Call for Applications: UNOPS Hiring Digital Harms & Emerging Technologies Expert Consultant to Advance AI, Digital Safety and Global Policy Solutions | Apply by 12 August 2026
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking an experienced Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist – Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert to support global efforts focused on artificial intelligence, digital safety, emerging technologies, and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).
This exciting consultancy opportunity is designed for professionals who have experience working at the intersection of technology, research, policy development, digital ecosystems, and international development. The selected consultant will contribute to innovative solutions that help governments, institutions, and communities better understand and respond to digital risks while promoting responsible and rights-based technology use.
The role will support the implementation of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Global PCVE Programme, particularly activities related to emerging threats, online harms, and the evolving relationship between technology and violent extremism prevention.
About the UNOPS Consultancy Opportunity
As digital technologies continue to transform how people communicate, learn, and interact, new challenges have emerged around online manipulation, exploitation, misinformation, and harmful digital activities.
Through this consultancy, UNOPS is looking for a specialist who can help develop practical research, policy guidance, and capacity-building initiatives that address these challenges.
The consultant will provide technical expertise on topics such as:
- Artificial intelligence and its impact on digital ecosystems
- Online platforms and digital communities
- Gaming environments and emerging technology spaces
- Digital harms and online exploitation
- Technology-related risks linked to violent extremism
- Responsible and ethical technology approaches
This position provides an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to global conversations about how technology can be used safely while protecting human rights and supporting communities.
Key Responsibilities of the Digital Technologies Expert
The selected consultant will support a range of activities depending on programme needs.
Research and Evidence Development
A major responsibility will involve conducting research and generating evidence on emerging digital challenges.
The consultant will contribute to:
- Research design and analysis
- Stakeholder consultations
- Data collection and interpretation
- Development of analytical reports
- Creation of evidence-based recommendations
The research will help improve understanding of how artificial intelligence, online platforms, and other technologies influence digital risks and opportunities.
Policy Development and Knowledge Products
The consultant will also support the creation of practical resources that can guide decision-makers and practitioners.
Expected outputs may include:
- Policy guidance documents
- Technical recommendations
- Toolkits
- Training materials
- Research publications
- Knowledge products for global audiences
These resources will support governments and organisations in developing effective approaches to digital safety and prevention programming.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
Another important part of the role involves supporting learning and knowledge-sharing activities.
The consultant may contribute to:
- Expert workshops
- Training sessions
- Stakeholder dialogues
- Technical consultations
- Programme learning activities
The goal is to strengthen institutional capacity and help partners respond effectively to evolving digital challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This consultancy is suitable for professionals with strong expertise in technology, policy, research, or digital security fields.
Applicants should have experience in areas such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Digital harms and online safety
- Digital ecosystems
- Trust and safety
- Online investigations or OSINT
- Emerging technologies
- Counter-terrorism or PCVE programming
- Policy research and analysis
Candidates should also demonstrate experience producing high-quality reports, policy guidance, technical resources, or research outputs.
Experience working with international organisations, governments, civil society organisations, or technology companies will be an advantage.
Important Skills and Qualifications
Successful candidates should have strong analytical and communication abilities, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to different audiences.
Key skills include:
- Strong research and writing abilities
- Knowledge of responsible AI and technology governance
- Experience designing technical assistance programmes
- Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- Understanding of human rights-based approaches
- Excellent English communication skills
Experience delivering training or developing learning materials will also be valuable.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Technology continues to shape the future of societies around the world. While digital innovation creates opportunities for connection and progress, it also brings new challenges that require informed and responsible solutions.
This UNOPS consultancy offers professionals the chance to contribute to meaningful global work by supporting safer digital environments, strengthening policy responses, and helping organisations understand the changing technology landscape.
The successful consultant will play an important role in connecting research, innovation, and practical solutions to address emerging digital challenges.
How to Apply
Interested professionals are encouraged to review the full vacancy details and submit their applications through the official UNOPS careers platform.
Organisation: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Position: PMO Specialist – Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert (Retainer)
Contract Type: Consultancy
Application Deadline: 12 August 2026
This opportunity is ideal for technology specialists, researchers, policy experts, and digital innovation professionals looking to contribute their expertise to global initiatives focused on responsible technology, digital safety, and international development.
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