The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) is requesting expressions of interest for an independent consultant to support IOE’s work on Artificial Intelligence, jobs, and labour market impacts.

About us:

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers’ organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers’ and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable economic environment worldwide, promoting free enterprise that is fair and beneficial to both business and society.

About the consultancy:

Within a wider digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have the deep potential to become powerful drivers for social and economic change. Beyond long-term strategic and resource-intensive investments such as access to education and finance, infrastructure development, and research and development (R&D), the impact of advanced AI technologies is poised to be transformative for societies, industries, the labour market, and will affect how people do business. AI technologies include generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, logistics optimisation, equipment maintenance, remote biometric identification systems, AI tools on social media, or even predictive and real-time policing systems. For business, generative AI systems can potentially enhance value to clients, streamline operations, augment human expertise by offering insights and solutions, and support in maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. However, impacts and challenges to its use exist. For policymakers, what does the rise and ubiquity of artificial intelligence mean for employment and social policies? As the need for more strategic involvement and adaptation becomes a reality, employers must have the necessary tools to make informed decisions on the right pathways that develop businesses and enhance employment.

Proposed tasks:

• Identify and review the current and latest progress in social and labour policies on AI technologies - including information on existing international collaboration, the upcoming EU AI act, recommendations for employment policy and regulation, trends, and best practices.
• Identify how AI is changing the workplace (especially the challenges that low-income countries face), including the role of digital skills in job creation.
• Identify and collect the potential benefits and risks associated with AI in job creation.
• Assess challenges in policymaking, especially for employers.
• Lead research, identify and collect stories from IOE members and partners through interviews and questionnaires (examples of policies and social dialogue mitigating potential risks related to AI and the labour market).
• Determine appropriate geographic representation, implementation experiences, as well as a diversity of perspectives from different socio-economic contexts, considering youth and gender perspectives.
• Prepare a summary of recommendations and priorities for employers’ organisations and governments.

Timeline:

November 2023

Location:

Home based.

Competencies:

• Expertise on AI-systems and/or AI policy
• Fluent in English and excellent writing skills
• Good understanding of the linkages between employment, skills, economic growth, labour laws.
• Excellent knowledge of private sector and/or employers’ networks and business
• Excellent research skills, policy analyses, critical thinking skills, and a good command of tools like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to distill complex information clearly and concisely.
• Good communication and ability to clearly structure inputs, feedback and comments as well as to efficiently handle versioning of documents.

Additional information:

The consultant will work independently and address statutory contributions in their country of residence. You must be registered as an independent consultant in your country of residence, affiliated with a university, or a registered organisation/company to apply for this consultancy. Please send your CV and your financial proposal to: projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com with the email subject line: AI Social and Labour Policy 2023. Deadline 20 November 2023.