Individual Contractor for Global AI Cooperation

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET), which was established on January 1, 202

• The mission of UNODET is to advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, guiding the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues. UNODET serves as an advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, engaging with Member States, the technology industry, civil society, and other stakeholders. It facilitates multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies and strengthens system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on these topics. The office supports the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact, working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups to accelerate global digital cooperation and mitigate risks associated with technology, all while striving to achieve the Goals by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Individual Contractor will support UNODET’s work on global cooperation regarding the governance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This role involves conducting research activities related to ODET’s work on Global AI Cooperation, which includes continuously mapping the international AI Governance landscape and other emerging technology issues. The contractor will monitor and analyze global activities and developments in AI and emerging technologies, providing strategic briefs and updates to the team as necessary. The position requires conducting horizon scanning of AI technology trends and advancements to identify potential opportunities and challenges, which will inform strategic planning and decision-making. Additionally, the contractor will prepare in-depth background notes and strategic insights for senior UN officials on AI Governance developments, ensuring alignment and continuity with previous UN workstreams on Global AI Cooperation, such as the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Individual Contractor include conducting research activities related to ODET’s work on Global AI Cooperation, which involves mapping the international AI Governance landscape and other emerging technology issues. The contractor will monitor and analyze global activities and developments in AI and emerging technologies, providing strategic briefs and updates to the team as needed. They will conduct horizon scanning of AI technology trends and advancements to identify potential opportunities and challenges, informing strategic planning and decision-making. The contractor will prepare in-depth background notes and strategic insights for senior UN officials on AI Governance developments, ensuring alignment with previous UN workstreams on Global AI Cooperation. Additionally, the contractor will perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Programme Management Officer in the Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Computer Science, Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Furthermore, candidates must have at least 3 years of experience researching or advising on emerging technologies, and at least 1 year of experience writing on these topics, including artificial intelligence, as a journalist, reporter, or in a similar capacity. Research experience on international AI governance issues is considered an advantage, as is previous experience in or with non-UN international AI governance processes.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of experience in researching or advising on emerging technologies. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1 year of experience writing about emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in a journalistic or similar context. Experience in researching international AI governance issues is advantageous, as is prior involvement with non-UN international AI governance processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is 9 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Furthermore, the UN does not concern itself with information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.