UNSD Seeks Expert AI Consultant to Boost Official Statistics in African Least Developed Countries | Deadline July 24, 2026 @Unknown

UNSD Job Summary

Job Title: AI Consultant for Official Statistics
Job Location: Home-based (with travel to regional workshop and events)
Closing Date: July 24, 2026
Contract: Part-time consultancy from August 17 to December 31, 2026, with potential extension

Job Summary

UNSD (United Nations Statistics Division) , under the #Data4Now initiative, invites applications for an AI Consultant to support African Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in strengthening their AI readiness for official statistics.

This role focuses on capacity development, responsible AI adoption, and enhancing data-driven policymaking in developing countries.

The consultancy involves developing practical guidance materials, organizing a regional workshop, and collaborating with international partners to advance AI integration within national statistical systems.

Key Responsibilities

Development of Workplan and Materials

• Prepare a detailed activity plan with timelines and key deliverables
• Review existing tools, frameworks, and policies related to AI readiness for official statistics
• Synthesize regional and national AI strategies, laws, and frameworks

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation

• Engage with UN agencies, international partners, civil society, academia, and private sector stakeholders
• Conduct interviews with selected countries to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities
• Gather national experiences and use cases to inform workshop content

Workshop Planning and Facilitation

• Organize and facilitate the regional workshop on AI readiness for official statistics
• Develop workshop materials, presentations, templates, tools, and practical exercises
• Coordinate with partners for inputs, feedback, and logistical arrangements
• Document lessons learned and prepare post-workshop reports

Reporting and Follow-up

• Produce progress reports and final comprehensive reports on activities and outcomes
• Support follow-up activities to promote AI adoption in African LDCs

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics, economics, data science, development studies, or related fields; technology qualifications are advantageous
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, statistics, digital transformation, or data science

• At least 3 years of experience working with national statistical systems, especially in developing countries
• Proven expertise in data governance, data management, and quality frameworks, particularly related to AI or advanced analytics for official statistics

• Experience in capacity development, training, and technical guidance material creation
• Strong understanding of AI challenges and opportunities in the public sector, especially in low-resource settings
• Full command of English; knowledge of French is an advantage

Application Proces

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the UN Careers portal:

Why Join UNSD?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable development goals by enhancing statistical capacity and AI integration in African Least Developed Countries.

The role offers meaningful engagement with global partners and a chance to influence data-driven policy in emerging economies.