Volunteer Mentor - AI Capstone Projects & Career Guidance
Organizational Context
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) is a UNDP Global Policy Centre established in 2011 in partnership with Turkey. It focuses on private sector engagement in development, including inclusive business, skills development, impact investing, and resilience. The Center supports UNDP's global work and offices worldwide, hosting initiatives like the Business Call to Action and SDG Philanthropy Platform. The Samsung Innovation Campus in Türkiye, implemented with the SDG AI Lab, aims to equip youth with AI skills.
Job Purpose
This role supports students in the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) AI programme in Türkiye, implemented by the UNDP IICPSD SDG AI Lab. The volunteer mentor will guide student teams working on capstone projects developing AI solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals. The assignment involves providing technical project guidance, feedback on progress, support for soft skills like teamwork and communication, and career advice for entering the AI/data field. The goal is to connect students with real-world experience and help them advance their careers in technology.
Responsibilities
The volunteer mentor will support two student groups working on AI capstone projects for the SDGs. This includes conducting up to four online sessions per group (eight total, 60-90 minutes each). Key responsibilities involve providing technical guidance on AI project aspects such as problem framing, data handling, model selection, evaluation, and deployment. The mentor will offer feedback on project progress, assist in overcoming technical challenges, and support the development of soft skills including teamwork, presentation of results, and communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Additionally, the mentor will share career advice related to the AI/data field, portfolio building, and job application preparation.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of professional or research experience in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data science, or software development is required. Hands-on experience with the AI/ML project lifecycle, including data preparation, model development, and evaluation, is essential. Prior experience in mentoring, teaching, or leading junior team members is considered an asset.
Skills
Required skills include strong communication abilities and the capacity to provide constructive feedback. Proficiency in English at a working knowledge level is mandatory. Knowledge of Turkish at a working level is desirable. An interest in leveraging technology for social impact and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals is also highlighted.