OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Communication and Information
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 05-AUG-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Communication and Information Sectorโs mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. (The role of this vacant position does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)
Background
The Recommendation on the Ethics of AI was adopted by all 193 Member States of UNESCO in November 2021. This normative instrument sets the global standard for Al, articulating the fundamental ethical values and principles for its development and use, and providing detailed and actionable guidance on how to apply them in a wide range of policy areas that are being transformed by Al, including data governance, environment, gender, economy and labor, culture, and education and research, among others.
The Recommendation recognizes the public sector as key stakeholder in AI development, deployment, and governance. Public institutions can ensure their use of AI is transparent, explainable, responsible, accountable, privacy-friendly, and with human oversight. AI integration into public sector operations also offers transformative opportunities for improving governance, decision-making, and service delivery. However, effective adoption requires civil servants to develop competencies in digital transformation, AI governance and practical applications of AI. UNESCO's AI and Digital Transformation Competency Framework for Civil Servants provide foundational guidance for addressing these needs.
UNESCO and partners launched the Schools of Public Administration and Actors for Research and Knowledge on AI (SPARK-AI Alliance), a global network collaborating on training civil servants in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Faced with common challengesโsuch as cultural resistance to innovation, inadequate digital infrastructure, and persistent skills shortages in AI and data governanceโthe SPARK-AI Alliance fosters international collaboration to build robust institutional capabilities among civil servants globally. Through this alliance, public sector organizations are empowered to meet the demands of digital transformation and drive meaningful change.
Long Description
The public sector is also deemed a priority to regional governmental actors. In Africa, the African Unionโs (AU) Continental AI Strategy has identified the promotion of AI in the public sector for better delivery of public services to citizens and businesses as a major priority for the continentโs sustainable development and achievement of the Agenda 2063. Following the above, the Rabat Declaration mobilized the African stakeholder community to commit to a consensus and agree on three guiding principles for institutions across the continent:
Work towards the development of a common framework for global and inclusive AI governance. Harnessing AI in the public sector and for the African common good. To ensure the development and ethical use of AI, based on human rights, for the benefit of all.
In support of the AU Continental AI Strategy and the Rabat Consensus, UNESCO and Ai Movement (a category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO) have jointly devised the โImplementation Program of the Recommendation of the African Rabat Consensus on Artificial Intelligence.โ UNESCO will be providing sustained technical assistance to African countries for the e๏ฌective implementation of the Rabat Consensus and the AU AI Strategy, to implement five major lines of action:
Development of a training program on AI for public sector executives. Development of MOOC on AI for public sector executives. Delivery of project-based online training cycles on AI for public sectors executives. Delivery of targeted, immersive, and onsite training for public sector executives. Establishment of a network of experts to advance AI cooperation among public sector and training institutions in the continent.
The Communication and Information Sector is primarily responsible for activities 1, 2 and 5 above and will be developing capacity building tools for public sector executives related to AI for the Public Sector over a period of three years.
Long Description
Terms of Reference
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the Director of the Division for Digital Inclusion, Policies and Transformation (CI/DPT), and the Chief of Section for Digital Policies and Digital Transformation (CI/DPT/DIT) and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist responsible for the activity, the consultant will speci๏ฌcally assist with and undertake the following tasks:
Support project management and coordination for the project outcome concerning the public sector within the overall framework of the project, that includes tasks related to communication, outreach, networking, monitoring and reporting to the donor. Support development of the UNESCO Curriculum on AI for the Public Sector in collaboration with experts and UNESCO Category 2 Centres in Brazil, Morocco and Slovenia. Assist with project management in development of curriculum and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on AI for the Public Sector in Africa. Support the development of new partnerships and networks with public sector entities, academia, civil society, private sector, technical community and others to strengthen AI for the public sector in Africa and globally. Implement capacity building initiatives based on UNESCOโs AI and Digital Transformation Competency Framework for Civil Servants in coordination with UNESCO field offices. Conduct research and provide technical advice related to digital transformation in the public sector through the preparation of policy briefs, organization of events and participation in conferences. Support the functions of the SPARK-AI Alliance by support trainings in the form of in-person and online workshops and the development of Massive Open Online Courses, competency framework adaptation, creation of a knowledge hub and development of a global network of schools of public administration on AI.
Deliverables
Monthly progress reports on the implementation of the tasks listed above.
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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (masterโs or equivalent) in law, technology, public policy, project management or other related ๏ฌelds.
Work Experience
Minimum two (2) years relevant professional work experience in international organizations, international development or technology policy roles. Minimum 1 year of experience in project management and coordination in the United Nations system or at the international level.
Skills/Competencies
Excellent project management, coordination and communication skills. Analytical, drafting and presentation skills. Good understanding of working in diverse and multi-cultural environments. Good Partnership development and fundraising.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (written and oral).DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Any certi๏ฌcation or experience in the development of online learning resources like Massive Open Online Courses/instructional design will be an advantage.
Work Experience
Experience with capacity building and digital development projects in Africa or Latin America. Experience with capacity building and digital development in public sector institutions. Experience with partnerships and fundraising.