Junior Officer, Inclusive AI for Sustainable Development

UNESCO's mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for the Caribbean fits within UNESCO’s 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.

Under 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 UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment by reviewing documents, coordinating with partners and supporting meeting logistics.

-Contribute to strengthen UNESCO’s 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 UNESCO’s 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 UNESCO’s mandate.

-Perform other related duties and conduct additional tasks as required.