Artificial Intelligence, Data and Cybersecurity Specialist

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the lead UN agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence. In Kenya, UNFPA supports the government's efforts to advance SRHR, strengthen health systems, and combat GBV, including technology-facilitated forms. The agency promotes the rights and well-being of women, girls, and young people within a devolved governance system and diverse operating environment.

Job Purpose

The Artificial Intelligence, Data and Cybersecurity Specialist will provide technical expertise to UNFPA's initiatives in Kenya, focusing on the ethical and safe use of emerging technologies. The role involves leading technical analysis on technology-facilitated GBV, developing digital safety frameworks for UNFPA platforms, and advising on responsible AI implementation in SRHR and youth engagement. The specialist will contribute to designing secure digital platforms for comprehensive sexuality education, conduct technical reviews, build capacity of partners, and support policy dialogues. The aim is to enhance user safety, data protection, and the overall impact of digital interventions for women, girls, and young people.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will lead technical analysis on technology-facilitated GBV, identifying trends and risks of online violence. Responsibilities include developing digital safety and cybersecurity frameworks for UNFPA platforms, ensuring data protection and privacy. The role involves advising on the responsible and ethical use of AI in SRHR, GBV prevention, and youth engagement, including algorithmic safety and bias mitigation. Support will be provided for designing comprehensive sexuality education digital platforms with safety and age-appropriateness in mind, and establishing safety-by-design protocols. Technical reviews of digital products will ensure compliance with cybersecurity best practices and data protection regulations. Capacity building for government, civil society, and youth organizations on digital rights and online safety is a key task. The specialist will contribute to policy dialogues, monitor digital interventions, facilitate partnerships with technology entities, and support rapid response mechanisms for cybersecurity incidents.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in AI, data science, and cybersecurity, with a focus on the ethical and safe use of emerging technologies. Experience in designing or supporting digital learning platforms, including interactive tools and simulations, is essential. Collaboration with technology partners, digital rights groups, or innovation hubs is also necessary. Knowledge of technology-facilitated GBV, digital safety, and child online protection is expected, along with the ability to conduct digital risk assessments and apply safety-by-design principles.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, building trust, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, communication, creativity, ethics, integrity, knowledge sharing, planning, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and teamwork. Technical skills in AI, data science, cybersecurity, digital platform development, and digital risk assessment are crucial. Expertise in development programmes and information technology is also highlighted.

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