Project Coordination Consultant

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 is committed to fostering a culture of respect for diversity and promoting sustainable development through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordination Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the project aimed at enhancing civil society engagement and expanding the implementation of the AI readiness assessment methodology (RAM). This position involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector actors, and civil society organizations, to ensure effective governance of artificial intelligence in line with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating activities across two core pillars of the project, which include the implementation of RAM in six countries and the organization of regional knowledge-sharing fora. The consultant will also contribute to the preparation of national inception workshops, data collection processes, and stakeholder consultations, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and delivers high-quality outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordination Consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating the implementation of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in six countries; supporting the preparation and rollout of national inception workshops; facilitating data collection processes and stakeholder consultations; ensuring close coordination with UNESCO Field Offices and national counterparts; monitoring progress against the project’s Results Framework; providing logistical and operational support for RAM-related missions and meetings; planning and delivering two regional knowledge-sharing fora; leading the planning and agenda design for these fora; coordinating structured peer-learning sessions; contributing to visibility and communication efforts; drafting policy briefs and other relevant materials; advising on tools and resources related to ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of AI; and contributing to other matters as requested by the head of unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an 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 related fields. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience on the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies is required. Experience in supporting international projects and coordinating multistakeholder initiatives is essential, along with a background in conducting research and analysis or implementing programs/projects on these issues.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A Ph.D. or equivalent in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, or related fields is desired but not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence at national and/or international levels. Experience in international project support and coordination of multistakeholder initiatives is highly valued, as is experience in research and analysis related to these topics.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English or French is mandatory, with a good knowledge of the other language being advantageous. Knowledge of additional languages such as Spanish is also considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultant contract at Level 1 - Junior, with a duration of 11 months. The role is open to external candidates and requires on-site work in Paris. The application process includes submitting an up-to-date CV and a one-page statement explaining the candidate's suitability for the assignment, along with salary expectations in USD. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and the organization does not charge any fees during the hiring process.