the Development of Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Aqaba Governorate (Jordan)

Organizational Context

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) provides technical assistance to member states for achieving the 2030 Development Agenda. This consultancy supports the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in developing a tailored Artificial Intelligence strategy for Aqaba Governorate, Jordan, as part of ESCWA's technical cooperation program.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and actionable Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy specifically for Aqaba Governorate, Jordan. This initiative is crucial as AI adoption in Aqaba is currently fragmented. The strategy will align with Jordan’s national AI and Digital Transformation strategies, targeting high-impact sectors vital to Aqaba’s economic profile, such as tourism, logistics, and environmental protection. It aims to establish robust governance, regulatory, and ethical frameworks, enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient service delivery. Ultimately, the role contributes to maximizing public value, enhancing regional competitiveness, and fostering sustainable growth by modernizing government and investor services, optimizing port operations, developing smart tourism, and encouraging entrepreneurship, thereby positioning Aqaba as a leading smart and sustainable economic zone.

Responsibilities

The consultant is responsible for developing a detailed national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for Aqaba Governorate. This involves comprehensive benchmarking, reviewing national digital documents, existing policies, data infrastructure, and governance frameworks in Jordan, alongside regional and international AI strategy best practices. A critical component is stakeholder engagement, including identifying key national stakeholders, conducting interviews and meetings in coordination with ASEZA, and documenting findings, priorities, and challenges. The consultant will perform a thorough situational analysis, assessing current initiatives, infrastructure, institutional readiness, digital maturity, and AI readiness within ASEZA and relevant stakeholders, culminating in a gap and SWOT analysis to define Aqaba’s strategic positioning. Subsequently, the consultant will develop the AI strategy, encompassing its vision, mission, objectives, strategic pillars, priority AI use cases, governance mechanisms, risk management, and monitoring and evaluation framework. The final stages involve presenting the draft strategy in a stakeholder workshop, incorporating feedback from ESCWA, ASEZA, and other stakeholders, and delivering a refined, actionable AI strategy.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience and research in the domain of digital technologies is required. Essential experience also includes previous roles in management and planning. Desirable qualifications include prior experience in the delivery of research papers and specific experience in the development of national Artificial Intelligence strategies.

Skills

Required skills include fluency in both English and Arabic. Key competencies encompass strong analytical abilities for policy and situational analysis, strategic planning for AI strategy development, and effective stakeholder engagement. The role demands expertise in digital transformation, data analysis, risk management, and monitoring and evaluation. The consultant must also demonstrate the ability to produce professional reports and use gender-sensitive language.

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