Consultant on Artificial Intelligence (CI/KSD/ICT)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 06-JAN-2020

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the guidance of the Chief of Section for ICTs in Education, Science and Culture, and in cooperation with Programme Specialists, the Consultant will work towards achievement of UNESCO’s objective to address challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in knowledge societies, along the 40 C/5 Programme and Budget, related Expected Results and Performance Indicators.

The consultant will work to develop and organize awareness-raising activities and support capacity enhancement in the area of AI as decided and emphasized during UNESCO’s 40th session of the General Conference.

Contribute to develop an overall strategy and project proposals relating to UNESCO’s AI -clearinghouse, -policy and -capacity building work, including by streamlining existing proposals in line with UNESCO’s RBM framework and the global strategic priorities gender and Africa;

For above activities, conduct research and analysis on the implications of AI in UNESCO’s field of competence and particularly in areas within the mandate of the Communication and Information Sector (CI).

Contribute to draft a policy guideline for AI to address digital and knowledge divides.

Organize/ contribute to awareness raising and capacity development activities on AI for Africa and developing countries and develop relevant outcome documents.

Undertake, under the guidance of the Chief of Section, outreach and partnership building work, including by developing fundraising and grant proposals for UNESCO’s AI related programme activities.

Prepare inputs and develop concept notes and new formats for the organization of AI Conferences in 2020.

Write high quality speeches, presentations and reports on research and analysis of developments concerning AI in education, science, culture, information ethics and gender in technology for enhancing UNESCO’s international positioning at international meetings;

Provide substantial input to the UNESCO Recommendation on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence process.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) or equivalent professional qualifications in public policy, science and technology, law, or relevant fields.

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in research and analysis, at the national and international level with knowledge of developing country context;

Good understanding of « emerging » technologies (AI, IoT, big data, quantum computing etc.), and related ethical, legal and social implications;

Experience in project/programme management, preferably at internat. level

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Language skills

Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English;

Competencies and skills

Excellent analytical and drafting skills;

Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and able to exchange information on complex issues;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural environment with external and internal partners;

Excellent organization and planning skills, including the ability to organize own work priorities and deadlines. Discretion and maturity of judgement are required;

Ability to work under pressure;

Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software such as Word and Excel.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with UNESCO and/or the United Nations system and understanding of their functioning and procedures would be an asset.

Working knowledge of French will be an asset.

Application procedure

APPLICATION PROCEDURE – please add a written proposal comprising:

A statement on role of AI in Communication and Information (500 words max)

An approach and methodology for the assignment, including a short work plan

The amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in Euros on a monthly basis (full-time working in Paris)

List of relevant publications

ASSESSMENT

Only applications with providing the information requested under application procedure will be considered.

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.