Consultant for AI and Culture

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to foster cultural diversity and safeguard cultural heritage. The organization operates numerous programs and initiatives that address global challenges, including the impact of digital transformation on cultural policies and practices. UNESCO is committed to promoting cultural rights and ensuring that diverse cultural expressions are recognized and valued in the face of rapid technological changes.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for AI and Culture will play a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO's initiatives related to the MONDIACULT 2025 and 2029 conferences, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural policies. This position requires advanced research expertise and strong analytical skills to assess how AI impacts cultural rights and governance. The Consultant will be responsible for designing an internal AI strategy for the Culture Sector, contributing to policy guidance for Member States, and engaging with various stakeholders to foster cooperation among creators, cultural professionals, and technologists. The role demands the ability to synthesize complex information and translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations, ensuring that cultural diversity is preserved and promoted in AI-driven environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing senior-level support on MONDIACULT thematic areas, particularly AI policy and management for the Culture Sector.
• Conducting research and analysis on the implications of AI for cultural rights, governance, and community engagement.
• Designing an internal AI strategy aligned with UNESCO's objectives and the MONDIACULT process.
• Developing a framework for evidence-based policy guidance on AI and culture, focusing on cultural rights, linguistic diversity, and algorithmic distribution systems.
• Supporting the implementation of community engagement initiatives to strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders in the cultural sector.
• Producing structured analytical outputs and synthesizing evidence from diverse sources to inform policy development.
• Coordinating complex processes across UNESCO entities and external partners to ensure effective implementation of initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in disciplines related to culture, policy, or innovation. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in policy and innovation, particularly in education policy and culture, is required. Candidates should demonstrate proven experience in conducting comparative research and managing complex analytical processes, especially in the context of AI and culture. Strong analytical and drafting skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences. Experience working with various stakeholders, including policymakers and cultural institutions, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in fields related to culture, policy, or innovation is required. A PhD in governance of artificial intelligence, technology, or related fields is desirable. Additional training in research design or socio-technical analysis will be an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of professional experience in policy and innovation, with a focus on education policy and culture. At least 5 years of this experience should be at the international level, demonstrating the ability to conduct research and manage projects in diverse cultural contexts. Experience in coordinating research groups and contributing to large-scale analytical processes is essential.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, along with good knowledge of French. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a non-staff contract with a duration of 7 to 11 months, requiring both on-site and home-based work. The Consultant will be expected to engage in a multicultural and multilingual environment, and the role may involve international travel. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous communities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to equitable geographical distribution and gender parity among its staff.