UNOPS has signed an Implementing Partner Services Agreement with the United Nations Secretariat to implement AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative operations for the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET).
The UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, with a mandate to: (a) advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; (b) serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders; (c) facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; (d) strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on digital and emerging technologies; (e) support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1).
Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET also leads the implementation of the Secretary-General’s vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology – while mitigating the risks – so that progress towards achieving the Goals by 2030 can be made collectively, as well as carrying out other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General, including follow up actions from the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report “Our Common Agenda”.
The AI Governance for Humanity Lab, based in Valencia, Spain, is part of an initiative in support of the mandate of ODET, including realization of the vision put forward by the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. Its objectives include mobilizing multistakeholder networks around agile and networked international AI governance as AI technologies evolve, establishing and catalysing new norms of information-sharing between key nodes in these networks and supporting informed and impactful AI cooperation at the global level.
This role provides analytical and policy support to help that could contribute to the international dialogue on AI governance in the context of the United Nations.
The incumbent of that position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
The role will track and analyze trends in AI governance policies and frameworks across major geographies, identify commonalities and gaps, and support the development of international frameworks and safeguards through research, coordination, and policy outputs.
Mapping and Analysis of AI Governance Frameworks
Conduct comparative analysis of national and regional AI governance frameworks, including across geographies and regions (including EU, U.S., China, India, Japan Brazil, ASEAN, AU, GRULAC etc).
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of AI policies, operational and governance sandboxes and safeguards.
Produce regular analytical briefs summarizing findings and integrating the latest international developments.
Policy and Research Support
Draft background notes, policy briefs, and analytical papers.
Support internal and inter-agency consultations and expert multisectoral dialogues.
Coordination and Knowledge Sharing
Liaise with global and regional organizations (OECD, EU, etc.).
Organize workshops and support ODET senior leadership with synthesis reports, inputs, and talking points.
Cross-cutting
Integrate gender, ethics, and human-rights-based approaches into research.
Ensure compliance with UN data protection and PSEA policies.
