Data Science Associate

Job Description

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 âleave no one behindâ 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.
UN Global Pulse (UNGP), Kampala (aka Pulse Lab Kampala) is one of the hubs of the Global Pulse network (https://www.unglobalpulse.org) with other hubs in Indonesia, Finland, and the United States.

In Kampala, UNGP operates under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator. Global Pulse is the Secretary-Generalâs Innovation Lab. With its vision of responsible and inclusive innovation, the lab supports the UNâs Common Agenda for global cooperation. We are a multidisciplinary team â not wholly tech-centered â which serves the wider UN as it renews its ways of operating in the 21st century. 

The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ânext-generationâ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches which help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability. 

UNGP in Kampala collaborates with African governments in their efforts around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data governance. For example, UNGP in Kampala is currently working with Uganda's Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and other stakeholders to develop a National Data Strategy ensure Uganda has a plan and vision to maximize the value of data, including unlocking safe and responsible data sharing within government, government-to-business, business-to-business, and business-to-government. Similar previous engagements led to the development of an ethical AI Roadmap bold step Uganda has taken towards a governance framework for AI systems in Uganda. 

Key Duties and Accountabilities

The Data Science Associate will support the Data Science function by performing the following roles:

Support the awareness and advocacy efforts to promote AI governance principles and frameworks at institutional, national, and regional levels; Perform data studies and discover new data sources or new uses for existing data sources; Participate in co-creating and developing safe AI