* Data Science Associate

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
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 () is one of the hubs of the Global Pulse network () 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 Applications to tackle challenges related to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Contribute to utilizing big data from diverse sources to generate development indicators and insights, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the data; Participate in building a data-driven culture to promote safe utilization, data sharing and reuse, and trust building in the data ecosystem;  Contribute to designing and delivering training programs or workshops to build AI capabilities among teams and individuals within the organization, fostering a culture of responsible AI use; Collaborate with other team members on advancing AI and data governance efforts, lowering barriers, mitigating risk, and maximizing their potential in the attainment of SDGs; Any other task assigned by the Data Science Officer or Officer in charge of UN Global Pulse Kampala. Institutional Arrangement
The Data Science Associate will report to the Data Science Officer but may also be assigned tasks by the Lab Manager/Head of Office. The Data Science Associate will co-sit with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance team and play a liaison function between the Ministry and UN Global Pulse, helping to coordinate and advance the work of the National Data Strategy, while also supporting the Ministry with other relevant Data Science tasks. 
Competencies Core competencies: Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline  Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback  Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident  Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships  Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 
Cross functional & technical competencies Digital & Innovation : Data privacy and digital ethics  Knowledge of ethical usage of digital technology (, robotics, automation) and data.  Ability to assess ethical implications when using, combining or sharing data, when building or implementing AI systems, and when advising on robotization and automation etc.  Ability to design privacy protocols to ensure data is protected and used for legitimate purposes without unnecessary privacy risks.  Digital & Innovation  Policy/regulations for digital and emerging technology : Ability to design or advise on regulations and policy for digital and emerging technology. Ethics  Ethics Advice & Guidance : Ability to quickly analyze complex fact patterns and provide comprehensive, sensitive, and confidential ethics advice and guidance. Partnership Management Relationship management : Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.  Business Management  Public relations : Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organization, its mandate and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public. Business Management Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Business Management  Evaluation: Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks - Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Required Skills and Experience
Education: Secondary education is required. Bachelorâs degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computational Finance, Economics or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement. Experience: 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelorâs degree) of experience in building AI systems, starting from the conceptualization phase through data preparation, modeling, deployment, and maintenance, is required. Required skills: Familiarity with analytical techniques such as text mining, sentiment analysis, predictive analysis, event detection, and modeling of complex systems; Strong understanding of data management principles, data infrastructure, and digital systems relevant to AI development; Experience in delivering training programs or workshops to build data and AI capabilities will be an added advantage; Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and experience in big data tools;  Familiarity in identifying and mitigating potential risks and harms associated with AI applications, ensuring that AI systems are developed responsibly; Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and team members. Desired skills: Demonstrated experience presenting work to both technical and non-technical audiences;  Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams with colleagues and with senior management. Language: Fluency in both written and spoken English.