Consultant (Cultivating Inclusive and Sustainable AI Policy for the Creative Sector)

Role Description

UNESCO is seeking a Research Consultant to undertake the Comparative Review of AI Governance Frameworks and contribute to selected cross‑cutting tasks supporting CULTURAI’s evidence base and policy outputs.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNESCO AI Focal Point for the Culture Sector and in close coordination with the CULTURAI consortium.

Assignments

• Core responsibilities – Comparative Review of AI Governance Frameworks (Working Package 9 - WP9)
  • Conduct desk-based research and structured analysis of AI governance frameworks across seven jurisdictions: the EU, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa.
  • Map national AI laws, regulatory strategies, and policy frameworks, progressing from general AI governance to sector-specific measures relevant to CCIs (audiovisual, music, gaming, publishing) and GLAM institutions (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums).
  • Assess how each jurisdiction addresses transversal policy values including: AI ethics, intellectual property management, labour rights and skills development, cultural diversity and inclusion, data governance, and access to AI tools for smaller creative organisations.
  • Identify mitigation strategies for data scarcity, algorithmic bias, and fragmentation, and examine alternative platform structures to counter cultural gatekeeping concentration.
  • Produce structured AI policy and initiatives profiles for each of the seven jurisdictions, covering both hard law (legislation, regulations) and soft law (guidelines, standards, ethical frameworks) with attention to scope, objectives, regulatory instruments, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Coordinate input from partner institutions responsible for specific geographic areas.
• Supporting Responsibilities (Cross Working Packages Contributions)
  • Contribute technical advice to the pan-European Survey on the Impact of AI, including inputs on cultural policy measurement, AI policy and regulation, and cross-national comparative research methodologies.
  • Attend regular online meetings with the consortium partners and UNESCO project team.
  • Accompany UNESCO project team in relevant consortium meetings and working group sessions.
  • Submit progress reports summarising activities and outputs (according to the schedule).
  • Contribute to internal project reviews and provide timely inputs to project reporting cycles.

Deliverables

• Progress report including a detailed work plan and proposed methodology for the assignment.
• Draft of the outline of the comparative review and mapping of AI governance frameworks across the EU, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Republic of Korea, Brazil, and South Africa, including measures relevant to CCIs and GLAM institutions.
• Seven jurisdictional profiles covering AI-related legislation (laws), policies, regulatory approaches, and related issues such as AI ethics, intellectual property, labour rights, cultural diversity, and data governance.
• Draft comparative analysis identifying key trends, gaps, emerging practices, and policy recommendations for inclusive and ethical AI governance in the cultural and creative sectors.
• Progress report on the support to the pan-European Survey on the Impact of AI.
• Final consolidated report integrating the comparative review and mapping of AI governance frameworks across the selected jurisdictions, the comparative analysis, key findings, and policy recommendations for inclusive and ethical AI governance in the cultural and creative sectors.

Qualifications

• Degree in international law, public policy, political science, digital governance or related fields.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in comparative policy analysis or regulatory research, preferably in the fields of AI, digital governance, or culture.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research reports, policy briefs, or academic publications.
• At least two years of relevant work experience in project management and implementation.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills in comparative law and policy research methodologies.
• Solid understanding of AI governance frameworks and the regulatory landscape for AI at EU and international levels.
• Familiarity with cultural and creative industries policy, intellectual property rights, and cultural diversity frameworks (e.g. UNESCO 2005 Convention and the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI).
• Ability to synthesise large volumes of legal and policy text across multiple languages and jurisdictions.
• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent expertise in AI policy, cultural law, or comparative governance.
• Experience conducting policy research on AI and the creative or cultural sector, including audiovisual, GLAM, or digital heritage contexts.
• Familiarity with EU research and innovation funding frameworks, including Horizon Europe project delivery requirements.
• Knowledge of the policy landscape in one or more of the focus jurisdictions beyond the EU: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, or South Africa.
• Experience with UN agencies or international organizations.
• Working knowledge of French or Spanish.

Application Process

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

Interested candidates should complete the online application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

• A written proposal comprising:
  • An up-to-date CV;
  • A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference;
  • A competitive fee for the assignment quoted in EUR (or USD) and expressed on a monthly basis.

Selection and Recruitment Process

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline. To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

Additional Information

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.