Individual Contractor (Emerging Technologies Policy Specialist)

Result of Service• Policy articles and briefs drafted, including in relation to UN AI Governance workstreams and other existing international AI governance initiatives. • Horizon scanning of emerging technology trends continuously delivered, and standards format for delivery developed. Work LocationNew York Expected duration9 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe position is located in the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET). UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, with a mandate to: (a) advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; (b) serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders; (c) facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; (d) strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on digital and emerging technologies; (e) support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1). Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET also leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology – while mitigating the risks – so that progress towards achieving the Goals by 2030 can be made collectively, as well as carrying out other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General, including follow up actions from the Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report \"Our Common Agenda\". The Individual Contractor will support ODET’s work on global cooperation on governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The Individual Contractor will report to the Senior Programme Management Officer in the Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies. His/her duties include: • Conduct research activities related to ODET’s work on Global AI Cooperation, such as a continuous mapping of the international AI Governance landscape and other emerging technology issues to promote alignment and coherence with existing international AI Governance workstreams, such as the G7 Hiroshima AI Process, OECD, and other multilateral AI processes • Monitor and analyze global activities and developments in AI and emerging technologies, providing strategic briefs and updates to the team as needed. • Conduct horizon scanning of AI technology trends and advancements to identify potential opportunities and challenges, informing strategic planning and decision-making. • Prepare in-depth background notes and strategic insights for senior UN officials on AI Governance developments. • Ensure alignment and continuity with previous UN workstreams on Global AI Cooperation, such as the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI. • Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 3 years of experience researching or advising on emerging technologies is required. At least 1 year of experience writing on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as a journalist, reporter, or similar is required. Research experience on international AI governance issues is an advantage. Previous experience in / with non-UN international AI governance processes is an advantage. LanguagesFluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.