Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the supervision of the UNOPS Project Manager and in close collaboration with the IAH, the AI Engineer will perform the following key functions:

AI Agent Development & Orchestration

• Implement custom retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines with vector search, document intelligence, and function calling
• Develop agentic AI systems with multi-step reasoning and dynamic response generation using Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Maintain orchestrator routing logic, resolve agent coordination issues, and ensure proper response aggregation
• Implement thread/run execution patterns for conversational AI with memory management

Enterprise Integration & Data Architecture

• Engineer secure integrations between AI systems, OHCHR's Data Foundation (Fabric/OneLake), APIs, and application layers
• Build AI-driven querying capabilities and interactive data visualizations for Data as a Service
• Develop and maintain APIs, microservices, and frontend code (JavaScript/React/Next.js)
• Ensure compliance with UN Data Architecture standards (medallion lakehouse, data quality frameworks)

AI Testing, Security & Compliance

• Perform evaluation, testing, and benchmarking of AI models across providers (Azure/OpenAI, Google, AWS, open-source)
• Manage red teaming, validation pipelines, and bias detection/mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with the UN Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) and Data Protection Officer on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), personally identifiable information (PII) detection, and data classification mechanisms
• Integrate information security controls and participate in audits following OICT Technical Procedures

Operational Excellence & Knowledge Transfer

• Maintain technical documentation (architecture diagrams, API specs, deployment procedures, troubleshooting guides)
• Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting for system health and performance optimization
• Design and execute testing strategies (unit, integration, AI model validation)
• Provide technical guidance to team members and contractors; support capacity building for OHCHR staff

Skills

Artificial Intelligence, JavaScript, Microsoft Azure, Python, Software Development, Solution Architecture

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in computer science, information systems, data science, AI/ML, engineering, mathematics, or in a field related to the post description, with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent), preferably in computer science, information systems, data science, AI/ML, engineering, mathematics or in a field related to the post description, with seven (7) years of relevant experience, is desirable