Digital Transformation, AI and Data Specialist

Organizational Context

The Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Türkiye serves as the strategic platform for the UN development system, leading and coordinating UN expertise to support Türkiye’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its core objective is to strengthen system-wide coordination, enabling the UN Country Team (UNCT) to act as a unified partner to the Government, aligning policy, programming, and partnerships with national frameworks. The UNCT supports Türkiye within the 2026-2030 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), focusing on inclusive social and economic development, climate action, and good governance.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to position the Digital Transformation, AI and Data Specialist as the RCO's central focal point for digital and emerging technology issues. The role is crucial for strengthening data-driven coordination across the UN system in Türkiye, aligning with the country's Twelfth Development Plan (2024-2028) which prioritizes digital and green transformation, robust AI infrastructure, and digital governance. The Specialist will support the UNCT in both practicing and promoting responsible, inclusive digital transformation throughout the 2026-2030 Cooperation Framework cycle. This involves leveraging digital connectivity as a key enabler for all development outcomes, championing digital public goods, bridging digital divides, and ensuring ethical, human-rights-respecting AI development, in line with the UN Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. The Specialist will also facilitate bridging government strategy with UN technical expertise and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Resident Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will: 1. **Support UNSDCF Implementation with Digital Innovation:** Identify and analyze emerging trends in digital technologies, AI, and innovation, translating insights into actionable recommendations for the UNCT. Integrate digital, AI, and data-driven approaches into programme design, implementation, and monitoring, including contributions to the Common Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework. Support joint programme proposals and provide data analysis/visualization, focusing on operationalizing the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation for digitally excluded groups. 2. **Digitalize UN Processes:** Identify opportunities for applying AI across programme design, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, data management, reporting, communications, knowledge management, and administrative automation. Support the RCO in designing and developing AI-enabled tools and prototypes to enhance efficiency within UN Türkiye. 3. **Promote Ethical AI and Accessibility:** Support the establishment of an ethical framework for AI use within the RCO and UNCT, ensuring alignment with UN principles on human rights, data privacy, transparency, and accountability. Promote universal accessibility standards, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), across all UN-supported digital initiatives. 4. **Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:** Assess existing data management systems and digital tools, contributing to strengthened knowledge management and sharing. Organize and deliver workshops, training sessions, and practical labs on AI fundamentals, digital tools for development, data analytics, and digital accessibility. Develop training materials and document best practices. 5. **Partnership and Communication:** Support collaboration with universities, startups, private sector, and public institutions, aligning with national development plans. Assist in developing public-private partnerships in digital transformation and collaborate with regional/global UN teams on AI and digital innovation. Support advocacy on digital transformation and inclusive digital ecosystems through communication products.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required in digital transformation, AI, data science, or related fields. Candidates should have experience translating complex technical concepts, data analysis, or digital trends into clear policy, programme, or strategic recommendations for non-technical audiences. Experience working effectively in multi-stakeholder environments, collaborating across technical and non-technical teams, is also essential.

Skills

Required competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Technical skills include the ability to design, prototype, test, and iterate digital solutions; conduct structured research and translate complex insights into actionable written outputs; proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, PowerBI, ArcGIS); knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and user-centered design; and understanding of ethical AI, data protection, inclusion, and human rights principles in digital systems.

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