Senior Data and AI Officer

<h2><b>OVERVIEW</b></h2> <p><span><span><span>Post Number : </span>DBS 108</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Grade : </span>P-4</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Parent Sector : </span>Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS)</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Duty Station: </span>Paris</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Job Family: </span>Computer Sciences / Information Technologies</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Type of contract : </span>Fixed Term</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Duration of contract : </span>2 years</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Recruitment open to : </span>Internal and external candidates</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : </span>11-MAR-2025</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span><span><span>UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <h2><b>OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST</b></h2> <p><span><span>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.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span><span>This post is located within the Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS), under the direct supervision of the Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO).  </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span><span>The Senior Data and AI Officer will be responsible for  data and AI governance and will ensure technical coordination of relevant data and  AI projects. The post will coordinate the consolidation of databases across the Organization to further intersectoral data linkages and facilitate integrated data dashboards. The Senior Data and AI Officer will serve as an advocate for the responsible and ethical use of data and AI.  He or she will be instrumental in developing a cohesive data AI governance, ensuring ethical safeguards, cybersecurity measures, and uniform application of UNESCO’s AI ethics rules in a coordinated manner across all data and AI products. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span><span>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.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>  </span></span></p> <p><span><span>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.</span></span><br/>  </p> <h2>Long Description</h2> <p><span><span>The key responsibilities of the role are as follows:</span></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span><span><b>Develop and Implement a Data and AI Governance Framework:</b> 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.</span></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span><span><b>Develop data management tools and processes:</b> 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.).</span></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span><span><b>Coordinate the use of AI in Unesco projects:</b> 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.</span></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span><span><b>Support and coordinate the organization of events</b>, working groups, and other advocacy-related activities related to digital innovation, including data and AI governance, at both national and regional levels. Promote