Industry Practice Research for the AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET), established in 2025, advises senior leadership on technology trends, advocates for digital cooperation, and facilitates multi-stakeholder policy dialogue. It strengthens system-wide coordination and supports the Global Digital Compact. ODET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's digital cooperation vision, aiming to harness technology's opportunities while mitigating risks for the 2030 Goals. The AI Governance for Humanity Lab is a key initiative within ODET.

Job Purpose

This role supports the AI Governance for Humanity Lab Initiative, which aims to realize the vision of the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. The initiative focuses on mobilizing multistakeholder networks for agile international AI governance and establishing norms for information sharing. Volunteers will conduct research and analysis as a follow-up to a report on private-sector AI governance. This is a flagship UN initiative in digital governance, offering an opportunity to contribute to shaping global AI cooperation and policy.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Programme Management Officer, volunteers will conduct desk research to identify initiatives, organizations, methodologies, standards, and frameworks supporting emerging AI governance cooperation approaches, such as sandboxes and incident reporting mechanisms. They will prepare brief reports summarizing findings, identifying gaps, and outlining potential cooperation opportunities. Additionally, volunteers will develop workshop concepts and draft programs to convene stakeholders, test interest, and identify next steps for feasibility studies. Key deliverables include research questions, brief reports, draft workshop materials, and a synthesis note on future engagement areas.

Work Experience

Experience in policy research and analysis, with a proven track record in developing research questions and conceptual frameworks related to technology governance. Familiarity with AI governance, emerging technologies, regulatory sandboxes, and global regulatory trends is essential. Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and working with international organizations or the technology industry is desirable.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, along with a collaborative mindset. The ability to engage effectively with senior industry experts and policymakers is crucial. Familiarity with AI governance, emerging technologies, regulatory sandboxes, and global regulatory trends is necessary. Experience in policy research and analysis is also a key skill.

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