UNESCO Service Contract in Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Regional Office in Montevideo is dedicated to leading the Organization’s initiatives in Social and Human Sciences across Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly focusing on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Established to support Member States in implementing global standards in AI ethics, UNESCO has been instrumental in promoting ethical practices in technology through various partnerships and initiatives. The office collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and youth networks, to foster a comprehensive understanding and application of AI ethics in the region. The organization operates with a commitment to its core values, which include integrity, respect for diversity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the mission of promoting peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting the coordination, implementation, and follow-up of UNESCO’s AI ethics programme in Latin America and the Caribbean. The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Montevideo and will directly report to the Regional Specialist of Social and Human Sciences for the region. The role is crucial in ensuring that the commitments made under the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap on AI ethics are met, and it includes a variety of tasks such as tracking progress on working groups, organizing consultations, and implementing training programs for public servants. The position also requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, international organizations, and civil society, to promote ethical practices in AI and neurotechnology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the follow-up of the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap on AI ethics, including tracking working group progress and finalizing products under UNESCO’s responsibility.
• Assist in the implementation of Readiness Assessment (RAM) processes in the region, coordinating with consultants and national counterparts, organizing consultations, and following up on deliverables.
• Facilitate the implementation and follow-up of AI ethics training programs for national and subnational public servants.
• Support UNESCO’s role in the Executive Secretariat of the Business Council for the Ethics of AI – Uruguay Chapter, including organizing peer-learning sessions and training activities.
• Contribute to the activities of the Youth Network for the Ethics of AI in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Assist in partner relations and reporting, including drafting terms of reference for new consultancies.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and communication materials related to AI ethics and neurotechnology.
• Organize workshops, meetings with authorities and experts, and public events, providing necessary administrative follow-up.
• Liaise with UNESCO Headquarters, field offices, and category 1 institutes as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as public policy, law, political or social sciences, economics, computer science, or science and technology studies. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in digital policy, technology governance, or ethics of AI is required, particularly within the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. Experience in coordinating projects in multi-stakeholder environments is also essential, as is a strong understanding of AI governance and ethics debates.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in relevant fields such as public policy, law, political or social sciences, economics, computer science, or science and technology studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of AI ethics and governance.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as digital policy, technology governance, and ethics of AI. Candidates should have experience working in multi-stakeholder settings, which may include collaboration with governments, international organizations, private sector entities, academia, or civil society. This experience is vital for effectively supporting the coordination and implementation of UNESCO’s AI ethics programme.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of English is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is open to external candidates, and applicants must be entitled to work in Uruguay. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages applications from individuals belonging to minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated with confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge any fees during the hiring process.