TERMS OF REFERENCE
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, 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 not seek to predict a single future. Rather, it will explore a range of plausible AI futures and assess their implications for Kazakhstan. These may include scenarios characterized by intensified technological competition between major powers such as the United States and China; growing public concern and cultural pushback against AI adoption; slower-than-expected technological progress and limited economic returns from AI investments; breakthrough advances that accelerate automation and transform labor markets more rapidly than anticipated; and periods of economic slowdown or recession that affect governments' and businesses' ability to invest in AI. 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.
The consultancy will seek to answer the following overarching question:
Minimum requirements
- At least 5 years of proven experience in strategic foresight, futures thinking, scenario planning or anticipatory governance, preferably in the context of AI or digital transformation.
- At least 5 years of experience in forward-looking policy advice and policy design.
- At least 5 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative construction of trends, horizon scanning, scenario development, systems stress-testing or comparable analytical work.
- Experience working in Central Asia or a similar context is an asset.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Russian is an asset for stakeholder engagement in Kazakhstan and the wider region.
- Strong understanding of AI governance, digital transformation, responsible AI, data governance and digital inclusion.
- Demonstrated capacity to design and facilitate high-level participatory workshops.
- Ability to translate complex foresight findings into concise policy options and strategic recommendations.
- Strong writing, presentation and visual communication skills.
- Experience integrating child rights, equity, youth and future generations perspectives into digital policy or foresight work.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.