Advisor on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on private sector
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Field Office
Duty Station: Montevideo
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Social and Human Sciences
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25-JAN-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
TERMS OF REFERENCES
Advisor on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on private sector
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
UNESCO, as a world laboratory of ideas, creator of international standards, policy adviser and creator of capacities, has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from ethical, human and rights approaches. In this framework, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that was adopted by its General Conference in its 41st session, being approved by acclamation by 193 member states.
A significant group of countries announced their intentions to implement the Recommendation. This post will support and foster this process by fostering the involvement of the private sector and providing technical assistance in the effective implementation of the Recommendation in their public policies.
The private sector played a very important role in the construction of the Recommendation and actively participated in global and regional consultation spaces. Given for UNESCO it is also strategic to work with global companies from different sectors worldwide that develop or use AI, UNESCO has created a business council of Ethical AI. This post will coordinate this network as a unique space for the exchange of experiences and practices, to strengthen technical capacities in ethics and AI, to participate in the design and implementation of the ethical impact assessment framework provided for in the Recommendation, and to promote the development of ethical AI that respects human rights. The post holder will support the elaboration of materials, documents, analysis, and support the ADG on all the aspects of the implementation agenda of the Ethics of AI.
SCOPE OF THE WORK
Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences (SHS), under the technical guidance of the Deputy Assistant Director-General for SHS, the Director of Montevideo Office, the Programme Specialist SHS/REI/BIO in Paris and the Regional Specialist for SHS in Montevideo Office, the selected consultant will support the effective implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, with both governments (national and local) and leading private companies based on:
– Coordinate and lead the business council of Ethical AI companies
– Supervise private sector involvement
– Provide technical and analytical support to the RAMs that are being developed globally.
– Promote and coordinate the implementation of the EIA tool by private companies.
– Provide technical and analytical support in the economics of the AI sector.
– Support on the mobilization of funds from global and regional development banks and the private sector for the implementation of the Recommendation on the ethics of AI.
– Support fundraising and partnerships in LAC in relation to other SHS flagship initiatives (sports, discrimination and racism, etc.)
– Prepare notes, blogs and op-eds for the use of the ADG
– Keep management informed about developments and trends on the digital agenda.
– Help develop and deploy the relevant communication strategy, also by means of contributing to blogs and op-eds in leading media platforms.
– Participate in relevant online or face-to-face AI events (seminars, summits, webinars, etc.) requested by the supervisors.
– Support the organization of high-level events and media coverage.
DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME
The consultant should send monthly reports highlighting the main activities to Regional Specialist of SHS in LAC.
Competencies
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Academic qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, STEM or social sciences (as relevant to the workstream).
Professional experience and skills:
Cross-cutting
- More than 20 years of experience working with government officials, particularly in the areas of innovation, IT and digital regulation
- Experience working with leading digital/digitized companies, and their business associations
- Familiarity/working directly with UN/multilateral organizations, and other IOs and development banks (CAF, IDB, OECD, WB, SEGIB, etc)
- Experience leading fundraising efforts
- Experience on technical/academic research on digital issues
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Spanish
- Excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including interacting with various actors and working effectively and respectfully in a multicultural environment.
Quantitative
- Minimum of 20 years of national and international relevant professional experiences in economic research, public policy & advocacy and/or communication
Qualitative
- Demonstrated experience in conducting stakeholder consultations with policy makers and decision-makers, and with the private sector
- Theoretical understanding and experience on the opportunities and risks around AI developments
- Communication skills adapted to technical and general purposes
- Demonstrated experience on digital economy research
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in economics or technical/STEM disciplines
- Fluency in French an asset
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
