Consultant for AI Strategy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. Founded in 1973, ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and support their efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. The organization operates in 18 member countries across the Arab region, focusing on various sectors including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA is committed to enhancing the use of emerging technologies for sustainable development, particularly in the context of the 2030 Development Agenda.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive AI strategy tailored to the Aqaba Governorate, aligning with Jordan's National AI Strategy and Digital Transformation Strategy. This position requires a deep understanding of artificial intelligence's role in promoting social and economic development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, conduct situational analyses, and benchmark existing policies and practices to create a strategy that enhances Aqaba's competitiveness and supports sustainable growth. The expected deliverables include a detailed report in Arabic, an executive summary, and a PowerPoint presentation, all adhering to high professional standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Benchmarking and Best Practices: Reviewing national digital documents and existing policies related to digital transformation and innovation; analyzing data infrastructure and governance frameworks; and studying regional and international best practices in AI strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Identifying key stakeholders, conducting interviews and meetings, and documenting findings.
• Situational Analysis: Analyzing existing policies and regulatory frameworks, assessing digital maturity and AI readiness, and conducting a comprehensive gap analysis.
• Strategy Development: Preparing an actionable AI strategy that includes vision, objectives, strategic pillars, and governance mechanisms.
• Validation and Consultation: Presenting the draft strategy in stakeholder workshops and incorporating feedback.
• Finalization: Delivering a refined AI strategy that addresses gender considerations and youth dimensions throughout the research work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in ICT, technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred. All applicants must submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in digital technologies, with a strong background in management and planning. Experience in delivering research papers and developing national AI strategies is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in a relevant field such as ICT, technology, engineering, or computer science. A Ph.D. is considered an asset. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the field of digital technologies, with a focus on management and planning. Previous experience in delivering research papers and developing national AI strategies is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's capability to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, with a strong emphasis on the ability to speak, read, write, and understand both languages. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate their language proficiency in all four areas to be considered for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 16 weeks. The consultant must adhere to the United Nations' policies regarding confidentiality and plagiarism, ensuring that all deliverables are original and properly referenced. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job applications.