Regional advisor for Latin America, UNESCO Global agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 29 Jul 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) Duty Station: Home-based with possibility of travel 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 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 29-JUL-2022 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **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. This normative instrument translates the what of AI ethics into the how of public policies, offering concrete ways for the implementation of the ethical framework of universal principles and values. A significant group of Latin American countries (e.g. Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador) announced their intentions to implement the Recommendation as ´early adopters´. This post will coordinate and foster this process in Ibero-American countries – drawing therefore on the experiences and political support of Spain -, setting the roadmap and the effective implementation of the Recommendation in their public policies, following the example of Colombia who started the implementation last March 2022. Also, the private sector played a very important role in the construction of the Recommendation and actively participated in global and regional consultation spaces. In particular, the Recommendation stays that, like governments, “private sector companies should develop due diligence and supervision mechanisms to determine, prevent and mitigate risks and be accountable for the way in which they address the impact of information systems. AI in the respect of human rights, the rule of law and inclusive societies”. For UNESCO, it also is strategic to work with companies from different sectors in Ibero-America that develop or use AI, and that want to do so while respecting ethical standards. The Recommendation can be a beacon for them that helps them identifying possible risks and avoid them, and guiding the ethical quality of their services. This post will help co-creating, together with a set of key companies present in the region who are developing significant AI-based tools, a Network of companies committed to implement the Recommendation in Ibero-America. This Network will serve 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. All in all, this position will support an effective implementation of the Global Agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Ibero American countries, aligned with the four pillars set by the regional Latin American office: technical cooperation, capacity building, knowledge and advocacy and communication. **Scope of the assignment:** Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences, under the technical guidance of the Deputy Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences and in collaboration with UNESCO Latin American Offices, the selected consultant will support the effective implementation of the Global Agreement 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: Fostering partnerships \- Fund raise from global and regional development banks and the private sector \- Gather political and technical support (National governments, local governments and co-operation agencies, as well as leading private sector companies) \- Support the functioning of the Regional Council to implement in Latin America and the Caribbean the Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence, and organization of the launch/high-level meeting planned for 2022q4/2023q1 \- Support the launch and functioning of the Council of companies early adopters of UNESCO recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, to be launched 2022q4/2023q1 Implementing the recommendation \- Lead the political relation with early adopters of the recommendation in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the participation in missions to the countries Strengthening communication \- Help develop and deploy the relevant communication strategy, also by means of contributing to blogs and op-eds in leading media platforms \- Support the organization of high-level events and media coverage Producing research \- Lead and contribute to produce policy-relevant research and outputs \- Revise and curate on-going UNESCO research outputs (working papers, MOOCs, guidelines on AI) General fund raising \- Foster fund raising and partnerships in LAC in relation to other SHS flagship initiatives (e.g. Forum against Racism and Discrimination) Long Description ---------------- Long Description ---------------- **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) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **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 • Experience working with Latin American government officials, particularly in the areas of innovation, IT and digital regulation. • Experience working with leading digital/digitized companies, and their business associations in Latin America. • Familiarity/working directly with UN/multilateral organizations, and other IOs in this field (OECD in particular). • Experience and networks in development banks, notably at Inter-American Development Bank and CAF, Development Bank of Latin America. • Experience leading fundraising efforts. • Experience on technical/academic research on digital economy issues in Ibero America • 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 #### **Duty Station: Home-based with possibility of travel** **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.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) 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. **Footer** ---------- 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](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) 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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.unesco.org