Junior Professional Officer (AI Ethics and Governance)

OVERVIEW

Post Number: JPO_US 01 SHS

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract: Junior Professional Officer

Duration of contract: The initial appointment is for 1 year, renewable based on satisfactory performance

Recruitment open to: Candidates who have U.S. citizenship

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 31-JAN-2025

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

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

With its unique mandate, UNESCO has led the international effort to ensure that science and technology develop with strong ethical guardrails for decades. The rapid rise in artificial intelligence (AI) has created many opportunities globally, but also raises profound ethical concerns. UNESCO produced the first-ever global standard on AI ethics - the "Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence," adopted by all 193 Member States in November 2021.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will be closely integrated within the Ethics of AI (EAI) Unit, under the supervision of the head of the EAI unit and the overall supervision of ADG/SHS. The JPO will be responsible for:

1. Implementation of projects related to assisting Member States in the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
2. Development and optimization of different policy tools, approaches, and methodologies related to AI governance.
3. Managing expert networks and optimizing their engagement.
4. Organizing and delivering events related to AI ethics.
5. Contributing to the work of external bodies working in the domain of AI governance.
6. Production of new knowledge products in the domain of ethics and resource mobilization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields. A first-level university degree with additional experience may be accepted.

Work experience:

• Preferably a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in relevant areas.
• Good understanding of AI and its ethical implications.
• Experience in project and/or programme management desirable.
• Experience in conducting quantitative research is desirable.

Competencies and skills:

• Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of another UNESCO official language is an asset.

LEARNING ELEMENTS

Acquire in-depth knowledge about UNESCO's work on promoting ethical governance of AI and hands-on experience in delivering complex projects.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the JPO Programme, candidates should meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: Candidates should have U.S. citizenship.
2. Age: 32 years maximum.
3. Diplomas: Advanced university degree with relevant working experience or a Bachelor's degree with additional relevant experience.
4. Languages: Fluency in English and knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

The candidates should apply through the UNESCO Career Website.

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