Consultant for Generative AI Guidelines 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 towards sustainable development. The organization operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges and enhancing the well-being of the populations in the Arab world. ESCWA's mission includes providing technical assistance, conducting research, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders to promote inclusive and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing national guidelines for the use of Generative AI (GenAI) in Mauritania, focusing on ethical considerations and governance frameworks. The position requires a deep understanding of GenAI's potential impacts across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and public services. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of existing policies, identifying risks associated with GenAI applications, and engaging with national stakeholders to gather insights and feedback. The final deliverables will include a diagnostic report, a draft framework for the AI code of ethics, and an implementation advisory report, all of which must adhere to specific formatting and content guidelines. The consultant will also ensure that the guidelines align with international best practices and the national interests of Mauritania, promoting responsible and ethical use of GenAI.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will be organized into four main phases: 1) Review and Diagnostic: This phase involves reviewing regional and international best practices related to GenAI policies, defining risks associated with GenAI in Mauritania, identifying key stakeholders, and conducting interviews and workshops to gather insights. 2) Development and Drafting: The consultant will prepare the GenAI Guidelines based on the findings from the diagnostic phase, ensuring they cover acceptable use cases, data usage, transparency requirements, human oversight, data privacy, intellectual property, and risk mitigation strategies. 3) Consultation and Finalization: The consultant will contribute to national workshops, update the draft guidelines based on feedback, and prepare a presentation summarizing key elements. 4) Advice on Implementation: The consultant will provide recommendations for disseminating the guidelines and raising awareness about their importance. Throughout the process, the consultant must ensure gender equality and youth integration in the research and writing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree or equivalent in AI, ICT, technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is desirable. All applicants must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of professional experience in technology-related issues, with a minimum of 5 years specifically in digital technologies. Experience in developing national policies and strategies is required, while previous experience in delivering research papers and working with Generative AI is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree or equivalent in fields related to artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, engineering, or computer science. A Ph.D. degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically at least 10 years in technology-related fields, with a focus on digital technologies for a minimum of 5 years. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing national policies and strategies, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Experience in writing research papers and familiarity with Generative AI will enhance a candidate's suitability for this role, as these skills are essential for producing high-quality guidelines and reports.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is the 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 at a high level, while knowledge indicates a confident ability in at least two of the four language skills.

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 consultant must ensure that all deliverables are original and properly referenced, as the UN routinely checks for plagiarism. The content produced will be the sole property of ESCWA and cannot be disclosed without permission.