Consultant for National AI Strategy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA's mission is to support the member states in achieving sustainable development through policy advice, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. The organization operates in 18 member countries and focuses on various sectors including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the use of emerging technologies for sustainable development, particularly in the context of the 2030 Development Agenda.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with developing a comprehensive national strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Djibouti, aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable adoption of AI technologies across public sectors and priority economic areas. This role is crucial as AI has the potential to significantly enhance public service delivery, stimulate local innovation, and align with national development goals. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation (MDENI) and ESCWA experts to ensure that the strategy reflects local needs and international best practices. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting thorough analyses of existing strategic documents, engaging with national stakeholders, and facilitating workshops to gather insights and feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks to develop the national AI strategy, including:

• Proposing a detailed action plan and methodology for validation by MDENI and ESCWA.
• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing strategic documents related to digital transformation and innovation in Djibouti.
• Analyzing regional and international best practices in AI strategies, including at least two case studies from the region and two from international contexts.
• Identifying key national stakeholders and organizing interviews and meetings to gather insights and feedback.
• Facilitating sectoral workshops to discuss needs and priorities related to AI.
• Developing the AI strategy based on the findings from analyses, consultations, and best practices.
• Producing presentation and summary documents as needed. The consultant will also ensure that gender and youth considerations are integrated into the research and reporting process, promoting inclusivity and equality in the outcomes of the strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in ICT, technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A PhD is desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in developing national strategies, public reports, or public policies in the field of digital technologies. Experience in management and planning is also required, along with familiarity with the Djiboutian context. Prior experience in developing a national AI strategy is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's degree in a relevant field such as ICT, technology, engineering, or computer science. A PhD is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required, specifically in developing national strategies, public reports, or public policies related to digital technologies. Candidates should also have prior experience in management and planning, as well as familiarity with the Djiboutian context. Experience in developing a national AI strategy is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not required. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language at a high level, while knowledge is defined as being confident in at least two of the four language skills.

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