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 United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET). 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 intellectual leadership and builds communities that could contribute to the international dialogue on AI governance in the context of the United Nations.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA 2, depending on the incumbent’s personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit in duty station), a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor’s fee.
The role will provide intellectual leadership of all research activities related to the AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative, including thematic briefs and research outputs, including by building a community around specific focus areas for international dialogue on AI governance.
Function 1 - Lead Research and Thematic Analysis
Conduct in-depth academic and policy research on AI governance, ethics, and emerging technology frameworks.
Produce high-quality thematic briefs and foresight papers to inform the work of the AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative.
Ensure research outputs are policy-relevant, evidence-based, and accessible to non-technical audiences.
Function 2 - Academic and Institutional Partnerships
Build and maintain partnerships with universities, think tanks, and research institutions, including in the region.
Coordinate joint studies and knowledge-sharing events.
Function 3 - Integration and Knowledge Translation
Integrate research findings into events hosted by the AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative, ODET reports, and intergovernmental processes.
Support synthesis of academic outputs for high-level briefings and dialogues.
Function 4 - Cross-cutting Dimensions
Uphold gender equality, inclusion, ethics, and PSEA standards across research and engagement.
Apply foresight and horizon-scanning methodologies to identify policy gaps and opportunities.
