Project Coordination Consultant – JFIT II (Paris, France) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 1 – Junior

Hiring Unit : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) : 23/04/2026

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

In November 2021, 193 Member States of UNESCO adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This global standard aims to leverage the positive impact of AI while addressing its inherent risks. Countries around the world are now in the process of implementing the Recommendation, with UNESCO supporting them through various capacity-building efforts. Building on the achievements of previous initiatives in collaboration with the Government of Japan through, this project aims to enhance civil society engagement, expand the implementation of AI readiness assessment methodology (RAM), and strengthen the knowledge sharing across African and SIDS stakeholders.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), and direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit, the Project Coordination Consultant will support the delivery of the project Supporting Countries in Building Effective AI Governance through Implementing the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and leverage complementarities with other projects and initiatives deployed by SHS sector to build the national  capacities for the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.

The Project Coordination Consultant shall undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Supporting the coordination and implementation of the project by contributing to activities across its two core pillars:
1. Coordinate the implementation of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in six countries

1. 1. 1. Support the preparation and rollout of national inception workshops, data collection processes, and stakeholder consultations
      2. Ensure close coordination with UNESCO Field Offices, national counterparts, and consultants to facilitate timely and high-quality delivery of RAM country reports
      3. Monitor progress against the project’s Results Framework and contribute to regular reporting
      4. Provide logistical and operational support for RAM-related missions, meetings, and procurement

1. Support the planning and delivery of two regional knowledge-sharing fora (Africa and SIDS)

1. 1. 1. Lead the planning, agenda design, participant outreach, and documentation for the two regional fora
      2. Coordinate structured peer-learning sessions, good practice exchange, and integration of Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) training elements
      3. Contribute to visibility and communication efforts
      4. Support monitoring and evaluation of the fora
2. Drafting policy briefs, blog posts, and other relevant materials based on conducted research and analysis, and contributing to the preparation of interventions
3. Provide advice to the Sector on tools, resources and policies related to the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence
4. Support engagement with key stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and international organizations; 
5. Contribute to other matters requested by the head of unit.

A monthly report on tasks outlining the key activities realized will be required.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, or other related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience on the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies, at national and/or international level.
• Experience in supporting international projects and coordinating Multistakeholder initiatives
• Experience in conducting research and analysis and/or implementing programmes/projects on the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies, as well as standards related to these issues.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Very good understanding of the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence and related digital technologies.
• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Good analytical skills with ability to undertake research including the collection and synthesis of information from various sources.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present findings and recommendations on issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment, and to work effectively under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Good IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English or French, and a good knowledge of the other.  

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. or equivalent in governance of artificial intelligence, ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence or digital technologies, law and technology, or other related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least one (1) year of professional experience on the ethical, legal, social and governance issues of artificial intelligence acquired at the international level.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of French or Spanish.

1.  An up-to-date CV must be submitted to the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application.

2.  At the end of the CV file, the candidate must append a one-page statement explaining how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment, along with their salary expectations, expressed in USD.

Only applications with the above-requested information can be considered.

Please note that the consultant’s salary expectations must be expressed in gross amounts. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties in accordance with local laws. UNESCO will not reimburse any taxes, duties or other contributions for which the Individual Specialist may be liable in respect of any payments made to him/her under the terms of this contract.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.