning, and chaining technologies like LangChain and Semantic Kernel.
• Proven expertise in project development and implementation within machine learning, using tools like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Experience in executing projects related to natural language processing, utilizing NLTK, SpaCy, Bert, GPT-3, RoBERTa.
• Skilled in programming languages, particularly Python.
• Thorough knowledge of SQL and data modeling techniques.
• Hands-on experience in data science and data visualization projects using tools like Power BI or Tableau is an asset.

Language skills:

• Fluent in English with excellent reading and writing skills is required.
• Proficiency in Turkish is an asset

Other competencies and attitudes:

•     Interest and motivation in working in an international organization.

Expected start date: 18 February 2025

• The UNDP Fellowship Program is designed to offer exposure to development issues and first-hand experience of the day-to-day work of UNDP .
• Monthly stipend: Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses during their fellowship period. This is a stipend, not a salary. There are no entitlements payable for dependents/family. 
• Home-based: Fellows are expected to work remotely; no relocation is required.
• Hours worked: Full-time (40 hrs/wk) 
• There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following a fellowship.

 

Disclaimer
  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
  UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
  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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