Digital Innovation and AI Junior Officer

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Energy, Information technology and telecommunications

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Assignment context

Kazakhstan is advancing the digital transformation of public sector, including the development of digital tools that enable central-level, regional and local authorities to use data more effectively for planning, monitoring and decision-making.

UNDP Kazakhstan is supporting national and regional partners in strengthening data-driven governance and exploring opportunities for the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration. One important area of work is the further development of the Akim’s Digital Cabinet, a digital decision-support system designed to provide decision-makers with integrated information and analytical tools.

The UN Volunteer will support UNDP’s broader work on AI and digital transformation. This will include contributing to the identification and development of AI use cases, supporting the exploration of AI applications within the Akim’s Digital Cabinet and other UNDP initiatives, and assisting with the development of new AI-driven project concepts and resource mobilization opportunities.

The UN Volunteer will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and interact with UNDP colleagues, government counterparts, technical specialists and other partners. The assignment provides an opportunity to gain practical experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital government and sustainable development while contributing to an innovative public-sector digital transformation initiative.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Energy and Environment Unit, and in close collaboration with relevant UNDP programme and project teams, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Support the identification and assessment of opportunities for applying AI and data analytics across UNDP programmes and initiatives, including the Akim’s Digital Cabinet;
• Assist in identifying and documenting practical AI use cases for public administration, planning, monitoring, forecasting and evidence-based decision-making;
• Contribute to the review and analysis of available data and support the development and testing of AI-enabled prototypes and analytical solutions;
• Support research and benchmarking of international practices, emerging AI technologies and their potential application to development challenges in Kazakhstan;
• Contribute to the responsible application of AI, including consideration of data quality, transparency, privacy, security, human oversight and potential algorithmic bias;
• Participate in consultations and technical discussions with government counterparts, UNDP teams, technical specialists, development partners and other stakeholders;
• Support the identification of resource mobilization opportunities for AI-driven initiatives, including relevant donors, funding mechanisms, partnerships and calls for proposals;
• Contribute to the preparation of AI-related project concepts, concept notes, proposals, presentations and other materials for engagement with potential development partners and donors;
• Assist in documenting functional requirements, use cases, testing results, lessons learned and recommendations for AI-enabled initiatives;
• Support knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities on AI, emerging technologies and digital transformation;
• Contribute to other related AI and digital transformation activities as required.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:
• Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data science, data analytics, digital transformation, or related emerging technologies;
• Application of AI and/or data-driven approaches to practical problems through academic projects, internships, research, volunteering, or professional experience;
• Project development, innovation, research, partnerships, and/or resource mobilization, including preparation of project concepts or proposals;
• Digital government, GovTech, public-sector innovation, or application of technology to sustainable development;
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geospatial data analysis, and/or remote sensing would be an asset;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (e.g., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
• Basic understanding of AI, machine learning, generative AI, and contemporary digital technologies;
• Data analysis and, preferably, basic programming skills using Python or other relevant tools;
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify and assess emerging technologies and potential funding opportunities;
• Ability to contribute to the development of project concepts, proposals, and presentation materials;
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences;
• Good written communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills;
• Strong willingness to learn and ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Creativity
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Knowledge Sharing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

The UN Volunteer will be based in Astana, Kazakhstan. Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan.
The city lies on the banks of the Ishim River in the north-central part of Kazakhstan, within the Akmola Region, though administered as a city with special status separately from the rest of the region. Astana is the second-largest city in the country, after Almaty. Astana is a safe town, but the usual precautions should still exercise. Medical services: No special vaccination is required to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan. Medical services (including dental care) are provided at European standards. Clinics working 24 hours are available in the city. There are both private and state clinics and hospitals.

Astana is a modern and well-developed capital city offering a safe and comfortable living environment, with good access to housing, public transportation, healthcare, shopping, restaurants and other essential services. The city has a continental climate, with warm summers and long, cold winters, during which temperatures can fall significantly below freezing. Astana is well connected internationally and offers a multicultural environment with a growing international community. Russian and Kazakh are widely spoken, while English is increasingly used in international organizations, businesses and services

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.