Pavithra Vijayarajan
Business Analyst and Project Management Consultant, Human Resources Information Technology (HR-IT) Team
Why did you decide on a career at the UN?
Growing up in India, I never imagined that one day I would be working on AI projects at the United Nations. In fact, I started my career in marketing and business, but after moving between countries and taking time to focus on my family, I eventually settled in Bangkok and was drawn to opportunities at the United Nations here. This organization gave me the chance to contribute to meaningful global initiatives and return to my passion for solving problems.
Today, I am part of the HR-IT team that manages the recruitment platform Inspira, and I help shape technology solutions that improve how the UN recruits and supports its global workforce. I enjoy working with both, the technical and business teams, and helping translate ideas into tech tools people use in Inspira.
What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?
It has been special to work on artificial intelligence (AI) projects in Inspira. One of my favorite solutions we have developed is the Technology-Assisted Application Screening Tool.
If you know the scale of UN recruitment, you understand why it matters. For some job openings, hiring teams must review hundreds or even thousands of applications. This AI-powered tool helps recruiters and hiring managers review large applicant pools more efficiently, it improves transparency and consistency. However, the goal is not to make decisions for people. The goal is to give people better tools for more informed decision-making. And that is very important: the Tech Assist Application Screening tool was designed around responsible AI principles and UN values. Every hiring decision remains in human hands.
I have been involved in the project since its early concept in 2023. My role was to connect human resources experts with technology teams. That means listening to users, understanding their challenges and requirements, extensive testing, and training. To say it in simple terms – helping to build a tool that UN teams trust and use.
I truly enjoy seeing an idea evolve from an early concept to a solution that is helping transform recruitment at the UN. It’s wonderful to hear a hiring manager say that this tool saved them hours and helped make unbiased hiring decisions.
What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?
There is no single path into technology. Don't be afraid to take time for family, personal growth, or life's unexpected detours. I would tell women not to count themselves out because they don’t have a traditional IT background. I found my way later in my career. Starting on a tech team at the UN taught me that careers are not always linear and that it's never too late to learn something new. Your experiences and ability to connect with people can become your greatest strength and be as valuable as technical skills.