Consultant for AI Governance

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve its goals. UNESCO is committed to fostering sustainable development and addressing global challenges through its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for AI Governance will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence adopted by UNESCO's 193 Member States in November 202

• This position is crucial as countries worldwide are working to leverage the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. The Consultant will specifically focus on the AI-Ready Flemish Public Administration project, which aims to enhance the readiness of Flemish public administrations to adopt AI technologies in a safe, ethical, and robust manner. The Consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Digital Flanders Agency and the European Commission, to strengthen institutional, technical, and human capacities for AI governance. The role involves leading the delivery of work under the institutional capacity pillar, contributing to legal working groups, and ensuring effective communication and coordination among stakeholders. The Consultant will also be responsible for producing a Monitoring Legislation Dashboard, facilitating feedback sessions, and drafting AI governance recommendations tailored to the Flemish context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Producing a Monitoring Legislation Dashboard by reviewing and updating an overview of EU digital legislation relevant to AI for Flemish public administration.
• Leading the testing and refinement of the dashboard model to ensure its functionality and usability, including potentially facilitating in-person feedback workshops in Brussels.
• Writing optimal AI Governance Recommendations based on an updated review of digital legislation and advising on stakeholder roles and responsibilities for effective implementation of a Flemish AI strategy.
• Representing UNESCO at the Legal and Ethical Working Group, serving as the key contact point for stakeholders, and managing relationships and communications regarding project goals and timelines.
• Engaging with the Ethics of AI team to link their work with high-level processes related to AI governance and contributing to ongoing research and analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields related to governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of AI, law and technology, or similar areas. A minimum of five years of professional experience in the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of AI at national or international levels is required. Proven experience with EU digital legislation is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of AI governance dynamics, including policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional mechanisms. Excellent drafting skills and the ability to produce high-quality policy-oriented documents are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple outputs and work effectively in a multicultural environment under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence, law and technology, or related fields is required. A Ph.D. in a relevant area is desirable and can count as work experience. Candidates with a Ph.D. will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence, with a focus on national and international contexts. Experience working with EU digital legislation is mandatory, and a Ph.D. can be counted as part of the required work experience. Additional experience in leading trainings, public speaking engagements, and working with Flemish public administrations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of Dutch is considered highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with Flemish public administrations and stakeholders. Candidates with proficiency in other languages may also be considered favorably, depending on the context of the work.

Additional Notes:
The position is a non-staff contract with a duration ranging from 1 to 6 months. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the application deadline is set for December 4, 202

• Candidates are required to submit a complete online application, including a CV and a one-page statement outlining their qualifications and approach to the work. Salary expectations must be quoted in US dollars for a full-time position over an 11-month period. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.