UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to peace 

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT:

The partner research and due diligence (DD) function, managed for the organization by the Partnership Advisory Support Services (PASS) team in the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP), aims to support UNICEF’s effective engagement with business and private philanthropy entities. Recognizing that AI presents a unique opportunity for the PASS team at PFP to enhance due diligence research and processes, the PASS team is looking for a Data Engineering Consultant with experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine-Learning Operations (MLOps) for the PASS AI Project to explore ways to utilize AI in our due diligence process.

The PASS AI Deal Project (Artificial Intelligence For Due Diligence Excellence, Acceleration & Learning Project) aims to explore and pilot the use and integration of best-suited AI technologies in the DD process. It will increase operational efficiency and enable UNICEF to make timely, evidence-based, data-driven, and risk-informed decisions. By automating data ingestion, processing, analysis, monitoring, and reporting, the tool will ensure thorough profiling of entities, flagging violations (e.g., gambling, coal extraction), and identifying adverse media or sustainability risks.

Key steps include AI-driven entity resolution, multilingual Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Application Program Interface (API) integration for adverse media detection, predictive analytics for risk benchmarking, and real-time alerts via API polling and social media monitoring. Using cost-efficient tools like open-source APIs, free chatbots in accordance to UNICEF’s internal guidelines, and RPA for document consolidation, the framework minimizes costs while maintaining accuracy through human-in-the-loop validation. This scalable, auditable solution empowers DD analysts in the team with narrative summaries and actionable insights, reducing manual effort and enhancing decision-making for regulatory compliance and risk management.

Under the direct supervision of the Corporate Research Specialist, PFP-Partnerships Advisory and Support Services Section (PFP-PASS), and working closely with the rest of the PASS AI DEAL project team, the incumbent will design, develop, prototype, pilot, and deploy this AI-driven DD system, evaluate its technical feasibility, and develop a roadmap for full-scale implementation, including UNISON/Salesforce integration. The project aligns with our commitment to cost-efficiency, compliance (e.g. internal UNICEF guidelines on the use of AI, legal scraping), and scalability.

The overall objectives of the assignment will include the following:

• Explore AI technologies and applications such as NLP, ML, and RPA for the DD process.
• Design an AI-integrated DD workflow with the best-suited AI technologies, with an evaluation on the technical feasibility and infrastructure requirements of the proposed solution.
• Develop a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and prototype based on the PASS AI DEAL framework, automating entity resolution, adverse media ingestion, risk analysis, report consolidation and real-time monitoring.
• Conduct a pilot of the prototype and evaluate its effectiveness.
• Create a roadmap and implementation plan for full-scale deployment, including integration with UNISON (Salesforce CRM used by UNICEF).
• Train PASS team analysts and provide documentation for system maintenance.

How can you make a difference? 

SCOPE OF WORK:

The consultant will:

Phase 1: Discovery & Design

• Deliver regular progress reports and engage relevant stakeholders (DD analysts, IT, and UNISON team) throughout the project.
• Assess the technical feasibility and infrastructure needs, prioritizing open-source and low-cost tools.
• Design, prototype, and pilot the solution, integrating with UNISON (e.g., via APIs, data pipelines).
• Organize user-requirements sessions to obtain user feedback to co-design pilot.
• Liaise and interact with key infrastructure stakeholders, UNICEF IT (PFP IT and ICTD) specialists, to ensure design is in line with organizational policy and standards.
• Draft the AI solution architecture document outlining system components and data flow.
• Assess infrastructure needs, including cloud/on-prem options and UNISON compatibility.

Phase 2: Data Engineering & Ingestion

• Create a data flow diagram showing ingestion, processing, and output stages.
• Compare and evaluate NLP, ML, RPA, and API tools for feasibility and cost-efficiency.
• Design and develop the AI solution as per the PASS AI DEAL framework (Appendix), covering six stages:

1. Raw Data Search and Ingestion.

2. Data Processing and Consolidation.

3. Risk Profile Analysis.

4. Consolidation into Working Document for DD Analysts.

5. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts.

6. Model Improvement and Quality Assurance.

• Build data ingestion pipelines for structured and unstructured sources.
• Develop API integration modules for adverse media and sustainability databases.
• Implement AI-driven entity resolution to consolidate profiles across sources.

Phase 3: ML/NLP Model Development

• Train and validate ML/NLP models for controversy detection and sentiment analysis.
• Document model performance metrics, including precision, recall, and coherence.

Phase 4: Prototype Development 

• Build a functional prototype for users to test, and integrate user-feedback in UAT/Dev environment for potential production preparation.
• Prepare technical documentation and conduct a live demo for stakeholders.

Phase 5: Pilot Implementation

• Deploy the prototype with 10–20 entities using real or simulated data.
• Collect feedback from DD analysts on usability, accuracy, and relevance.
• Analyze pilot results and compile a performance evaluation report.

Phase 6: Training & Handover

• Train DD analysts on system use and provide maintenance documentation.
• Deliver a user guide, documentation, and maintenance manual for analysts and IT teams.
• Conduct a virtual training session and webinars for UNICEF staff.
• Submit a final handover report summarizing deliverables and recommendations.
• Develop a roadmap for full-scale/production implementation and UNISON/Salesforce integration.

Resources Provided:

• Access to internal DD database and UNISON specifications.
• DD analyst team for feedback and testing.
• Sample DD data for prototyping/piloting (if available).

Note: During the consultancy assignment, certain technical and operational costs, including API and software licenses, may be required. The consultant will be responsible for managing any necessary licenses (e.g., for adverse media and sustainability databases such as RepRisk, Sustainalytics, etc.) and other operational inputs essential for the delivery of the assignment. All such costs must be included into the consultant’s lump-sum quotation, as no additional funding will be provided by UNICEF for the technical or prototype development-related expenses.

WORK ASSIGNMENTS:

AI Solution PoC Design and Feasibility Assessment

• A design specifying AI technologies (NLP, ML, RPA) with an evaluation of technical feasibility and infrastructure needs, to define the PoC’s AI components and ensure viability. The design should cover all 6 stages outlined in the PASS AI Deal Framework (Appendix).

Prototype Development

• A working prototype implementing functionality for Stages 1–6, automating entity resolution, media ingestion, risk analysis, report consolidation, and monitoring.

Pilot Implementation and Evaluation Report

• A small-scale pilot of the prototype with PASS DD analysts, followed by an evaluation of its effectiveness:

*  Trained ML/NLP models with key DD language.

*  Model performance report.

*  Deploy prototype with 10–20 entities (real or simulated data).

*  Collect feedback from DD analysts on usability, accuracy, and outputs (e.g., risk summaries, reports).

*  Evaluate performance (e.g., precision for flagging, summary coherence).

*  Identify challenges (e.g., API reliability) and recommendations for scaling.

Roadmap and Implementation Plan

• A strategic roadmap and plan for scaling the Prototype to full implementation, including UNISON integration, with a cost-benefit analysis

Documentation and Training

• Documentation for the PoC and prototype, as well as training for PASS team analysts to ensure prototype usability and adoption, including the following

*  User guide for prototype operation and feedback submission.

*  One virtual training session (1–2 hours) for DD analysts.

*  Basic maintenance notes (e.g., updating APIs).

*  Technical maintenance notes for UNICEF IT Specialists.

DELIVERABLES:

The consultant will submit monthly deliverables throughout the contract period and payments will be processed at the end of each month, upon acceptance of deliverables by the supervisor.

Deliverable 1: by 15 January 2026

1.1.  AI Solution design in a Word document.

1.2.  Documentation of the tools comparison and selection.

1.3.  Diagram of data structure and AI solution architecture.

1.4.  Feasibility of AI technologies (e.g., NLP, ML, RPA) for the DD/PASS workflow.

1.5.  Infrastructure needs (e.g., cloud platforms, on-premises servers).

1.6.  UNISON/Salesforce integration feasibility (e.g., API compatibility, security).

1.7.  Scalability and maintenance considerations.

1.8.  Cost estimates, prioritizing open-source tools (e.g., OpenSanctions, Scrapy).

1.9.  User requirements sessions documentations.

Deliverable 2: by 15 March 2026

2.1.  Data Flow Diagram (DfD) with UNICEF IT infrastructure integration.

2.2.  API integration modules and pipelines.

2.3.  Software: Functional prototype (e.g., Python/Docker).

2.4.  Test Report:

2.4.1.  Validation results for data accuracy and integration.

2.4.2.  Accuracy metrics (e.g., precision/recall).

2.4.3.  Metrics for summary coherence and prediction accuracy.

2.4.4.  Metrics for alert timeliness and relevance.

2.5.  Documentation: Technical specs, user guide.

2.6.  Integration of user feedback (UAT) into application (iterative integration).

2.7.  Demonstration: Live demo for stakeholders.

Deliverable 3: by 15 June 2026

3.1.  Pilot: Deployed prototype with real/simulated data.

3.2.  Evaluation Report: Metrics (e.g., precision/recall), analyst feedback, UNISON/Salesforce integration performance, challenges, and recommendations.

3.3.  Presentation (PowerPoint) for the PASS team.

Deliverable 4:  by 15 July 2026

4.1.  UNISON/Salesforce integration plan details.

4.2.  Cost-Benefit Analysis and Tool Evaluation of full integration, evaluating tool cost-effectiveness and performance.

4.3.  Roadmap: Short-term (0–6 months), medium-term (6–12 months), long-term (12–24 months).

4.4.  Implementation Plan: Development, UNISON integration, infrastructure, training, and maintenance.

4.5.  Presentation (PowerPoint) for stakeholders (e.g. workshop or webinar).

Deliverable 5:  by 15 August 2026

5.1.  Document (PDF/Word): User guide, maintenance notes.

5.2.  Recorded UAT/user feedback sessions and/or documentation with their user requirements.

5.3.  Model documentation.

5.4.  Training session (via Zoom) with recorded video.

5.5.  Maintenance Guide: System maintenance and troubleshooting.

5.6.  Handover Report: Summary of deliverables and recommendations.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one of the following fields is required: Computer Science, Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a social-science quantitative-related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in data engineering, AI/ML development, and system integration is required.
• Demonstrated experience in MLOps, including model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management is required.
• Proven track record in API integration, data pipelines, and cloud-based solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is required.
• Experience working with international organizations or large-scale projects is an asset.
• Strong proficiency in Python and AI/ML frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, XGBoost) is required.
• Expertise in NLP tools (e.g., spaCy), web scraping (e.g., Scrapy), and RPA frameworks (e.g., Robot Framework) is an asset.
• Familiarity with open-source and cost-efficient tools (e.g., OpenSanctions, OCCRP Aleph) is required.
• Project Management Strong skills in planning and delivering within budget and timeline is required.
• Strong communication skills and ability and experience to present technical concepts to the larger team and train Due Diligence analysts is required.
• Knowledge of system integration (e.g., Salesforce/UNISON APIs) and containerization (e.g., Docker) is an asset.
• Understanding of GDPR and legal compliance for data processing is required.

Language:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required to interact with DD, IT infrastructure and end-users. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Others:

Required:

• Ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities, and risks and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.
• Attention to detail and track record of delivering against objectives.
• Ability to work remotely with alignment to the Geneva time zone.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to capture key points and actions in succinct formats for a variety of audiences.

Assets:

• Understanding corporate engagement dimensions within or outside of UNICEF.
• Understanding of non-profit management and the UN system.

Remarks:

• The application should include a cover letter and a proposal, which includes the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, proposed approach to meet deliverables, detailed timeline and cost estimate, and examples of similar projects completed.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

Remarks:  

Please indicate your all-inclusive (lump sum) fees against the deliverables listed above, including all associated administrative and travel costs (if applicable), in the cover letter. The office selects the individual based on best value for money.

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.