OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various facets of human life, from health to education, justice, and the environment. While its potential benefits are vast—such as enhancing scientific and technological innovation, improving productivity, and addressing global challenges—AI also presents ethical challenges. These include environmental impacts, bias, inequality, and the risks of misuse, including disinformation and deepfakes.

To address these challenges, UNESCO’s Member States adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in November 2021. This global framework promotes the ethical use of AI based on universal values, including transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. It emphasizes actionable policy guidance across critical areas such as data governance, environmental sustainability, gender equality, culture, education, and more.

The UNESCO-Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize builds on this momentum, aiming to recognize and reward significant contributions to advancing the ethics of AI through scientific research and cooperation. Named after the polymath Abu Rayhan al-Beruniy, the Prize honors his legacy as a scholar who bridged disciplines and cultures. The Prize will serve as a catalyst to foster global dialogue and action in the ethical development of AI.

The Beruniy Prize will be awarded biennially to three laureates, who will receive monetary awards of $30,000 each, along with UNESCO medals and certificates. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for November 2025, and the Prize will operate as a key component of the comprehensive implementation program for the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.

To ensure the smooth launch and execution of the Prize, a consultant will be engaged to manage key activities, including the communication and outreach strategy, application process, jury coordination, and award ceremony preparations.

OBJECTIVE

The consultant will support the successful implementation of the UNESCO-Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize. This includes preparing and disseminating the call for applications, facilitating the jury process, managing communications, and coordinating the organization of the award ceremony and associated events

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will develop and implement a communication plan to promote the Prize globally, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with UNESCO’s ethics networks. This includes preparing and disseminating multilingual promotional materials and updating the Beruniy Prize webpage with relevant information. The consultant will draft and publish the call for applications, manage the application process to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, and organize candidate dossiers for the jury.

For the jury coordination, the consultant will organize the jury meeting, including all logistics and assessment preparation, and document the jury’s final recommendation report for submission to UNESCO’s Director-General. In preparation for the award ceremony in November 2025, the consultant will coordinate event logistics, including travel arrangements and the production of ceremonial materials such as diplomas and medals, while also managing media relations to ensure broad visibility.

Following the ceremony, the consultant will prepare a comprehensive final report on the Prize, incorporating lessons learned and stakeholder feedback, and facilitate the dissemination of laureates’ work through relevant platforms.

DELIVERABLES

Phase 1: Communication and Outreach: 1) Communication plan finalized and approved: January 2025. 2) Promotional materials prepared and call for applications launched: February 2025. 3) Progress report on outreach and applications: March 2025.

Phase 2: Application Management and Jury Process: 1) Candidate dossiers prepared and verified: June 2025. 2) Jury meeting organized and recommendation report submitted: September 2025.

Phase 3: Award Ceremony Preparation: 1) Event plan finalized, including promotional video and media outreach materials: October 2025. 2) Successful organization of the award ceremony: November 2025.

Phase 4: Post-Ceremony Reporting and Follow-Up: 1) Final report on the implementation of the Prize and dissemination plan for laureates’ work: January 2026.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced degree in social sciences, communication, international relations, or a related field.

Work Experience

• Proven experience in organizing international projects and high-profile events.

Skills and competencies

• Strong knowledge of UNESCO mandates, processes, and the implementation of UNESCO Prizes.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital tools and technologies for communication and event management.

Languages

• Excellent multilingual communication skills (English is a must, French is preferred).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (PhD) in social sciences, communication, international relations, or a related field.

Work Experience

• Experience in coordinating high-profile initiatives, particularly international awards or similar programs.
• Familiarity with AI ethics and related governance issues to effectively manage the Prize and engage stakeholders.
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies for global initiatives.

Languages

• Knowledge of an additional UNESCO working language (e.g., Arabic, Spanish) is desirable.

PROPOSAL SUBMISISON

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following by [Submission Deadline]:

1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
2. A cover letter outlining their approach to the consultancy.
3. A financial proposal detailing fees for the duration of the consultancy.
4. Samples of similar work undertaken.

Proposals should be sent to [Submission Email/Portal] with the subject line: Application for Beruniy Prize Consultancy.