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Job Title:  Regional AI Policy Advisor, East African Community (EAC)

Organisation: GIZ Uganda

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Ref No. GIZ-EAC/RAI-PA/0225009

About Organisation:

As German development cooperation, we are committed to an international digital politics that enables a fair balance of interests based on European standards and universal human rights. The Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in East Africa will play a critical role in fostering regional collaboration, supporting IUCEA and its network of member universities, and promoting the integration of AI into education, research, and policy-making. This position is part of a larger effort to advance digital transformation and innovation within the East African Community (EAC), focusing on equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development.

Job Summary:   GIZ is recruiting a Regional AI Policy Advisor to support the implementation of activities in the programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:   The Regional AI Policy Advisor will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic and technical advisory support to IUCEA and member universities across the EAC on AI-related initiatives, including curriculum development, capacity building, and policy formulation.
• Facilitating partnerships between universities, private sector organizations, and public institutions to strengthen AI research, education, and innovation in the EAC and beyond.
• Promoting regional collaboration on AI by supporting the development of harmonized standards and frameworks across EAC member states, including guidance on policy development processes in the EAC.
• Enhancing gender equality and inclusion in AI-related fields through targeted interventions and initiatives.
• The Regional AI Policy Advisor performs the following tasks:

Specific Tasks

Support and Advisory for IUCEA and Member Universities

• Assist IUCEA in the development of regional AI education and research frameworks, including structure, content, vision, strategy and alignment with other regional and international standards.
• Provide guidance on the integration of AI into curricula and support the creation of regional standards for AI education, including input from other regional and international best practices.
• Strengthen capacity at member universities in the EAC through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs for faculty and researchers, including preparation, facilitation and content development.
• Encourage gender-balanced participation in AI initiatives by promoting policies and programs that increase female representation in AI education and careers.
• Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Research Collaborations
• Identify and engage private sector partners in East Africa to support AI research and education through resource sharing (e.g., data sets, computational infrastructure).
• Foster partnerships between academia, industry, and public institutions to drive innovation in AI and its applications across the East African region
• Establish mechanisms for member universities to collaborate with businesses and startups in AI-related fields in East Africa, ensuring alignment with market needs.

Regional and Policy Engagement

• Support IUCEA in coordinating with EAC member states on the development of harmonized AI policies and strategies, including guidance on EAC policy development processes.
• Organize and facilitate policy dialogues with stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector at a regional level.
• Promote the implementation of ethical and sustainable AI practices by aligning initiatives with international standards (e.g., UNESCO’s ethical AI principles).

Project Management and Monitoring

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of AI-related activities in collaboration with IUCEA and regional stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively to achieve project goals.
• Ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of outcomes, incorporating lessons learned into future activities.

Networking and Capacity Building

• Build and maintain networks with regional universities, research institutions, and industry partners to support AI innovation and education.
• Coordinate with other national and regional GIZ programs and international organizations to align efforts and maximize impact.
• Represent GIZ and IUCEA at regional and international events on AI and digital transformation.

Other duties/additional tasks:

• Advice the GIZ Country Director for the development of portfolio opportunities in AI and digital transformation, focusing on BMZ, EU funding and other donors in the D4D field.
• Provides strategic advisory on D4D to the GIZ Uganda management team and other GIZ Uganda projects to facilitate interlinkages between GIZ@Heart and digital development implementation/AI.
• Performs other duties and tasks at the request of management.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Transformation, International Relations, Marketing, Trade or a related field.
• Masters degree in related field is an added advantage.

Details of experience

• 5 years of professional experience in digital transformation and emerging technologies.
• 5 years of professional experience in development cooperation on digital skills and digital policy.
• Demonstrated experience in working with universities and research institutions to promote innovation and capacity building.

Knowledge, skills and competences

• Proven track record in managing partnerships with private sector organizations and government entities.
• Familiarity with EAC education systems, regional dynamics, and digital transformation efforts.
• Experience and knowledge of multi-stakeholder approaches and how to implement them in practice
• Strong knowledge of AI technologies and their applications in education and research.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, MS Teams, etc.)
• Strong ability to moderate high-level workshops and meetings.
• Workshop facilitation skills is and added advantage.
• Culturally sensitive leadership skills with a proven track record of managing multi-cultural teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Fluency in Swahili, French and/or German is an added advantage.

How to Apply:

Applications and CVs should be in one document and a maximum of 5 pages only and sent electronically, quoting the position and reference number.

Please include name and contact of three references. One official reference from your current workplace is a MUST.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply to the Head of Human Resources by email to vacancy@futureoptions.org until 5pm on Sunday 9th March 2025.

Please note: This is a regional position. Only the shortlisted candidates will be

Deadline: 9th March 2025

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