Senior Data and Ai Officer

OVERVIEW
**Post Number**: DBS 108
**Grade**: P-4
**Parent Sector**: Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS)
**Duty Station**: Paris
**Job Family**: Computer Sciences / Information Technologies
**Type of contract**: Fixed Term
**Duration of contract**: 2 years
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 11-MAR-2025
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
UNESCO increasingly relies on the production and use of data for its programme delivery and reporting. Properly implemented Data Governance principles applied to an integrated data framework are necessary to ensure that UNESCO provides the highest levels of data quality, consistency, integrity, and trustworthiness. Quality data and robust data governance are foundational for leveraging AI at the organizational level, enabling the full realization of its transformative potential.
This post is located within the Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS), under the direct supervision of the Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO).
The Senior Data and AI Officer will engage and interact with clients and business stakeholders, users, as well as internal and external IT technical teams. He or she will be lead a cross-functional team from central services (DBS) and programme sectors.
The Senior Data and AI Officer knows, and capitalizes on, how impactful engagement and meaningful interactions with technical and functional teams, as well as with client and business stakeholders, can deliver optimal outcomes and business objectives on tight deadlines. He/She is adaptable learner with an appetite for innovation and has a robust foundation in databases models, DevOps, ML and other AI concepts.
Long Description
**The key responsibilities of the role are as follows**:
**Develop and Implement a Data and AI Governance Framework**: Establish policies and procedures for data and AI management and governance across the Organization, in line with past audit recommendations, to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with international standards. Develop strategies and coordinate efforts to raise awareness of the importance of data management and organize training and awareness sessions to equip staff with the skills needed to manage, process and use data effectively. Support identification, development, and management of strategic partnerships for policy development and data reuse.
**Develop data management tools and processes**: Develop tools and processes that provide simple and effective methods for ensuring data and metadata quality. Create and maintain a toolkit and a set of services to simplify data management (Python, R, SaaS data science platform, etc.).
**Coordinate the use of AI in Unesco projects**: Work with internal AI consultants and engineers as well as business owners, to assess business needs and vision, and to integrate AI technologies into UNESCO's programmatic and corporate tools, while ensuring alignment with the Organization's mission and the ethical AI framework.
Support and coordinate the organization of events, working groups, and other advocacy-related activities related to digital innovation, including data and AI governance, at both national and regional levels. Promote the adoption of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by guiding teams to implement AI solutions that respect human rights, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
**Support Digital Transformation Initiatives**: Contribute to the Digital Transformation Working Group's efforts by coordinating and leading the Sub-group on Data and AI by providing expertise on data governance and AI projects, ensuring they align with UNESCO's digital strategy.
**Engage in Capacity Building**: Develop training programs and materials, as well as change management activities, to enhance the digital skills of UNESCO staff, focusing on the ethical use of AI and data management best practices.
**Monitor and Report on AI Trends**: Keep abreast of the latest developments in AI and data science, providing regular updates to the Programme Coordination Group and other relevant bodies within UNESCO.
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) Strategic thinking (M) Managing performance (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Driving and managing change (M) Building partnerships (M) Making quality decisions (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Governance, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or a related field.
A first-level University degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Governance, Statistics, Applied Mathematics