Consultant on Artificial Intelligence

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-DEC-2019

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the guidance of the Chief of Section for ICTs in Education, Science and Culture, and in cooperation with Programme Specialists, the Consultant will work towards achievement of UNESCO’s objective to address challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in knowledge societies, along the 40 C/5 Programme and Budget, related Expected Results and Performance Indicators.

The consultant will work to develop and organize awareness-raising activities and support capacity enhancement in the area of AI as decided and emphasized during UNESCO’s 40^th session of the General Conference.

Long Description

1. Contribute to develop an overall strategy and project proposals relating to UNESCO’s AI -clearinghouse, -policy and -capacity building work, including by streamlining existing proposals in line with UNESCO’s RBM framework and the global strategic priorities gender and Africa;

1. For above activities, conduct research and analysis on the implications of AI in UNESCO’s field of competence and particularly in areas within the mandate of the Communication and Information Sector (CI).

1. Contribute to draft a policy guideline for AI to address digital and knowledge divides.

1. Organize/ contribute to awareness raising and capacity development activities on AI for Africa and developing countries and develop relevant outcome documents.

Long Description

1. Develop fundraising and grant proposals for funding of UNESCO’s AI related programme activities by donors and partners.

1. Prepare inputs and develop concept notes and new formats for the organization of AI Conferences in 2020.

1. Prepare high quality speeches, presentations and reports on research and analysis of developments concerning AI in education, science, culture, information ethics and gender in technology for enhancing UNESCO’s international positioning at international meetings;

1. Contribute to the UNESCO Recommendation on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence process.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) or equivalent professional qualifications in public policy, science and technology, law, or relevant fields.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in research and analysis, at the national and international level with knowledge of developing country context;
• Good understanding of "emerging" technologies (AI, IoT, big data, quantum computing etc.), and related ethical, legal and social implications;
• Experience in project/programme management, preferably at internat. level

.

Language skills

• Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English;

Competencies and skills

• Excellent analytical and drafting skills;
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and able to exchange information on complex issues;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural environment with external and internal partners;
• Excellent organization and planning skills, including the ability to organize own work priorities and deadlines. Discretion and maturity of judgement are required;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software such as Word and Excel.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with UNESCO and/or the United Nations system and understanding of their functioning and procedures would be an asset.
• Working knowledge of French will be an asset.

Application procedure

APPLICATION PROCEDURE - please add the following required information:

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, and or if the button is not visible, look for, download and complete the

• Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:
• A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
• A written proposal comprising:
  • A statement on role of AI in Communication and Information (500 words max)
  • An approach and methodology for the assignment, including a short work plan;
  • The amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars on a monthly basis (full-time working in Paris).
  • List of relevant publications
  • CV

ASSESSMENT

• Only applications with providing the information requested under application procedure will be considered.
• Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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UNESCO is committed to promoting geographical distribution (last update) and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.