Consultant for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Case Documentation, Beijing, China (home based)

UNICEF China is seeking a consultant to analyze, and document select case studies from a child rights lens while providing recommendations for implementation in alignment with the UNICEF Policy Guidance principles

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Care

UNICEF recognizes the potential of AI systems for children’s development, but it also acknowledges the potential risks to their privacy and safety. In November 2021, UNICEF, with the support of the Government of Finland, launched the Policy guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for children to “aid the protection and empowerment of children in interactions with AI systems and enable access to its benefits in all aspects of life ”. UNICEF has invited governments and the business sector to pilot the guidance and share findings. Experiences from the field can inform and improve future versions of the guidance as well as inspire others to implement more child-centered AI.

In 2020, a total of 183 million Chinese children, or 94.9 percent of them, were internet users.  China’s Information Communication and Technology (ICT) companies are operating a lot of popular platforms attracting millions of child users. These platforms include businesses such as livestreaming, online sales, IM, short-video, social media, IM, mobile games and rely heavily on AI system in their daily operation. Furthermore, the adoption of AI is not just among the ICT giants but across China’s traditional industries, resulting in even more children being somehow in contact with AI.

UNICEF China Country Office (CCO) is working with China Federation of Internet Societies (CFIS) to identify and document case studies of AI along the lines of the principles of the Policy Guidance to contribute to this new expanding agenda with a child rights lens.

How can you make a difference?

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Develop an analytical framework and methodology to review 15 case studies collected by partners based on the principles of AI for Children Policy Guidance.

2) Establish a set of criteria to document 10 out of the 15 case studies in which the Guidance requirements and recommendations were implemented. Draft brief summaries/profiles of the 10 case studies, analyzing technical strengths and areas of opportunities.

3) Work with the UNICEF team to select three case studies to submit them as promising practices to HQ.

4) Present findings to stakeholders.

5) Suggest opportunities for international seminar/exchange with other companies in other parts of the world.

6) Provide strategic suggestions to CCO on how to approach AI for children in China and develop a policy/strategy brief.

7) Provide technical suggestion to the national policy standard on AI for Children that is going to be developed.

Deliverables and Payment Schedule

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Minimum Academic Qualifications required and disciplines:

Master’s degree in law, internet governance, cyber policy and security or another relevant social science field.

• Knowledge/Experience/Expertise/Skills required:

1. At least 10 years of extensive experience working on AI ethics, safety and security, internet governance, and technology.

2. Track record of publications on AI and related issue. An additional asset if related to child rights.

3. Familiarity with challenges faced by governments and private sector in the areas of children’s AI literacy and digital safety.

4. Knowledge of AI policy and technology society in China would be an asset.

5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Chinese is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.