2026 UN Consultant Opportunity: AI and Data Readiness Specialist Supporting African Least Developed Countries

Introduction

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is seeking a Consultant – AI and Data Readiness to support initiatives focused on strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, data governance, and official statistics systems in African Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

This consultancy provides an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to global digital transformation efforts by developing practical tools, research materials, and workshop resources that help countries improve their readiness for responsible AI adoption in official statistics.

The position is a consultancy opportunity based in New York, with a focus on international collaboration, research, policy development, and capacity building.

About the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs works to support countries in achieving sustainable development goals through research, policy support, data analysis, and international cooperation.

Through this consultancy, the UN aims to help strengthen national statistical systems by exploring how artificial intelligence can improve data collection, analysis, and decision-making while ensuring responsible governance.

About the Consultant Role

The Consultant – AI and Data Readiness will support the development of resources and activities related to AI preparedness for official statistics.

The successful consultant will work with:

• UN project teams
• Government representatives
• National statistical offices
• Regional partners
• Development stakeholders

The role will focus on understanding existing AI readiness practices, identifying opportunities and challenges, and developing practical resources tailored to African LDC contexts.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will contribute to research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and workshop preparation.

Key duties include:

• Developing a detailed work plan with objectives, outputs, and timelines.
• Reviewing existing AI readiness tools, policies, and frameworks.
• Preparing synthesis reports on AI applications in official statistics.
• Engaging with countries and partners to identify AI use cases.
• Supporting the organization of regional workshops.
• Developing training materials, presentations, templates, and practical exercises.
• Creating country roadmap templates for AI readiness.
• Preparing reports documenting outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Support AI Readiness in Official Statistics

A major focus of this consultancy is helping countries understand how AI can support stronger statistical systems.

The consultant will explore areas such as:

• Data governance frameworks.
• Digital transformation strategies.
• Responsible AI adoption.
• Statistical innovation.
• Technology-based solutions for national data systems.

The work will help countries identify practical ways to use AI while addressing challenges related to capacity, policy, and implementation.

Develop Practical Learning Materials

The consultant will design resources to support government officials and statistical professionals.

Expected materials include:

• Workshop presentations.
• Training templates.
• Practical exercises.
• Facilitation guides.
• Participant resources.
• AI readiness roadmap templates.

These resources will be designed to be accessible, practical, and relevant to African LDC environments.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

The role requires strong communication and collaboration skills.

The consultant will engage with:

• National governments.
• International organizations.
• Regional institutions.
• Development partners.

Successful candidates must be able to communicate complex AI and data concepts clearly while building productive relationships with different stakeholders.

Expected Deliverables

The consultancy will produce several outputs throughout the assignment period, including:

August 2026

• Detailed work plan with key outputs and targets.

September 2026

• Synthesis report on AI readiness materials and frameworks.
• Regional workshop agenda.
• Progress report on country and partner engagements.

October 2026

• Draft workshop materials including presentations, tools, templates, and exercises.

November 2026

• Final workshop materials and updated guidance resources.

December 2026

• Post-workshop report.
• Final consultancy report highlighting achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Skills and Experience Required

The ideal candidate should have experience in areas related to:

• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
• Data governance.
• Statistics and data systems.
• Research and policy analysis.
• Capacity building and training development.
• International development projects.

Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate with international stakeholders.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop clear, practical, and user-friendly technical resources.

Why Apply?

This UN consultancy offers professionals the opportunity to contribute to the future of digital transformation and responsible AI adoption in developing countries.

Benefits include:

• Work with a United Nations department.
• Contribute to AI and data innovation initiatives.
• Support governments in strengthening statistical systems.
• Gain international consulting experience.
• Influence responsible technology adoption in Africa.
• Collaborate with global experts and institutions.

For professionals working in AI, data science, statistics, digital policy, or international development, this role offers a chance to contribute to meaningful global transformation.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 24 July 2026

Interested candidates should apply through the official United Nations Careers portal and ensure their application highlights relevant experience in AI readiness, data systems, research, and international development.

APPLY HERE

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