Consultant for AI Classification Framework 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, UN-ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among its member states and provide them with technical assistance and policy advice. The organization operates in 17 member countries and focuses on various issues including sustainable development, economic growth, and social justice. UN-ESCWA is committed to supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing a national AI classification framework for Mauritania, which is essential for enhancing the investment and entrepreneurship environment in AI. This position requires a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and its implications for sustainable development. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing national digital documents and policies related to AI, as well as best practices from regional and international contexts. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders from both public and private sectors to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the framework is comprehensive and aligned with national needs. The consultant's work will contribute to the broader goal of leveraging AI for sustainable development initiatives, optimizing resource management, and addressing critical challenges such as climate change and poverty alleviation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include proposing a detailed framework for AI classification, which involves several key tasks:

• Reviewing national digital documents and existing policies in Mauritania related to AI and digital transformation;
• Analyzing best practices from at least three regional or international cases regarding ICT companies’ classification, including frameworks like CMMI and relevant EU and US legislation;
• Identifying key stakeholders from both public and private sectors and conducting one-on-one meetings with them;
• Participating in meetings and workshops to discuss needs and priorities;
• Summarizing national meetings and workshops conducted with stakeholders;
• Suggesting a national classification framework for AI companies in Mauritania, including realistic implementation actions based on gap analysis and international practices. The consultant will also present the draft report in a national workshop, capture feedback, and update the proposal accordingly. Gender considerations and youth dimensions must be integrated throughout the research work, ensuring that the report addresses the needs of both men and women, as well as girls and boys.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree or equivalent in ICT, AI, computer science, or a related field. A Ph.D. degree is desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience and research in digital technologies, with previous experience in delivering research papers and in companies’ classification systems being highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree or equivalent in fields related to information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, or computer science. A Ph.D. is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant domains.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of digital technologies, which includes research and practical application. Candidates with previous experience in delivering research papers and working with companies’ classification systems will have a competitive advantage. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with complex technological frameworks and contribute to the development of national standards.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Knowledge of English or French is desirable, as these are also working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language proficiently, while knowledge indicates a confident ability in at least two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 16 weeks. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.