Digital and AI Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, working in approximately 170 countries to help people build a better life by connecting them to knowledge, experience, and resources. The UNDP Office in Geneva supports this mission by serving as a platform for Geneva-based organizations and acting as a liaison with France and Switzerland. The Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team (DRT) specifically focuses on integrating digital and AI solutions into its work on disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
Job Purpose
This role supports the UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team (DRT) in integrating digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions into its knowledge products and services for disaster preparedness and early warning. The DRT leads UNDP's global efforts in disaster risk reduction, recovery, and resilience-building, aligning with the UNDP Strategic Plan's focus on crisis resilience and digital transformation. The assignment aims to enhance the interactivity, accessibility, and usefulness of UNDP's preparedness tools and learning pathways by embedding AI components, developing interactive dashboards, and exploring new AI applications for risk intelligence. Selected volunteers will gain practical experience in applying AI to disaster risk reduction challenges and learn about UNDP's preparedness initiatives.
Responsibilities
Online volunteers will support the integration of AI components into the UNDP Preparedness Toolkit and Learning Pathway, assisting with AI-assisted search, virtual assistants, and content summarization. They will help prepare and tag content for AI tools, test new AI features, document issues, and suggest improvements for accuracy and accessibility. Volunteers will also contribute to the design and development of interactive dashboards using tools like Power BI, collecting and cleaning data, and performing basic web design updates. Additionally, they will research existing AI applications in disaster risk reduction, contribute to concept notes for new AI solutions, and prepare presentations. Proofs of concept for AI solutions will be developed using open data and Python, including building and evaluating simple prototypes like predictive models or geospatial analyses, and documenting methods, results, and lessons learned.
Work Experience
Basic knowledge of disaster risk reduction, climate risk, or early warning systems is required. Hands-on experience with generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) and an interest in applying AI to development challenges are necessary. Experience with Python for data analysis and visualization, data science and machine learning skills, and basic IT/web skills for content updates and dashboard creation are also needed. Familiarity with geospatial data or remote sensing is considered an asset.
Skills
Key skills include data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, and expertise in emergency preparedness and crisis response. Candidates should possess basic digital skills, curiosity about AI, and an interest in disaster risk reduction. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, independent work capability, good communication, and collaboration skills are also important.