Associate Programme Specialist on Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The initiative led by the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean is aligned with the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN MSDF) for the Caribbean and the UNESCO Special Initiative for the Caribbean (SPIC). The overall purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness and promote reflection on the opportunities and challenges that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its correlated technologies pose in the Caribbean SIDS. It will pave the ground and promote AI plans and policies in the region, while exploring of (AI) in the socio-economic development of Caribbean SIDS. This happens at a time that UNESCO is supporting national policy frameworks for an inclusive digital transformation and AI development, fostering multi-stakeholder governance and addressing the digital divide, including between genders. Most importantly, UNESCO is promoting the first international normative instrument on the ethics of AI.

COVID-19, designated SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading in the Caribbean since 2020. While the direct impact of the virus is not foreseeable, the roll-out of a wide array of measures to limit person-to-person transmission of the novel virus has upended lives of roughly 7.5 million people in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The crisis has undoubtedly accelerated the development towards a more digital society in the Caribbean. In this regard, addressing the topic of Artificial Intelligence is timelier than ever. Furthermore, the incumbent will have the opportunity to support other initiatives of the Communication and Information and the Social and Human Sciences sector, with an emphasis on giving technical support on innovation and technology, with a focus on projects around youth and innovation, equitable digital transformation, as well as ICTs and STEM for fostering sustainable development in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.

Under the direct supervision of the UNESCO Adviser for Communication and Information, and in close coordination with the Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: - Assist in the planning, preparation and implementation of the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Initiative. - Assist in developing communications, outreach and advocacy material targeted to-wards stakeholders addressing the shared challenges of Small Island Developing States, as regards to AI and innovative technologies. - Support in the drafting of research papers, speeches, briefing notes, and news items related to the above. - Assist in the development of concept notes and project proposals in line with general programme priorities, and to apply for external funding where relevant. - Keeps abreast of emerging trends and innovative approaches for programming in the areas of UNESCO’s mandates. - Support the identification of pressing challenges in the Caribbean context and co-develop creative solutions by drawing on a broad range of innovation approaches, frameworks and methods. - Assist in the preparation and organization of advocacy and awareness-raising activities to promote UNESCO’s mandate and increase its visibility of UNESCO across the Cluster countries and territories, with a focus on attracting partnerships for innovation with the private sector. - Assist in reporting on the progress of programme activities on a regular basis. - Perform other related duties as required.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Working in Teams

    Project Management

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse set of partners for advocacy and outreach purposes. • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to produce clear, concise and high-quality reports on technical and strategic issues. • Strong analytical, communication and advocacy skills. • Excellent inter-personal skills, including the ability to interact and to work effectively and respectfully in a multicultural environment. • Strong sense of ethics, integrity, diplomacy, tact and discretion. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage workload and to meet tight deadlines, with the ability to apply flexibility in adjusting work schedules and priorities. • Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office). • Minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience in project management preferably at an international level. • Experience in writing speeches, key messages and issue briefs on topics related to sustainable development . • Strong experience in event management, including budget management. • Experience with innovation in sustainable development is an advantage.

The incumbent will be based at the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is designated a Hardship Category “A” duty station. No special precautions or conditions apply to staff members locating to this duty station.

Jamaica’s HDI value for 2017 is 0.732— which put the country in the high human development category— positioning it at 97 out of 189 countries and territories. Jamaica is a Caribbean country with a total population of approximately 2.9 million inhabitants and Kingston is its capital city. Living conditions are relatively good depending on the location. There is a good supply of water and electricity supply island wide. Housing conditions are of varying quality depending on the area. Travelers to Jamaica are advised to take normal security precautions required in larger cities and will receive a security briefing upon arrival to note areas to avoid.

Jamaica has a rich and diverse culture blended from around the world. The official language of Jamaica is English; however, one is most likely to hear the local dialect, Patois (Jamaican Creole). There are a number of international franchises and established local companies that will find the right accommodation for expatriates. Colleagues in the international community are also a good reference point for housing and other related services Jamaica has over 16 public and 6 private hospitals located around the island. Jamaica offers excellent food and dining options from casual dining experiences to fine restaurants.

Banks and ATMs are available to meet financial needs. The currency used is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD) and the rate of exchange with the United States Dollar is USD1.00: JMD 134.04 (the rate fluctuates daily). Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. The USD is a legal tender and several businesses will accept payment at the prevailing rate of exchange. The USD can be changed at local commercial banks and Cambios. Hotels and Restaurants accept payments via USD and Master and Visa cards. Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the south eastern coast of the island, facing a natural harbour. This is where UN agencies are based and where the International Specialist will be working from. Jamaica has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet-and-dry climate, that borders on a hot-semi arid climate, characterised by a wet season from May to November, which coincides with the hurricane season, and a dry season from December to April. During the dry season, there is not much rainfall, however, cold and stationary fronts occur at this time and often bring heavy showers, especially in March. Kingston is on a coastal location, hence it comes under the influence of the sea, though dense urban development can negate this effect. In the 21st century, Kingston has experienced temperatures as high as 38.8 °C (102 °F) and as low as 13.4 °C (56 °F). Kingston plays a central role in Jamaica’s economy. Most of the economic activity takes place within Kingston and as most government ministries are in the city, it is a key force in legislation in regard to Jamaica’s finances. The high population density (662,426) of the capital city, means that most monetary transactions occur in Kingston - stimulating much of Jamaica's local economy. Jamaica has a well-established banking system and all major credit cards are accepted as a means of payment for commercial transactions. There are several good schools in Jamaica at all levels. In addition, there are over 50 tertiary institutions presently operating in Jamaica, which are either publicly or privately owned.

Kingston is also the island's main transportation hub and its largest seaport. Public transportation as well as private taxis are readily available and easily accessible at reasonable fares.