UNESCO Institute for Statistics

About the Company

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the official and trusted source of internationally-comparable indicators, methodologies and standards for the Sustainable Development Goal on education (SDG 4) and key targets related to science (SDG 9), culture (SDG 11) and communication.

We work directly with national statistical offices, line ministries and international organizations around the world to collect data while developing a wide array of methodologies and standards to produce the internationally-comparable indicators needed to track progress, especially in the field of education, at the global, regional and national levels. As a custodian agency for SDG indicators, UIS global databases are publicly available.

We produce the indicators to fuel the policies and investments needed to transform lives and propel the world towards its development goals.

Listed Jobs

Company Name

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Job Title

Chief, Crisis Response Section

Job Description

Overview

Post Number : PAX 340

Grade : P-5

Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-APR-2025

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

Overview Of The Functions Of The Post

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the Chief of the Crisis Response Section will be responsible for defining, coordinating and driving priority emergency interventions, responsive programming, designing policies and strategies; providing technical backstopping and expertise, leading staff in the achievement of the Section's priorities; locating and engaging resources; maintaining and pursuing partnerships; and identifying and promoting cross-divisional work assigned to the Section.

Long Description

The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For

Provide intellectual and strategic guidance in order to: alert, identify, develop, coordinate, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and multisectoral crisis response programmes.
Deliver visible and high quality crisis-responsive programmes, as necessary; Direct the conceptualisation, implementation and monitoring of crisis response programmes; Set up and coordinating cross-sectoral task force, advocacy, policy and capacity development tools; Assess and report on their outcomes and effectiveness; Ensure the continuous optimization of resources; Ensure that UNESCO’s work is designed and implemented in a coherent and integrated manner.
Coordinate assessments of existing crisis programmes and ensure integrated and relevant reporting to the donors and the governing bodies, in close consultation with Field Offices and central services.
Ensure proactive participation and coherent positioning of UNESCO in UN-led crisis response mechanisms.
Facilitate dialogue across networks and areas of expertise, and keep abreast of emerging trends and risks, application of best practices; Establish collaborative and influential partnerships enhancing UNESCO’s standing and influence in the Field.
Support UNESCO’s engagement as part joint UN programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, the private sector, and international institutions.
Provide support and lead as Focal Point in developing transversal and inter-sectoral fund mobilisation projects and activities in priority interventions areas, depending on crisis category and national context; Support UNESCO’s engagement as part joint UN programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, the private sector, and international institutions.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

Building partnerships (M)

Driving and managing change (M)

Leading and empowering others (M)

Making quality decisions (M)

Managing performance (M)

Strategic thinking (M)



For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of international relations, political sciences, law, social sciences, or in other related areas.

Work Experience

At least (ten) 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of international cooperation and international relations, or related fields, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level, notably in relation with the United Nations system-wide cooperation in crisis preparedness and response contexts.
Experience in United Nations integrated action in the fields of humanitarian response, human rights, peacebuilding and /or disaster risk management, or related fields.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

Commitment and knowledge of the Organization's mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
Knowledge of UNESCO’s Crisis Response mechanisms and funding instruments, and strategic priorities and governance.
Sense of objectivity and professional integrity, tact and discretion.
Strong diplomatic skills and a sense of strategic negotiation.
Strong problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
Ability to manage and supervise a team of professional members, to work within tight deadlines, with multiple priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail and high-quality work.
Proven capacity to react swiftly / effectively to emergencies situations and sound judgement and decision-making skills.
Excellent capacity to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and to write documents in a clear and concise manner.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with excellent drafting skills, and proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels within and outside the Organization.
Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
Good IT skills, including good knowledge of standards office software.

Languages

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Desirable Qualifications

Education

Courses/training or diploma in the field of international development and international humanitarian cooperation.

Work Experience

Experience in the preparation of factual and substantive briefing notes and official correspondence.
Experience in managing funds, including budget planning, financial oversight, and reporting to donors.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

Geopolitical knowledge, knowledge and understanding of current international affairs and of the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanisms, platforms and working methods.

Languages

Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Benefits And Entitlements

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 144 897 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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 an interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as...

Paris, France

On site

06-03-2025

Company Name

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Job Title

Consultant for Developing and Piloting a Nature Positive AI Toolkit for Policymakers (SHS)

Job Description

Overview

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : [[Contract Type]]

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31.03.2025

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

Background

UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from an ethical and human rights approach. Under this framework in November 2021, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which the 193 Member States adopted by acclamation at the 41st session of its General Conference, and spearheading its implementation by the Member States through innovative tools and methodologies, such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Through the application of these tools, UNESCO is changing the business model that drives AI, going beyond principles to develop a range of concrete and practical solutions to ensure fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable outcomes of AI.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has played a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO’s efforts to position ethics as the cornerstone of building AI governance. Through the implementation of two projects (2023 and 2024), UNESCO has facilitated a multistakeholder process of evidence gathering through national consultation and the deployment of RAM in Brazil, Chile, Morocco and Senegal in the first phase and in the ongoing phase in Argentina, India, Indonesia, Tanzania and Turkey. The partnership also advances key knowledge products that will further reinforce capacity-building efforts on the ground and empower stakeholders to navigate the complex AI landscape.

The goal of the new project—Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance (2025)—is to consolidate the results delivered to date, build on the achievements made, expand the reach and depth of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and deploy globally the tools, methodologies, knowledge and experiences from the recent efforts of building AI governance ecosystem. The actions will be organised around three main pillars/expected outcomes: a. empowering civil society, b. expanding and deepening engagement with countries for ethics of AI through RAMs and other tools; c. producing new knowledge on AI governance.

Later this year, Brazil will preside over the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém. As the world marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, there is a heightened sense of urgency about global warming, which has morphed from a future threat into a present emergency. Acknowledging the urgency of the challenges and opportunities in the nexus of Climate, Biodiversity, and AI, UNESCO took the pioneering step of including an environmental policy chapter in The Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This set a transformative precedent for the global AI community, urging a shift to a broader vision of AI’s role—not only in reducing the environmental impact but also in actively enhancing ecosystem health and community resilience.

There is great optimism that COP30 will mark a pivotal moment for climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Following the completion of the global stocktake at COP28—enabling countries to see where they’re collectively making progress toward meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and where they are not— and the finalisation of the Paris Agreement rulebook at COP29—setting the implementation guidelines to execute the Agreement—the primary focus in Belém will be to accelerate the execution of current agreements. Our goal at COP30 is to redirect global efforts to create conditions at the international level that facilitate and accelerate national efforts. The aim of this consultancy is to develop and pilot a Nature Positive AI Toolkit for Policymakers to help countries achieve these agreed goals. The policy chapter on Environment and Ecosystems of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is to be the basis of this Toolkit.

Overview Of The Functions Of The Post

The Consultant will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO Headquarters.

The consultant will 1) lead the production of a report compiling guidance and good practices to address these gaps in the format of a toolkit for policymakers and 2) lead the piloting of this toolkit through at least two use cases to identify from the 61 countries conducting the RAM.

The outputs and activities the Consultant will engage in are:

Output 1. Producing a Nature Positive AI Toolkit for Policymakers:

Develop research design and methodology for producing the Nature Positive AI Toolkit for Policymakers.
Identify key themes, trends, challenges, tools and good practices in Nature Positive AI, including reviewing findings from the Benchmark Report to Guide the Strategic Development of UNESCO’s Global Action Towards Nature Positive AI developed within the Ethics of AI Team and including the discussions from the 2025 AI Action Summit.
Engage and collaborate in the production of this research with the leading institutions and networks partnering with UNESCO on the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (AI Experts without Borders, Women for Ethics of AI platform, Global Network of Civil Society Organizations).
Conduct interviews with competent authorities, experts and other relevant stakeholders for input into the research if needed.
Draft the report as a toolkit and in a modular format for easy dissemination and uptake among national stakeholders in every country. Ideally, the report should have a structure that could easily be implemented as an online tool.
Integrate findings from the pilots into the report.
Integrate report findings into the Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory in consultation with the Ethics of AI team.
Integrate inputs of the Ethics of AI team as needed and contribute to dissemination, communication and briefing outputs as necessary.

Output 2. Piloting the Nature Positive AI Toolkit for Policymakers:

Identify the most important sections in the Nature Positive AI Toolkit that must be piloted as a priority and identify at least two use cases from the 61 countries conducting the RAM accordingly.
Lead on the agreement, logistics and work needed to conduct the pilots.
Produce dissemination material to inform of the pilots' results using a format that could be standardised for future pilots.
Integrate pilots' findings into the Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory in consultation with the Ethics of AI team.
Contribute to dissemination, communication and briefing outputs as necessary.

Output 3. Contrib...

Paris, France

On site

19-03-2025

Company Name

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Job Title

Consultant for Structuring and Coordinating UNESCO's CSO Global Network (Social and Human Sciences)

Job Description

Overview

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : [[Contract Type]]

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31.03.2025

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

Background

UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from an ethical and human rights approach. Under this framework in November 2021, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which the 193 Member States adopted by acclamation at the 41st session of its General Conference, and spearheading its implementation by the Member States through innovative tools and methodologies, such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Through the application of these tools, UNESCO is changing the business model that drives AI, going beyond principles to develop a range of concrete and practical solutions to ensure fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable outcomes of AI.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has played a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO’s efforts to position ethics as the cornerstone of building AI governance. Through the implementation of two projects (2023 and 2024), UNESCO has facilitated a multistakeholder process of evidence gathering through national consultation and the deployment of RAM in Brazil, Chile, Morocco and Senegal in the first phase and in the ongoing phase in Argentina, India, Indonesia, Tanzania and Türkiye. The partnership also advances key knowledge products that will further reinforce capacity-building efforts on the ground and empower stakeholders to navigate the complex AI landscape.

The goal of the new project—Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance (2025)—is to consolidate the results delivered to date, build on the achievements made, expand the reach and depth of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and deploy globally the tools, methodologies, knowledge and experiences from the recent efforts of building AI governance ecosystem. The actions will be organised around three main pillars/expected outcomes: a. empowering civil society, b. expanding and deepening engagement with countries for ethics of AI through RAMs and other tools; c. producing new knowledge on AI governance.

UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence highlights that multistakeholder collaboration — spanning governments, private sector entities, academics, and civil society organisations (CSOs) — is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by AI and data-intensive technologies. To support and amplify the contributions of CSOs and academic institutions, UNESCO is launching a Global Network dedicated to fostering collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge exchange in the field of AI ethics and governance. The aim of this consultancy is to structure and coordinate the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions. Once fully operationalised, the network aims to become a robust platform for sustained collaboration and impact rooted in human rights and democratic principles. One key component of the Global Network will be to promote the role and positions of civil society and academic institutions in global AI governance processes. The Global Network could also serve as a consultative body to future AI Summits.

Overview Of The Functions Of The Post

The Consultant will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO Headquarters. The consultant will 1) support the structuring of the network along with the multistakeholder coordination group composed of UNESCO, key civil society organisations and academic institutions and 2) coordinate the network, ensuring the implementation of the Recommendation and the promotion of the civil society and academic institutions' role in global AI governance.

The outputs and activities the Consultant will engage in are:

Output 1. Structuring The Network

Design and set the terms of reference for the operation of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions, determining, among other things, the conditions of acceptance to the network and key activities that the network will take. This needs to be done in close coordination with the multistakeholder coordination group.
Identify key thematic areas around which sub-groups can be created.
Develop surveys and conduct interviews with members of the network to identify the needs of the members and the resources available to the network.

Output 2. Coordinating And Expanding The Network

Support the development of a work plan for the different sub-groups of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions. This approach will ensure concrete engagement and commitment deliver on areas of focus while maximising the network’s impact.
Support the coordination of all the activities of the network, such as peer-to-peer exchanges among CSOs from developed and developing economies, developing specific knowledge products, co-creation of toolkits and promoting contextual good practices.
Drive the expansion of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions’ membership, with special relevance to CSOs and academic institutions from different thematic areas and regions.
Implement a feedback loop to ensure the network meets the evolving needs of CSOs and academic institutions.

Output 3. Contributing to the ongoing work of the Ethics of AI Unit:

Support the inclusion of the CSOs’ perspective in the Meta-Analysis of RAMs report, needing a cross-cutting analysis of all completed RAM reports.
Coordinate and lead the inclusion of the CSOs’ perspective in UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), ensuring alignment with the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Identifying synergies between the network and knowledge and experience from the relevant projects on ethics of AI being delivered around the world, including capacity building for AI governance for different countries. The goal is to enrich and cross-fertilise the overall work.
Contribute to ongoing research and analysis conducted by the Ethics of AI team in AI policy and governance.
Participate in meetings and present the work to different stakeholders.
Support the team by preparing different materials such as speeches, presentations, blogs, white papers, etc.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME

Month 1, by April 30th, 2025

Draft terms of reference for the operation of the Global Network of CSOs and academic institutions to develop in close coordination with the multistakeholder coordination group.
Develop and conduct a survey to identify the needs of the members and the resources available to the network.

Month ...

Paris, France

On site

19-03-2025

Company Name

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Job Title

Consultant for Conducting a Comprehensive Revision of RAM

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

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 Duty Station Time) : 31-03-2025

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

BACKGROUND

UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from an ethical and human rights approach. Under this framework in November 2021, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which the 193 Member States adopted by acclamation at the 41st session of its General Conference and spearheading its implementation by the Member States through innovative tools and methodologies, such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Through the application of these tools, UNESCO is changing the business model that drives AI, going beyond principles to develop a range of concrete and practical solutions to ensure fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable outcomes of AI.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has played a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO’s efforts to position ethics as the cornerstone of building AI governance. Through the implementation of two projects (2023 and 2024), UNESCO has facilitated a multistakeholder process of evidence gathering through national consultation and the deployment of RAM in Brazil, Chile, Morocco and Senegal in the first phase and in the ongoing phase in Argentina, India, Indonesia, Tanzania and Türkiye. The partnership also advances key knowledge products that will further reinforce capacity-building efforts on the ground and empower stakeholders to navigate the complex AI landscape.

The goal of the new project—Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance (2025)—is to consolidate the results delivered to date, build on the achievements made, expand the reach and depth of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and deploy globally the tools, methodologies, knowledge and experiences from the recent efforts of building AI governance ecosystem. The actions will be organised around three main pillars/expected outcomes: a. empowering civil society, b. expanding and deepening engagement with countries for ethics of AI through RAMs and other tools; c. producing new knowledge on AI governance. UNESCO Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) is currently being implemented in over 61 countries, including 22 African Countries and 14 SIDs.

UNESCO has gathered firsthand evidence through the RAM, and specific RAM Recommendations have influenced the development of national AI policies, such as the Draft Kenya National AI Strategy, published in January 2025. Since the RAM was published in 2023 and used around the world, valuable feedback has been provided on its content and application. The aim of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive revision of the RAM that would ensure that the tool remains relevant and continues to address emerging needs and challenges effectively.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Consultant will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO Headquarters. The consultant will lead and coordinate the process for a comprehensive revision of the RAM.

The outputs and activities the Consultant will engage in are:

Output 1. Conducting a Comprehensive Revision Of RAM:

Collating Feedback on Different Areas of the RAM: Focus groups will be organised with the leading institutions and networks partnering with UNESCO on the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (AI Experts without Borders, Women for Ethics of AI platform, Global Network of Civil Society Organizations), and written inputs will be sought of priority areas of the RAM that have been flagged as needing to be revised.
Produce the Revised Version: This version will reflect the outcome of the discussions and consultations.
Organising Meetings of the High-Level Expert Group that Developed the RAM: The group will be invited to reflect on the proposed changes and requested to ensure a coherent structure.
Follow two of the four new RAM processes of the project to understand how the data used for the Meta-Analysis of RAMs Report is produced.
Collaborate and coordinate the inputs on specific topics—such as Gender and Environment—provided by other members of the team.
Conduct interviews with competent authorities, experts and other relevant stakeholders for input into the research if needed.
Integrate inputs of the Ethics of AI team as needed and contribute to dissemination, communication and briefing outputs as necessary.

Long Description

Output 2. Contributing to the ongoing work of the Ethics of AI Unit:

Support the Meta-Analysis of RAMs report, needing a cross-cutting analysis of all completed RAM reports.
Identifying synergies between this revision of RAM and knowledge and experience from the relevant projects on ethics of AI being delivered around the world, including capacity building for AI governance for different countries. The goal is to enrich and cross-fertilise the overall work.
Contribute to ongoing research and analysis conducted by the Ethics of AI team in AI policy and governance.
Participate in meetings and present the work to different stakeholders.
Support the team with preparing different materials such as speeches, presentations, blogs, white papers, etc.

The duration of the contract is 9 months (until December 31st, 2025) with a monthly payment. The consultant may work remotely and shall attend missions in person related to the project implementation. The exact dates are to be confirmed by the Secretariat in due course.

Before Submitting The Employment History Form (Word File) To The My Employment History Form / My Documents section Of The Online Application, The Candidate Must Add The Following Elements At The End Of The File:

A one-page statement laying out how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment and explaining how they would approach the work.
The salary expectations for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars on a monthly basis for a 9-month period (full-time working).

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

Please note that the consultant 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.

Long Description

DE...

Paris, France

Hybrid

20-03-2025