Overview
The Technical Program Officer will support UN Global Pulse Finland’s data innovation portfolio, focusing on data and AI products for humanitarian and development use. The role involves planning and implementing data collection, integration, and analysis to generate insights and develop prototypes that inform decision-making.
Tasks Summary
- Define project scope, develop roadmaps, and translate business requirements into technical tasks for AI projects.
- Drive AI project development lifecycle, manage dependencies, track progress, and oversee deployment.
- Identify, analyze, and mitigate technical and operational risks.
- Coordinate external surge-capacity partners and ensure technical inputs align with project needs and standards.
- Support the design and implementation of data pipelines and systems, including data ingestion, cleaning, integration, and transformation.
- Train ML models, deploy ML models, and implement model monitoring systems.
- Support the UN Global Pulse Accelerator Programme by strengthening piloted innovations.
- Conduct research and analysis on emerging data science and AI trends.
- Contribute analytical input to Accelerator's portfolio selection.
- Support strategic partnerships by advising on technical feasibility.
- Translate emerging AI/data trends into practical implications for UNGP's portfolio.
- Develop knowledge products, technical briefs, dashboards, and visualizations.
- Advance knowledge integration and capacity building by developing guidance and documenting best practices.
- Contribute to community-building efforts within innovation ecosystems.
- Supervise and coordinate junior personnel, consultants, and surge capacity support teams.
Experience Requirements
- 2 years of relevant experience with an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related field.
- 4 years of relevant experience with a first-level university degree preferably in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related field.
- Relevant experience in one or more of the following: applied data science, applied analytics, AI product development, AI engineering, business intelligence.
- Proficiency in Python is required.
- Hands-on experience applying data science and machine learning methods to support decision-making, product development, or operational innovation is required.
- Hands-on experience in developing data visualizations or analytical outputs using modern open-source or code-based tools is required.
- Experience in partnership coordination and stakeholder management.
- Experience in the applied use of AI, digital and data expertise in humanitarian and development contexts.
- Experience with project management methodologies for software development (i.e. Agile, Scrum).
- Understanding of responsible AI/data governance in a UN or international development context is desired.
- Understanding of UX development, design thinking, user interviews, user testing is an asset.
- Understanding of transitioning digital, data and AI innovation pilots to scale is desired.
- Experience using version control tools such as Git for collaborative development is an asset.
- Knowledge of Databases and SQL is desired.
- Experience building prototypes, MVPs, or data products for real-world deployment is an asset.
- Experience with modern machine learning engineering workflows and tools is desired.
- Experience applying specialized analytical or AI techniques within real-world operational or humanitarian/development contexts is desired.
Qualification Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related field.
- First-level university degree preferably in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related field.
