Artificial Intelligence in Preventing Violent Extremism (PCVE): New Career Opportunities – Deadline 12 April 2026

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape global systems, its role in security and peacebuilding is becoming increasingly significant. The Project Management Support – Specialist (Digital Technologies Expert) – Retainer position reflects this shift, focusing on how AI can be responsibly leveraged to prevent and counter violent extremism (PCVE).

This role represents a forward-looking opportunity for professionals interested in technology, policy, and global security.

A Strategic Role in AI and Global Security

The position centers on advancing the responsible use of AI within PCVE frameworks. It supports global initiatives aimed at addressing emerging digital threats, including:

• Online radicalization and recruitment
• AI-driven audience manipulation
• Misuse of digital platforms for extremist purposes

By combining technical expertise with policy development, the specialist contributes to shaping safer and more resilient digital ecosystems.

Core Responsibilities and Contributions

The Digital Technologies Expert plays a critical role in bridging research, policy, and practical implementation. The position involves a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting research on AI risks and opportunities in PCVE contexts
• Supporting the development of policy guidance and governance frameworks
• Designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives such as training and workshops
• Producing analytical outputs, including reports and toolkits

Additionally, the role emphasizes translating complex technical insights into accessible recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Key Functional Areas

The position is structured around several operational pillars that guide its impact:

Development and Planning

• Designing research methodologies to assess AI-related risks
• Supporting project alignment with global priorities and donor expectations
• Mapping stakeholders across governments, academia, and the private sector

Project Implementation

• Conducting institutional assessments and readiness diagnostics
• Advising partners on governance, risk management, and AI adoption
• Coordinating multi-stakeholder engagement efforts

Monitoring and Reporting

• Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
• Producing policy briefs and actionable insights
• Supporting donor reporting and internal evaluation processes

Quality Assurance

• Ensuring outputs meet high standards of rigor and relevance
• Applying human rights-based and ethical frameworks
• Integrating principles such as transparency and accountability

Knowledge Sharing

• Developing tools, frameworks, and learning resources
• Facilitating workshops and stakeholder dialogues
• Documenting lessons learned to inform future programming

These functional areas ensure that the specialist contributes to both immediate project goals and long-term strategic development.

Essential Skills and Experience

Candidates for this role must demonstrate a strong combination of technical knowledge and practical experience in both AI and security-related fields.

Required qualifications include:

• Advanced degree in fields such as international relations, political science, or technology policy
• Experience in AI, emerging technologies, or digital governance
• Proven expertise in research design, analysis, and policy-oriented outputs
• Familiarity with counter-terrorism or PCVE frameworks

Desirable competencies:

• Experience advising governments or international organizations
• Ability to design and deliver capacity-building programmes
• Skill in translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Understanding of digital wellbeing and societal impacts of technology

Strong analytical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Ethical AI and Human Rights Considerations

A defining feature of this position is its emphasis on ethical and responsible technology use. Professionals must ensure that AI applications in PCVE contexts adhere to:

• Human rights standards
• Transparency and accountability principles
• Risk mitigation and conflict-sensitive approaches

This ensures that technological interventions do not inadvertently harm the communities they aim to protect.

The Importance of Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

The role requires working with a wide range of partners, including:

• Governments and Member States
• International organizations
• Civil society groups
• Private sector and AI developers

This collaborative approach helps create solutions that are inclusive, practical, and globally relevant.

Career Growth and Global Impact

This consultancy offers a unique pathway for professionals seeking to work at the intersection of AI, policy, and international development. It provides exposure to:

• Global policy discussions on emerging technologies
• Real-world applications of AI in security contexts
• Cross-sector collaboration and innovation

The retainer nature of the contract also allows flexibility while maintaining engagement in high-impact work.

Application Process and Considerations

Interested candidates must apply through the official UNOPS careers platform before the deadline. Important considerations include:

• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed
• Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to assessments
• Background checks are part of the recruitment process

Applicants should also be aware that mandatory training courses may be required prior to engagement.

Final Thoughts

The Project Management Support – Specialist (Digital Technologies Expert) – Retainer role highlights the growing importance of AI in addressing global security challenges. By focusing on ethical, policy-driven, and practical applications of technology, this position enables professionals to play a key role in shaping the future of PCVE efforts.

For individuals with expertise in AI and a passion for global impact, this opportunity offers a meaningful and innovative career path in an increasingly digital world.

APPLY HERE

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.