Consultant, Assessing AI Startups in Jordan
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat's Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) seeks a consultant to provide strategic advice on AI adoption and innovation in Jordan's private sector. This role supports the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) and other stakeholders in leveraging AI startups to advance national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultancy is remote and expected to last three months.
Job Purpose
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of AI startups in Jordan to understand their contributions to national development priorities and the SDGs. This involves designing and administering a survey to gather data on their experiences, challenges, and needs, distinguishing between ideation-stage and high-growth startups. The role includes analyzing collected data, facilitating a national consultation meeting with stakeholders, and producing a final report with actionable recommendations. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the AI ecosystem and enhance the private sector's role in Jordan's development, with potential for replication in other countries.
Responsibilities
The consultant will develop and submit a survey questionnaire, conduct background research, and design questions in English and Arabic, considering different startup development phases. They will ensure appropriate data disaggregation and pilot the questionnaire before full launch. Responsibilities include supporting survey administration, monitoring responses, assessing data quality, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to produce a summary of findings. The consultant will also support the organization and facilitation of a national consultation meeting, contributing to agenda development, discussion facilitation, and summarizing outcomes. Finally, they will produce a comprehensive final report with prioritized recommendations for various stakeholders, identify capacity-building needs, and include a regional outlook.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in development research, policy analysis, or private sector development is required. Experience focusing on AI or technology companies, data analytics, and knowledge of or experience with the Jordanian startup ecosystem are desirable.
Skills
Survey design and administration, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), report writing, stakeholder engagement, facilitation of meetings, understanding of AI development and innovation, knowledge of national development priorities and SDGs, and familiarity with the startup ecosystem.