Project Coordination Consultant

In November 2021, 193 Member States of UNESCO adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This global standard aims to leverage the positive impact of AI while addressing its inherent risks. Countries around the world are now in the process of implementing the Recommendation, with UNESCO supporting them through various capacity-building efforts. Building on the achievements of previous initiatives in collaboration with the Government of Japan through, this project aims to enhance civil society engagement, expand the implementation of AI readiness assessment methodology (RAM), and strengthen the knowledge sharing across African and SIDS stakeholders. 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), and direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit, the Project Coordination Consultant will support the delivery of the project Supporting Countries in Building Effective AI Governance through Implementing the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and leverage complementarities with other projects and initiatives deployed by SHS sector to build the national  capacities for the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.  

a. Coordinate the implementation of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in six countries 

1. Support the preparation and rollout of national inception workshops, data collection processes, and stakeholder consultations 

2. Ensure close coordination with UNESCO Field Offices, national counterparts, and consultants to facilitate timely and high-quality delivery of RAM country reports 

3. Monitor progress against the project’s Results Framework and contribute to regular reporting 

4. Provide logistical and operational support for RAM-related missions, meetings, and procurement

b. Support the planning and delivery of two regional knowledge-sharing fora (Africa and SIDS) 

1. Lead the planning, agenda design, participant outreach, and documentation for the two regional fora 

2. Coordinate structured peer-learning sessions, good practice exchange, and integration of Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) training elements 

3. Contribute to visibility and communication efforts 

4. Support monitoring and evaluation of the fora 

2. Drafting policy briefs, blog posts, and other relevant materials based on conducted research and analysis, and contributing to the preparation of interventions in public fora, such as conferences, panels and others; 

3. Provide advice to the Sector on tools, resources and policies related to the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence, including for the implementation of the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence;  

4. Support engagement with key stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and international organizations;   

5. Contribute to other matters requested by the head of unit. 

Education 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, or other related fields. 

• Very good understanding of the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of AI and related digital technologies.
• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Good analytical skills with ability to undertake research including the collection and synthesis of information from various sources.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills, ability to prepare and present findings and recommendations on issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment, and to work effectively under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Good IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software.

Education 

• Ph.D. or equivalent in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, or other related fields. 

Work Experience 

• At least one (1) year of professional experience on the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence acquired at the international level. 

Languages 

• Knowledge of French or Spanish. 

Before submitting the Employment History form (Word file) to the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application, the candidate must add the following elements at the end of the file: CV,  

A one-page statement laying out how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment and explaining how they would approach the work. The salary expectations for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars on a monthly basis for a 11-month period (full-time working). 
 
Please note that the consultant salary expectations must be expressed in gross amounts. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties in accordance with local laws. UNESCO will not reimburse any taxes, duties or other contributions for which the Project Coordination Consultant may be liable in respect of any payments made to him/her under the terms of this contract. 

Only applications with the above-requested information can be considered. 

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.