Consultant for Supporting the Coordination of the McGovern III Project and the Seven RAMs – Apply Now for October 2025 Opportunity
About the Organisation
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), headquartered in Paris, is a global institution committed to promoting peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, communication, and information. Upholding its core values of Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism, UNESCO has consistently championed global collaboration for ethical progress.
Within this vision, the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector plays a pivotal role in advancing ethical frameworks for emerging technologies, fostering human rights-based approaches to artificial intelligence, and developing inclusive global governance models.
The Consultant for Supporting the Coordination of the McGovern III Project and the Seven RAMs position at UNESCO presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals in AI ethics, technology governance, and policy research to contribute to cutting-edge international initiatives. The consultant will work directly with UNESCO’s Ethics of AI Unit to implement and expand global frameworks that ensure responsible, equitable, and sustainable AI systems aligned with the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
About the Opportunity
This consultancy offers a unique chance to work on the Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance Project (McGovern III). The initiative builds on earlier UNESCO–Patrick J. McGovern Foundation collaborations, expanding ethical AI governance in multiple countries.
The consultant will support all aspects of project coordination, including:
- Strengthening global networks of civil society organizations (CSOs) and academic partners in AI ethics.
- Implementing the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) across seven new nations.
- Drafting key knowledge products, such as the Meta-Analysis of RAMs and the Nature Positive AI Toolkit.
- Contributing to policy briefs, public events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
This consultancy involves collaboration across UNESCO’s interdisciplinary teams, providing unparalleled exposure to AI policy, governance structures, and international cooperation mechanisms.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| Consultancy Duration | December 2025 – April 2026 |
Location and Mode
- Location: Paris, France
- Mode: Offline (In-Person) – Consultant will work from UNESCO Headquarters and may participate in field missions or international conferences as part of the project.
Format and Structure
- Duration: 5 months (December 2025 – April 2026)
- Working Hours: Full-time (based on UNESCO Headquarters schedule)
- Supervisor / Mentor: Head, Ethics of AI Unit, UNESCO HQ
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for this UNESCO Consultant Opportunity in Paris, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Education:
- University degree in AI governance, ethics of technology, law and technology, data science, computer science, or related fields.
- A Ph.D. is considered an advantage and may count as professional experience.
Work Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience in AI ethics, governance, or policymaking.
- Proven record in multi-stakeholder project coordination with governments, academia, or civil society.
- Experience in policy-oriented research, particularly on AI ethics and human rights.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong understanding of AI’s ethical, legal, and governance dimensions.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and research abilities.
- Familiarity with UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).
- Capacity to manage multiple deliverables under tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural context.
Languages:
- Excellent command of English (spoken and written).
- Working knowledge of French is desirable.
Additional Highlights
- Certificate of Completion: Issued upon successful completion of the consultancy.
- Stipend: Consultancy is paid; applicants must specify expected gross monthly remuneration in USD.
- Networking Opportunities: Direct collaboration with UNESCO officials, international experts, and policymakers across multiple nations.
- Professional Exposure: Involvement in the global AI ethics ecosystem, contributing to influential governance tools and reports.
FAQs on Consultant for Supporting the Coordination of the McGovern III Project and the Seven RAMs
1. Who can apply for this Consultant for Supporting the Coordination of the McGovern III Project and the Seven RAMs opportunity?
Applicants with postgraduate qualifications in AI governance, law, data ethics, or related domains and at least two years of relevant experience are eligible to apply.
2. Is this UNESCO Consultant Opportunity paid or unpaid?
Yes, this consultancy is paid. Applicants must indicate their expected monthly remuneration in USD while applying.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025 (Midnight, Paris Time).
4. What is the selection process?
Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated based on merit, academic background, and experience in AI ethics. The process may involve written assessments and interviews conducted via video conference.
5. Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. UNESCO will issue a certificate of completion acknowledging the consultant’s contribution to the McGovern III Project and the Ethics of AI initiative.
Important Links
- Official Notification: UNESCO Consultant Vacancy Notice
- Application Form: Apply via UNESCO Careers Portal
- Organization Website: https://www.unesco.org
Downloadables
- Consultancy Poster: Available on the UNESCO Careers page.
- Application Guidelines PDF: UNESCO Careers Portal > “How to Apply” Section.
- Eligibility Checklist: Provided during online application.
- Sample Cover Letter: Include motivation, qualifications, and expected salary in USD.
Contact
- Email: via UNESCO Careers Portal
- Location: UNESCO Headquarters, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France
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Things to Do During This UNESCO Consultant Opportunity
- Engage with international policymakers and AI governance experts.
- Attend UNESCO high-level sessions and contribute to reports on global AI ethics.
- Network with interdisciplinary professionals working on human rights-based digital governance.
- Gain hands-on experience in drafting AI-related policy briefs and analytical frameworks.