Policy Expert to implement Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in LAC

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Montevideo

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 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30-DEC-2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

TERMS OF REFERENCES

BACKGROUND

UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from ethical, human, and rights-based approaches. In November 2021, the 193 Member States of UNESCO signed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the first global normative instrument in its domain. This Recommendation serves as a comprehensive and actionable framework for the ethical development and use of AI. The Recommendation represents a comprehensive ethical framework that encompasses the full spectrum of human rights architecture – from the principle of human dignity to the issue of inclusivity, fairness, equality, and non-discrimination. It does so by maintaining focus on all stages of the AI system lifecycle. Considering these challenges, the Recommendation details the actions required from Member States to ensure accountability, responsibility, transparency, and necessary regulations to ensure the rule of law.

With these values, principles, and policy areas in mind, the UNESCO Secretariat has elaborated a program for the implementation of the Recommendation, with the core aim of building national capacities to discharge the actions set out in the Recommendation. To implement the Recommendation, UNESCO developed two main tools for the purpose: the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment. On one hand, the RAM aims to help assess the resilience of existing laws, policies, and institutions to AI implementation in the country and the alignment of the AI systems with the recommendations' values and principles.

The RAM is a macro-level instrument that will help countries understand how prepared they are to implement AI ethically and responsibly for all their citizens by identifying institutional and regulatory change needs. Furthermore, the RAM will estimate the associated capacity-building level in different countries. Capacity in this regard means the ability to assess AI systems in line with the Recommendation to ensure that the country has in place human capacity, policies, and regulations to address the challenges brought by AI.

On the other hand, the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) aims to identify and assess AI systems' benefits, concerns, and risks, as well as appropriate risk prevention, mitigation, redressal, and monitoring measures. Such assessments should identify the impacts on human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular, but not limited to, the rights of people in vulnerable and precarious situations, labor rights, the environment and ecosystems, and ethical and social implications, and facilitate citizen participation in line with the values and principles set forth in this Recommendation. The instrument is primarily designed to help government officials involved in the procurement of AI systems. The goal of the methodology is to equip procurement officers with the set of questions to ensure that the AI systems they are purchasing are aligned with the ethical standards set out in the UNESCO Recommendation.

UNESCO is working with multiple partners in the implementation of the Recommendation through the development of those two instruments. In Latin America and the Caribbean, UNESCO is working on two dimensions: with governments (aligned with the Declaration of Santiago) and with the private sector through UNESCO's Business Council on Artificial Intelligence and Ethics. As part of this effort, UNESCO is actively working with CAF – development bank of Latin America and The Caribbean through a technical cooperation.

In this sense, UNESCO is seeking an expert to provide political assistance to the implementation of the Recommendation on Ethics and AI in the region.

The expert will work under the supervision of the Regional Specialist of SHS in LAC and the director of the UNESCO Montevideo office, and in the framework of 41/C5 (Outcome 9 and output 9.SHS5), particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, neurotechnologies and other frontier technologies, and international recommendations and frameworks in the field of ethics, and in collaboration with other team members at Headquarters and field offices.

SCOPE OF THE WORK

The aim of this consultancy is to develop research, analytical outputs, and policy dialogue towards the implementation of the Recommendation in the region. More specifically, the expert will perform the following functions:

1. Provide technical, administrative and operational assistance to the Regional Specialist of SHS in LAC in the implementation of the Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Evaluate and propose mechanisms to integrate the Recommendation into different practical tools being developed in the region.

2. Review the development of Readiness Assessment Methodologies (RAM) in LAC Member States updating or designing AI national strategies.

3.Assist LAC Member States technically in implementing the Recommendation and developing or redesigning AI governmental strategies.

4. Assist in the development of knowledge products in areas of artificial intelligence, neurotechnologies, and other emerging technologies related to their ethical and responsible use.

5. Provide technical, administrative and operational support for establishing the Intergovernmental Council on Artificial Intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean, within the framework of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and coordinate it once it is established.

6. Assist UNESCO's Business Council on AI and Ethics technically and operationally in implementing the Recommendation in the private sector. In particular, accompany the process of the development of the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Council's members.

7. Facilitate the identification, dissemination, and communication of good practices on AI ethics in companies, through different activities such as webinars, policy notes, blog posts, among others.

8. Participate in and lead workshops, consultation processes, meetings with authorities and experts, and public activities and presentations as needed.

9. Provide technical and administrative assistance in the revision of papers, presentations, policies, and other technical materials

DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME

The consultant should send monthly reports highlighting the main activities to Regional Specialist of SHS in LAC.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in public policy, economics, law and technology, or other related fields.

Work experience

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in government, multilateral organizations, and research institutions.
• A minimum of four years of proven experience in the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies at national and/or international level.
• Proven experience in conducting research and analysis and/or implementing programs/projects on the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies, as well as standards related to these issues. Experiences in producing policy-oriented reports or recommendations are strongly desirable.

Skills/Competencies

• Very good understanding of the ethical, legal, social, and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies
• Excellent knowledge about the dynamics of governance of AI in the implementing country, including policies, legislative and regulatory frameworks, institutional mechanisms, organizational structures and processes, and initiatives by different stakeholders in this field.
• Experiences in undertaking policy review and assessments both qualitatively and quantitatively on topics related to governance of AI or related digital technologies
• Proven ability to draft clearly and concisely and to produce high-quality policy-oriented analysis and synthesis documents.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish.

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

-The application must include a technical proposal and a financial proposal attached in the Employment History Form section in a single file together with the CV.

-The technical proposal should include a precise description of the experience related to the terms of reference, as well as a proposal of the activities to be carried out in order to fulfil the objectives of the post.

-The financial proposal should contain the monthly cost of the technical proposal.

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. 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.

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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) 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.

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