UNDP Online Volunteer Opportunity 2026 UNV

UNDP Online Volunteer Opportunity 2026: AI, Data Science and Disaster Risk Reduction (2 Positions)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting two Online Volunteers to support its Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team (DRT), based in Geneva, Switzerland.

This opportunity is suitable for graduates and individuals with basic digital skills, knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), Python programming, data science and an interest in disaster risk reduction, climate risk and early warning systems.

Selected volunteers will gain practical experience applying AI and digital tools to real-world development challenges while collaborating with UNDP’s global team.

Opportunity Overview

Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Position: Online Volunteer – AI and Digital Tools for Disaster Risk Reduction
Number of Volunteers: 2
Location: Fully Remote (Online)
Duty Station/Team: Geneva, Switzerland
Task Type: Digital Tool and Software Coaching
Field: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning
Duration: Not specified in the supplied details
Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied details

About the Opportunity

UNDP’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team is exploring how artificial intelligence and data tools can improve disaster preparedness, early warning and risk intelligence.

The volunteers will support the integration of AI features into existing UNDP digital products, contribute to interactive dashboards, conduct research on AI applications and develop simple prototypes to test potential solutions.

The work will contribute to UNDP’s Preparedness Toolkit and Preparedness Learning Pathway, which help countries strengthen their ability to anticipate, prepare for and manage risks and crises.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI Integration and Digital Products

Support the integration of AI features into the UNDP Preparedness Toolkit and Learning Pathway.
Help prepare, organise and tag existing content for use with AI tools.
Test AI features such as virtual assistants, AI-assisted search and automated content summaries.
Document technical issues and recommend improvements.

2. Interactive Dashboards

Support the development of interactive dashboards using Power BI or similar tools.
Collect, clean and organise data for dashboard development.
Assist with basic website updates and online presentation of digital products.

3. Research and Concept Development

Research existing AI applications in disaster risk reduction, early warning and preparedness.
Identify relevant good practices for UNDP programmes.
Help prepare concept notes outlining proposed AI solutions, data requirements, intended users, potential risks and ethical considerations.
Prepare presentations to communicate research findings.

4. Proofs of Concept

Develop simple prototypes using open data and Python-based tools.
Test solutions such as predictive models, document analysis tools and geospatial analyses.
Evaluate prototype performance and document findings, limitations and lessons learned.
Present results to support decisions on potential future implementation.

Eligibility Requirements

Interested applicants should possess:

Basic knowledge of disaster risk reduction, climate risk or early warning systems.
Practical experience using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini or Claude.
Python programming experience, including libraries such as pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, seaborn and Plotly.
Knowledge of data science and machine learning, including data cleaning, analysis, predictive modelling, classification and model evaluation.
Familiarity with tools such as scikit-learn, XGBoost, PyTorch or TensorFlow.
Basic IT and web development skills, including WordPress, HTML or dashboard tools such as Power BI, Looker Studio and Streamlit.
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Good communication and teamwork skills.

Additional Advantage: Knowledge of geospatial data or remote sensing tools such as GeoPandas, rasterio, QGIS or Google Earth Engine.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following or a related discipline:

Computer Science
Data Science
Statistics
Information Technology
Software Engineering
Geoinformatics/GIS
Environmental Science
Disaster Risk Management

Benefits of the Opportunity

Successful volunteers will:

Gain hands-on experience applying AI to disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
Collaborate with UNDP’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team.
Learn about UNDP’s work on disaster preparedness and early warning.
Receive feedback on their collaboration and quality of work.
Receive a certificate of appreciation upon successful completion of the assignment.
Receive credit for their support where applicable.

Apply to the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official UN Volunteers opportunity page, review the complete assignment details and submit their applications through the platform.

Application Link

Application Deadline: Check the official opportunity page for the closing date and current application status.