Consultant for AI Ethics Governance

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, established in 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering collaboration among nations to address global challenges, particularly in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for AI Ethics Governance at UNESCO is pivotal in advancing the organization's mission to promote ethical practices in artificial intelligence (AI). The consultant will be responsible for coordinating the Global Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Academic Network on AI Ethics and Policy, which was launched to enhance civil society participation in AI governance. This role involves supporting the implementation of thematic subgroup outputs, ensuring effective communication among network members, and driving the expansion and sustainability of the network. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, to address the complex challenges posed by AI and data-intensive technologies. The overarching goal is to consolidate the results of previous projects, expand the reach of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and produce new knowledge on AI governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include coordinating the activities of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions, ensuring effective planning and implementation of network activities, and maintaining regular communication among members. The consultant will lead the preparation and facilitation of meetings, support subgroup activities, and provide operational guidance to ensure alignment with UNESCO's mandate. Additionally, the consultant will drive the expansion of the network's membership, particularly focusing on diverse thematic areas and regions, and will be responsible for securing resources and partnerships for the network's long-term operation. The consultant will also monitor progress, identify emerging needs, and address challenges in collaboration with the Project Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fields related to the governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of AI, law and technology, or similar disciplines. A minimum of five years of professional experience in AI ethics, governance, and policymaking is required, with demonstrated experience in leading multi-stakeholder consultation processes and producing policy-oriented documents. Proven experience in developing assessment methodologies and coordinating international projects is essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues surrounding AI and digital technologies, as well as excellent organizational and project management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of AI, law and technology, computer science, data science, computational social science, or related fields. An advanced degree, such as a PhD, is preferred and can count towards the required work experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in AI ethics, governance, and policymaking. This experience should include conducting research, producing policy-oriented reports, and leading multi-stakeholder consultation processes. A PhD can be considered equivalent to work experience, and prior experience in developing governance frameworks or assessment methodologies in the context of AI ethics is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language, such as French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese, is considered a desirable qualification.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position ranges from 1 to 6 months, and it is open to both internal and external candidates. The consultant may work remotely but will be required to attend in-person missions related to project implementation. The specific dates for these missions will be confirmed by the Secretariat, which will also cover the associated costs. Candidates must submit an up-to-date CV and a one-page statement outlining their qualifications and approach to the work, along with a financial proposal indicating salary expectations in US dollars. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving workforce diversity.