Supporting Kazakhstan's AI Development Agenda through Strategic Foresight and Policy Dialogue, Evaluation section, 5 months, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Home based with mission to Kazakhstan (Astana)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the Government of Kazakhstan and UNICEF in assessing how alternative global futures may affect the achievement of Kazakhstan's AI Strategy. This involves identifying implications for children, adolescents, and future generations, and defining strategic actions required to achieve a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive AI ecosystem by 2035. The exercise will explore a range of plausible AI futures, not predict a single one, and assess their implications for Kazakhstan. By examining how Kazakhstan's AI ambitions perform across different futures, the exercise will help identify robust strategies, policy choices, and investments that remain relevant under conditions of uncertainty, answering the overarching question: "What kind of future for children and future generations could emerge from Kazakhstan's AI transformation, and what decisions must be made today to help create the most desirable outcomes?"

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for supporting the Government of Kazakhstan and UNICEF in assessing the impact of alternative global futures on the nation's AI Strategy. This includes identifying potential implications for children, adolescents, and future generations, and defining strategic actions to foster a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive AI ecosystem by 2035. The role involves exploring a range of plausible AI futures, such as intensified technological competition, growing public concern, slower technological progress, breakthrough advances, and economic slowdowns, and assessing how Kazakhstan's AI ambitions perform across these scenarios. The consultant will help identify robust strategies, policy choices, and investments that remain relevant under uncertainty. Key activities include analyzing trends, conducting horizon scanning, developing scenarios, and stress-testing systems. The consultant will also be expected to design and facilitate high-level participatory workshops and translate complex foresight findings into concise policy options and strategic recommendations for stakeholders.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of proven experience in strategic foresight, futures thinking, scenario planning or anticipatory governance, preferably in AI or digital transformation. At least 5 years of experience in forward-looking policy advice and design. At least 5 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative trend construction, horizon scanning, scenario development, or systems stress-testing.

Skills

Strategic foresight, Futures thinking, Scenario planning, Anticipatory governance, AI governance, Digital transformation, Responsible AI, Data governance, Digital inclusion, Policy advice, Policy design, Workshop facilitation

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