Mission and objectivesUNESCOโs mission is centered around promoting peace, fostering sustainable development and intercultural dialogues across its key areas of competence: education, sciences (natural sciences and social and human sciences), culture, communication and information. โBuilding peace in the minds of women and menโ reflects UNESCOโs foundational belief that lasting peace is rooted in dialogue, education and mutual understanding. UNESCO, in Caribbean Small Island Developing States, works to equip countries with the capacities, tools and resources to produce and make meaningful use of policy-relevant, whole-of-society and human-rights-based social and human scientific research and knowledge, thus promoting inclusive and peaceful societies.
ContextThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for the Caribbean fits within UNESCOโs decentralized field structure in Latin American and the Caribbean region and serves 20 countries and territories in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean serves 20 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The overall purpose of this assignment is to raise awareness, promote reflection and strengthen capacities regarding the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies in Caribbean SIDS. Importantly, UNESCO is supporting countries implement the first international normative instrument on the ethics of AI, the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Particularly, UNESCO support countries rollout two key tools: the Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment. Accordingly, actions will focus on generating knowledge, strengthening capacities and fostering regional collaboration to advance ethical, human-centered and responsible AI plans and policies that contribute to sustainable development in the region. Therefore, the incumbent will be able to contribute to projects and activities that foster multi-stakeholder governance, build partnerships, address gender disparities, empower youth, and bridge digital gaps to ensure that technological progress reduces inequalities, advances sustainable development, and benefits Caribbean societies.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: -Assist in the organization of capacity development actions such as conferences, workshops, trainings and webinars with different stakeholders including youth. -Contribute to the implementation of UNESCOโs Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment by reviewing documents, coordinating with partners and supporting meeting logistics. -Contribute to strengthen UNESCOโs network of AI experts by liaising with stakeholders from public and private sectors, NGOs, academia and civil society. -Support in concept note and project proposal development through background research and information gathering. -Contribute to strengthening intersectoral actions that promote ethical and responsible AI with a focus on social inclusion and sustainable development. -Assist in the elaboration of knowledge products, documenting success stories, lessons learned and best practices including drafting news items, infographics and human-interest stories. -Support communications, outreach and advocacy activities on issues related to ethical and responsible AI and to advance UNESCOโs broader mandate. -Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations and speeches, including inputs for Office-wide reporting mechanisms. -Stay informed about emerging trends and innovative approaches in AI, particularly as it relates to the areas of UNESCOโs mandate. -Perform other related duties and conduct additional tasks as required.
Competencies and valuesโAccountability โAdaptability and Flexibility โBuilding Trust โโโCommitment and Motivation โCommitment to Continuous Learning Communication โCreativity โโEthics and Values โโโIntegrity โโPlanning and Organizing โโProfessionalism โRespect for Diversity โโโWorking in Teams
Living conditions and remarksThe incumbent will be based at the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is designated a Hardship Category โAโ duty station. Jamaica is a Caribbean country with a total population of approximately 2.9 million inhabitants and Kingston is its capital city. There is a good supply of water and electricity island wide. Travelers to Jamaica are advised to take normal security precautions required in large cities and will receive a security briefing upon arrival. 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. 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. There are also many beautiful destinations to visit across the island. Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island, facing a natural harbour. This is where UN agencies are based and where the UNV will be working. Most of the economic activity takes place within Kingston and most government ministries are in the city. Kingston is also the island's main transportation hub and its largest seaport. 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. Currency used is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD) and the rate of exchange with the United States Dollar is USD1.00: JMD 160.23 (the rate fluctuates daily). Credit cards are widely accepted. The USD is a legal tender and several businesses will accept payment at the prevailing rate of exchange. USD can be changed at local commercial banks. Visa process: Upon arrival, the UNV is supported by the UNESCO Office to process the extension of stay visa. Thus, the extension of stay is handled through the UNESCO Office.