UNOPS

The UNOPS IT Group (ITG) is at the forefront of digital transformation, designing, delivering, and managing all of UNOPS IT infrastructure and business applications. We are a global team, dedicated to harnessing cutting-edge technology to address critical business needs and empower UNOPS personnel worldwide. ITG provides the essential IT systems and tools that underpin the successful implementation of UNOPS projects and the delivery of corporate initiatives. From maintaining robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and developing bespoke business applications to managing our cloud infrastructure and supporting global collaboration platforms, our work ensures operational excellence. We are committed to continuous improvement, driving effectiveness and efficiency in UNOPS products and services, ultimately helping people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

The AI Centre of Excellence is being established with the ambition of rolling out a robust AI infrastructure and innovative AI-based solutions, ensuring scalability for future growth and technological advancements. The AI Centre of Excellence Lead serves as the strategic lead, ensuring AI initiatives are grounded in user needs, ethically governed, and scaled across the organization’s global portfolio.

The AI Centre of Excellence  Lead will report to the CIO and be responsible for the governance, pipeline management, development, implementation, and scaling of AI solutions across UNOPS. This role involves leading a team, fostering innovation, ensuring responsible AI adoption, and driving measurable impact through the deployment of AI products.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related fields with 9 years of relevant experience OR

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required

Required

• Relevant experience working in technology, digital solutions, data-driven initiatives, or operational leadership in organisations with multiple stakeholders or related areas. 

• Experience managing the end-to-end lifecycle of programmes or initiatives, from needs assessment and intake through to implementation and scaling across multiple locations or country office.

• Proven experience establishing governance structures, risk management frameworks, or compliance processes.

• Experience acting as a strategic interface between technical engineering teams and senior business leadership, translating organisational priorities into actionable plans.

Desired

• Experience with AI, machine learning, or emerging technology adoption in an organisational setting. 

• Experience in the lifecycle management of digital products or data-driven solutions, from concept through to global rollout. 

• Experience with AI-specific governance (e.g., algorithmic bias auditing, LLM safety protocols, or the EU AI Act).

• Experience in inter-agency collaboration or building strategic partnerships across different NGOs or public sector bodies. 

• Experience working within the UN system or a similar international multilateral organisation. 

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.