JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from an ethical and human rights approach. Under this framework in November 2021, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which the 193 Member States adopted by acclamation at the 41st session of its General Conference, and spearheading its implementation by the Member States through innovative tools and methodologies, such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Through the application of these tools, UNESCO is changing the business model that drives AI, going beyond principles to develop a range of concrete and practical solutions to ensure fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable outcomes of AI.
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has played a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO’s efforts to position ethics as the cornerstone of building AI governance. Through the implementation of two projects (2023 and 2024), UNESCO has facilitated a multistakeholder process of evidence gathering through national consultation and the deployment of RAM in Brazil, Chile, Morocco and Senegal in the first phase and in the ongoing phase in Argentina, India, Indonesia, Tanzania and Türkiye. The partnership also advances key knowledge products that will further reinforce capacity-building efforts on the ground and empower stakeholders to navigate the complex AI landscape.
The goal of the new project—Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance (2025)—is to consolidate the results delivered to date, build on the achievements made, expand the reach and depth of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and deploy globally the tools, methodologies, knowledge and experiences from the recent efforts of building AI governance ecosystem. The actions will be organised around three main pillars/expected outcomes: a. empowering civil society, b. expanding and deepening engagement with countries for ethics of AI through RAMs and other tools; c. producing new knowledge on AI governance.
UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence highlights that multistakeholder collaboration — spanning governments, private sector entities, academics, and civil society organisations (CSOs) — is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by AI and data-intensive technologies. To support and amplify the contributions of CSOs and academic institutions, UNESCO is launching a Global Network dedicated to fostering collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge exchange in the field of AI ethics and governance. The aim of this consultancy is to structure and coordinate the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions. Once fully operationalised, the network aims to become a robust platform for sustained collaboration and impact rooted in human rights and democratic principles. One key component of the Global Network will be to promote the role and positions of civil society and academic institutions in global AI governance processes. The Global Network could also serve as a consultative body to future AI Summits.

Overview of the Functions of the Post

The Consultant will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO Headquarters. The consultant will 1) support the structuring of the network along with the multistakeholder coordination group composed of UNESCO, key civil society organisations and academic institutions and 2) coordinate the network, ensuring the implementation of the Recommendation and the promotion of the civil society and academic institutions’ role in global AI governance.
The outputs and activities the Consultant will engage in are:
Output 1. Structuring the Network:
• Design and set the terms of reference for the operation of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions, determining, among other things, the conditions of acceptance to the network and key activities that the network will take. This needs to be done in close coordination with the multistakeholder coordination group.

• Identify key thematic areas around which sub-groups can be created.
• Develop surveys and conduct interviews with members of the network to identify the needs of the members and the resources available to the network.
Output 2. Coordinating and expanding the Network:
• Support the development of a work plan for the different sub-groups of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions. This approach will ensure concrete engagement and commitment deliver on areas of focus while maximising the network’s impact.
• Support the coordination of all the activities of the network, such as peer-to-peer exchanges among CSOs from developed and developing economies, developing specific knowledge products, co-creation of toolkits and promoting contextual good practices.
• Drive the expansion of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions’ membership, with special relevance to CSOs and academic institutions from different thematic areas and regions.
• Implement a feedback loop to ensure the network meets the evolving needs of CSOs and academic institutions.
Output 3. Contributing to the ongoing work of the Ethics of AI Unit:
• Support the inclusion of the CSOs’ perspective in the Meta-Analysis of RAMs report, needing a cross-cutting analysis of all completed RAM reports.
• Coordinate and lead the inclusion of the CSOs’ perspective in UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), ensuring alignment with the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
• Identifying synergies between the network and knowledge and experience from the relevant projects on ethics of AI being delivered around the world, including capacity building for AI governance for different countries. The goal is to enrich and cross-fertilise the overall work.
• Contribute to ongoing research and analysis conducted by the Ethics of AI team in AI policy and governance.
• Participate in meetings and present the work to different stakeholders.
• Support the team by preparing different materials such as speeches, presentations, blogs, white papers, etc.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME

Month 1, by April 30th, 2025
• Draft terms of reference for the operation of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions to develop in close coordination with the multistakeholder coordination group.
• Develop and conduct a survey to identify the needs of the members and the resources available to the network.
Month 2, by May 30th, 2025
• Final terms of reference for the operation of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions to develop in close coordination with the multistakeholder coordination group.

• Conduct interviews with members of the network to identify the needs of the members and the resources available to the network.
• Identify key thematic areas around which sub-groups will be created.
Month 3, by June 20th, 2025
• Material for the launch of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions at the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI (speeches, TPs, social network posts, etc).
• Coordinate all the logistics necessary to bring members of the Network to the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI.
• Mission to participate in the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 24th to the 27th of June.
Month 4, by July 31st, 2025
• Development of a work plan for the different sub-groups of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions.
• Implement a feedback loop to ensure the network meets the evolving needs of CSOs and academic institutions.
Month 5, by August 29th, 2025
• Monthly report detailing activities realised to 1) support the coordination of the activities of the network and 2) drive its expansion.
Month 6, by September 30th, 2025
• Monthly report detailing activities realised to 1) support the coordination of the activities of the network and 2) drive its expansion.
Month 7, by October 31st, 2025
• Monthly report detailing activities realised to 1) support the coordination of the activities of the network and 2) drive its expansion.
Month 8, by November 28th, 2025
• Monthly report detailing activities realised to 1) support the coordination of the activities of the network and 2) drive its expansion.
Month 9, by December 31st, 2025
• Monthly report detailing activities realised to 1) support the coordination of the activities of the network and 2) drive its expansion.
• Final contribution to the Meta-Analysis of RAMs report with the CSOs perspective.
• Contributions to UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology revision, bringing the CSOs perspective.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• University degree in the governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, computer science, data science, computational social science, or other related fields.
Work Experience
• A minimum of five years of professional experience on the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies at the national and/or international level. A PhD can count as work experience.

-• Proven experience in coordinating multistakeholder networks or partnerships at the national and/or international level, preferably in the field of AI ethics, governance, or digital technologies.
• Proven experience in working with civil society organisations (CSOs) and/or academic institutions on global policy issues, especially in areas related to AI, human rights, and digital governance.
• Demonstrated experience in organising and facilitating consultations, focus groups, or collaborative knowledge production processes.
• Experience in drafting strategic documents, such as terms of reference, work plans, and policy recommendations.

Skills and competencies
• Very good understanding of artificial intelligence’s ethical, legal, social and governance issues and related digital technologies.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders and manage multiple outputs within tight timeframes.
• Ability to design and implement collaborative processes, including surveys, interviews, and feedback mechanisms.
• Excellent knowledge about the dynamics of governance of AI, including policies, legislative and regulatory frameworks, institutional mechanisms, organisational structures and processes, and initiatives by different stakeholders in this field. This includes broad familiarity with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, as well as the ability to translate lessons learned and good practices into practical guidance for policymakers.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality written materials, such as policy briefs, reports, and knowledge products.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working with international, multicultural teams.
Languages
• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Advanced university degree (PhD) in the governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, computer science, data science, computational social science, or other related fields.
Work Experience
• Experience in building and expanding international networks or partnerships, particularly involving CSOs and academic institutions.
• Experience in producing policy-oriented reports or recommendations with a focus on AI ethics, human rights, and governance.
Languages
• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese).

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Date Posted: 2025-03-20

Application Deadline: 31-Mar-25

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Experience in Months: 60