Background UNESCO has the mandate to promote the development of science and technology from an ethical and human rights approach. Under this framework in November 2021, UNESCO developed the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which the 193 Member States adopted by acclamation at the 41st session of its General Conference, and spearheading its implementation by the Member States through innovative tools and methodologies, such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Through the application of these tools, UNESCO is changing the business model that drives AI, going beyond principles to develop a range of concrete and practical solutions to ensure fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable outcomes of AI.   The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has played a pivotal role in supporting UNESCO’s efforts to position ethics as the cornerstone of building AI governance. Through the implementation of two projects (2023 and 2024), UNESCO has facilitated a multistakeholder process of evidence gathering through national consultation and the deployment of RAM in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Senegal, Tanzania, and Türkiye in the first phases and in the ongoing phase in Angola, Djibouti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Moldova, and Oman. The partnership also advances key knowledge products that will further reinforce capacity-building efforts on the ground and empower stakeholders to navigate the complex AI landscape.   The goal of the new project—Scaling Inclusive, Human Rights-Based Ethical AI Governance (2025)—is to consolidate the results delivered to date, build on the achievements made, expand the reach and depth of diagnostic and policy development efforts, and deploy globally the tools, methodologies, knowledge and experiences from the recent efforts of building AI governance ecosystem. The actions will be organised around three main pillars/expected outcomes: a. empowering civil society, b. expanding and deepening engagement with countries for ethics of AI through RAMs and other tools; c. producing new knowledge on AI governance.   UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence highlights that multistakeholder collaboration - spanning governments, private sector entities, academics, and civil society organisations (CSOs) - is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by AI and data-intensive technologies. To widen civil society participation in the global AI ethics landscape, UNESCO launched the Global Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Academic Network on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Policy during the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, on 26 June, 2025. Since then, the Network members have agreed on five thematic subgroups — IP and Culture, Empowering Citizens and Civil Society in AI Governance, International AI Red Lines, AI in the Public Sector, and Environment and Ecosystems— and are now working on concrete outputs to advance the Network’s contribution to global AI ethics and policy discussions. The aim of this service is to support the implementation of a specific activity within the Empowering Citizens and CSOs in AI Governance subgroup.   Objectives of the Service The contracted organisation will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and under the direct supervision of the Head of Ethics of AI Unit at UNESCO Headquarters. The objective of the service is to support the Empowering Citizens and Civil Society in AI Governance subgroup  in the design, coordination, and implementation of an online capacity building course aimed at strengthening the capacity of CSOs to influence and engage meaningfully in AI governance processes as well as to advance the practical implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Through this service, the contracted organisation will operationalize and deliver a structured, high-quality online learning programme aligned with the objectives of the UNESCO Global CSO and Academic Network on AI Ethics and Policy. The course will equip participants with foundational AI literacy, ethical and human rights analysis skills, and practical advocacy and collaboration competencies, using a combination of asynchronous learning and live interactive sessions. All services will be delivered in English.   Activities that will be covered in the contract The outputs and activities the service will comprise are: Output 1: Course design and pedagogical framework Development of a coherent pedagogical framework, including the competency framework and learning objectives of the course. Preparation of standardized syllabus templates for all modules to ensure consistency in structure, learning outcomes, and workload. Identification and invitation of module leads and co-leads to complete the syllabus of their respective modules. Development of written guidelines for module leads and co-leads covering instructional design, video recording standards, and facilitation of live sessions. Coordination of a collective review process to ensure alignment and complementarity across modules. Prepare the agenda for and moderate an in-person, online and/or hybrid meeting(s) of the module leads.   Output 2: Content development and integration into the learning platform Coordination with module leads and co-leads for the development of recorded video content for all modules and the actual recording of video content of up to 60 minutes, divided into 3 to 5 lessons. Oversight of the production and post-production editing of video materials to ensure technical quality and pedagogical coherence. Integration of recorded videos, readings, case studies, and shared resources into the Moodle learning platform. Structuring of modules within the platform to reflect the agreed course sequence and learning pathway.   Output 3: Learning facilitation and delivery of live interactive sessions Facilitation and moderation of live interactive sessions for each module, including logistical setup, participant support, and session flow management. Coordination and contractual management of module leads and co-leads, including payment of honoraria. Moderation of asynchronous forum discussions to encourage peer exchange, ethical reflection, and collaborative learning. Ongoing learner support during the course implementation period.   Output 4: Course coordination, quality assurance, and reporting Provision of a dedicated course coordinator to manage administrative, logistical, and communication aspects of the course. Academic oversight to ensure consistency across modules and alignment with the UNESCO Recommendation on the ethics of AI. Monitoring of course implementation and resolution of operational issues as they arise. Preparation of an executive report at the end of the course, highlighting key activities delivered and lessons learned.   The contracted organization may work remotely and shall attend missions in person related to the project implementation. The exact dates are to be confirmed by the Secretariat in due course.   Deliverables and Timeframe Deliverable 1, Finalized pedagogical framework and online content by March 30th, 2026.  Finalized pedagogical framework, including the syllabus of 5 modules and the guidelines for module leads and co-leads. Set up and configured course environment, including module structure and access management. While the technical support is to be provided by the contracted organization, the course and all of the associated materials shall continue to be the property of UNESCO after the conclusion of the contract. Submission of a brief summary report of the subgroup meetings documenting the learnings of the course design.   Deliverable 2, Completion of all live sessions and 5 modules available online by April 30th, 2026. Completed integration of recorded video content and learning resources for all modules into the learning platform. Delivery of live interactive sessions corresponding to the scheduled modules. Active moderation of forum discussions and ongoing participant support. Submission of a brief implementation summary report documenting delivered activities and operational lessons.     ELIGIBILITY / QUALIFICATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS   Experience A minimum of ten years of demonstrated institutional experience in the design and delivery of online capacity building or training programmes, particularly for civil society or international audiences. Proven expertise in ethics, human rights, and governance issues related to artificial intelligence or digital technologies. A minimum of ten years of demonstrated capacity to host and manage online learning programmes using a learning management system. Experience coordinating external experts or facilitators, including managing honoraria and administrative processes. Proven ability to deliver services in English to a global, multi-regional audience. Familiarity with multi-stakeholder initiatives and collaboration with international organizations, including UN entities, is an asset. Demonstrated access to and engagement with a diverse, international network of civil society organizations, particularly from different regions, with the ability to leverage this network to support outreach, dissemination, and participation in the pilot cohort of the capacity building course.   Skills and competencies Very good understanding of artificial intelligence's ethical, legal, social and governance issues and related digital technologies. Excellent knowledge about the dynamics of governance of AI, including policies, legislative and regulatory frameworks, institutional mechanisms, organisational structures and processes, and initiatives by different stakeholders in this field. This includes broad familiarity with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, as well as the ability to translate lessons learned and good practices into practical guidance for policymakers. Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple interrelated deliverables within tight deadlines.   Languages Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.   Interested candidates are invited to submit both a technical and a financial proposal (2–3 pages in total), in line with the requirements set out in the Terms of Reference. Proposals should be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. Any questions may also be addressed to these email contacts. The deadline for submission is 24 January 2026 at 23:59 (Paris time).