Submit your job application for the position of Project Management Office (PMO) – Specialist   at  UNOPS. Apply early 2026-09-01

Experience: 10 Years

Job Description
Under UNOPS supervision, the incumbent will support thought leadership and practical innovation on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in PCVE, shaping global policy, strengthening institutional readiness, and supporting safer digital ecosystems. This position supports the implementation of UNOCT/UNCCT's Global PCVE Programme, specifically under its Emerging Threats and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Portfolio of activities. The role contributes to advancing UNOCT's work on digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems in PCVE, with a focus on: * understanding the opportunities, risks and challenges associated with emerging technologies and digital ecosystems in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism; * analysing how digital harms, including online exploitation, manipulation, evolving radicalization to violence pathways, and the misuse of emerging technologies, may influence terrorism and violent extremism, as it relates to PCVE; *supporting the development of evidence-based policy guidance, practical tools and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Member States' ability to prevent and respond to evolving digital threats while promoting responsible, rights-based and context-sensitive approaches. The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist - Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert (Retainer) will support the development of applied research, policy guidance, technical resources, capacity-building initiatives and knowledge products relating to digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems within the context of preventing and countering violent extremism.

The United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. UNOCT has five mandated functions: (1) Provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system; (2) Enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; (3) Strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (4) Improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (5) Ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist - Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert (Retainer) will provide substantive technical expertise and programme support to design, implement, and translate research, policy, and capacity-building activities relating to digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems within the context of preventing and countering violent extremism.

Depending on programme requirements, assignments may support one or more of the following thematic areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), gaming ecosystems, online platforms, digital communities and other emerging technologies relevant to PCVE.

The role may support any of the following:

* Evidence generation, including research, stakeholder consultations, data collection and analysis, and the development of analytical reports on the opportunities, risks and challenges associated with AI, gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies in the context of PCVE.

* Programme delivery, including the design and delivery of technical workshops, trainings, expert consultations, stakeholder dialogues and other capacity-building and visibility initiatives.

* Policy and knowledge development, including the preparation of policy guidance, recommendations, technical guidance, toolkits, training curricula and other knowledge products to support evidence-based policy and practice.

The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist - Digital Harms and Emerging Technologies Expert (Retainer) will ensure that all outputs are methodologically rigorous, operationally relevant, and aligned with international human rights standards and UNOCT priorities, while promoting responsible, rights-based and context-sensitive approaches to addressing digital harms associated with AI, gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies.

Expected functions may include the following:

1. Development and Planning

Provide technical input into the design and implementation of activities related to digital harms, emerging technologies and digital ecosystems in PCVE, ensuring alignment with project objectives, donor requirements, and UNOCT priorities.
Develop research frameworks and methodologies to assess the risks, opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence (AI), gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism.
Design and deliver targeted capacity-building activities, technical briefings and learning initiatives to strengthen Member States' and practitioners' understanding of emerging digital threats and opportunities.
Support PCVE-relevant stakeholder mapping across governments, academia, civil society, international organizations and private sector actors, including technology companies, AI developers, gaming stakeholders and online platforms.
2. Project Set-Up and Closure

Design and implement research activities, technical assessments, consultations and other project activities to inform evidence-based programming and tailored technical support.
Provide technical advisory support to partner institutions, including the development of policy recommendations, technical guidance, training materials, toolkits and other knowledge products relating to digital harms, AI, gaming ecosystems and other emerging technologies.
Facilitate coordination with stakeholders, including Member States, international organizations, civil society, academia, technology companies and other relevant partners.
Support the development and delivery of project activities, including expert consultations, workshops, stakeholder dialogues, training programmes and other capacity-building initiatives.
3. Monitoring and Reporting

Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of data collected through research, consultations and project implementation activities.
Produce high-quality analytical outputs, including policy reports, policy briefs, guidance documents, recommendations and presentations.
Translate technical and policy insights into practical, user-oriented recommendations and tools for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders.
Support reporting to donors and internal stakeholders, ensuring outputs are accurate, results-oriented and aligned with project frameworks.
4. Quality Assurance

Ensure that all outputs meet high standards of analytical rigor, methodological soundness, and policy relevance.
Apply human rights-based, gender-responsive, and conflict-sensitive approaches across all activities and deliverables.
Integrate principles of responsible technology use, including considerations related to transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation.
Review and refine project outputs to ensure clarity, usability, and alignment with UN standards and best practices.
5. Knowledge Building and Sharing

Contribute to the development of knowledge products and practical tools (e.g. assessments, guidance frameworks, toolkits) to support institutional capacity and decision-making.
Support the design and delivery of trainings, workshops, and learning initiatives to strengthen stakeholder capacity, including on governance, risk management, and responsible technology use.
Facilitate knowledge exchange through stakeholder dialogues, policy discussions, and participation in relevant global or regional forums.
Document lessons learned and emerging practices to inform future programming, policy development, and scaling efforts.