Expert for Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabling across the WINWIN Innovation Strategy 2030 (WINWIN AI Lead) for the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (M/W)

Описание

WINWIN Ukrainian Global Innovation Strategy 2030 (Innovation Strategy) has been developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) of Ukrainian and approved by the Government of Ukraine. The Innovation Strategy outlines the key vision, goals, priorities, principles and policies in the field of innovation development in Ukraine with the following sectors in focus: Defense technology (DefTech), Medical technologies (MedTech), Biotechnologies (BioTech), Technologies in governance (GovTech), Agricultural technologies (AgroTech), Educational technologies (EdTech), Semiconductor technologies (Semiconductors), Cybersecurity  (Secured Cyber Space), Technologies for green transformation (GreenTech), Immersive technologies (XR), Artificial intelligence (AI), Autonomous unmanned vehicle (AUV), Space technologies (SpaceTech), Fluid Economy.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a strategic enabler across the entire Innovation Strategy. Both public and private sector deployment of AI has the potential to significantly accelerate the innovation potential, DeepTech landscape transformation, market-opening, as well as institutional transformation envisioned in Ukraine’s sectoral strategies.Under the supervision of the Program Director based in Tbilisi (Georgia), the Deputy Program Director, based in Chisinau (Moldova) and the Country Coordinator (Ukraine), the WINWIN AI Lead will be responsible for two primary objectives:1.     Designing and advancing a national AI programme that positions Ukraine as a responsible and competitive AI innovator.2.     Driving AI integration across all WINWIN sectoral strategies as a cross-cutting enabler in Ukraine, including DeepTech.  The role requires a high degree of autonomy and interpersonal skills suitable for an international and multicultural environment. Building connections with local stakeholders is crucial for the project's success.Objectives and tasksIn close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukrainian, the expert will perform the following tasks: 1.     Development of the National AI Strategy:•       Lead the development of a comprehensive National AI Strategy as part of Ukraine’s Digital Agenda 2030.•       Coordinate a full strategy development process, including stakeholder engagement, international alignment, analytical groundwork, and policy drafting.•       Ensure alignment with Ukraine’s innovation, education, security, and economic priorities.2.     Support of the AI Center of Excellence:•       Shape and oversee the Work Programme of the WINWIN AI Center of Excellence (CoE).•       Drive public sector AI pilots, support infrastructure, and co-design programmes for private sector adoption of AI solutions.•       Foster collaboration between research institutions, startups, corporates, and government.•       Facilitate the cooperation AI CoE and/or Ukrainian startups with the EU AI Hubs.3.     International Outreach and Investors` Engagement:•       Represent the AI stream of WINWIN in international dialogues, investor meetings, and innovation forums.•       Proactively build partnerships with global AI leaders, donors, and private investors.4.     Support the AI Sectoral Advisory Board:•       Facilitate the establishment and operations of the AI Advisory Board, including expert recruitment and agenda setting.•       Ensure the board supports Ukraine’s strategic positioning in responsible AI development.5.     Legal and Regulatory Alignment (EU acquis):•       Collaborate with MDT and legal experts to align Ukraine’s AI governance with the EU AI Act, Digital Services Act, and other relevant acquis.•       Ensure that AI policy and deployment are in line with European standards on ethics, safety, and innovation.6.     Cross-Sectoral AI Integration:•       Act as the AI focal point for all WINWIN sectoral leads, providing strategic input and matchmaking opportunities across AgroTech, GreenTech, DefenceTech, EdTech, DeepTech etc.•       Encourage experimentation and adoption of AI in real-world use cases.7.     General Support to MDT:•       Provide ad-hoc strategic and technical input to MDT in relation to AI governance, wider outreach to DeepTech sector, institutional development, and digital diplomacy.Expected deliverables  ●        National AI Strategy developed, validated through multi-stakeholder consultation, and aligned with Digital Agenda 2030.●        Work programme for the AI Center of Excellence established.●        At least 3 public sector AI pilots and 3 private sector collaboration cases launched within the first 12 months (coordination).●        AI Advisory Board staffed and operational within first 4 months.●        Mapping of international investors and partners, with at least 5 partnership engagements initiated.●        Internal guidance prepared for alignment with EU AI and digital legislation.●        Quarterly strategic progress reports and updates submitted to WINWIN Coordination Board.Contribution to communication and visibility●        Ensure visibility of the EU4Innovation East project together with its donors and implementing entity (EU, French Republic, Expertise France and EU4Innovation East) and reference in all communications related to the assignment.●        Align with the EU4IE communication team on all the external communications related to the assignment.Mission TimeframeThe expert will work on a task order basis and must provide the project with timesheets describing his/her involvement in the implementation of this service. The expert may also be required to participate in missions organized by Expertise France.Mission Design and advancement of the national AI programme and drive AI integration across all WINWIN innovation sectoral strategies in Ukraine within the Ministry of Digital Transformation of UkrainePeriod June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 (Full time – 12 month) Deliverables timeframe  AI Advisory Board staffed and operational by Sep 20, 2025Internal guidance prepared for alignment with EU AI and digital legislation due by Oct 31, 2025National AI Strategy developed, validated through multi-stakeholder consultation, and aligned with Digital Agenda 2030 by Dec 1, 2025.International investors and partners are mapped by Dec 1, 2025.Work programme for the AI Center of Excellence established by Apr 1, 2026.3 public sector AI pilots and 3 private sector collaboration cases launched by May 1, 2026.Final activity report due by June 14, 2026Deliverables validation EU4innovation East Country Coordinator, Program Director and/or Deputy Program Director  The EU4Innovation East is a regional project aiming at enhancing the competitiveness of the startup ecosystem within 5 countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. At the heart of the project is a strategy designed to nurture high-performance incubators, expand funding and market opportunities for startups, and provide tailored support to Ukraine’s emerging tech sector. Through strategic co-financing, skills development, regulatory assistance, and a strong commitment to gender inclusion, EU4Innovation East is laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth in the region, ensuring that innovation is both inclusive and impactful. The EU4Innovation East project is funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French government and implemented by Expertise France.Title: EU4Innovation East – Support to Digital innovation in the Eastern Partnership regionGeographic scope: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and UkraineDuration:54 months, i.e. 4.5 years (04/2024 - 10/2028) Financed by:• EU Commission: 20.000.000,00€  • France: 2.120.000,00€, earmarked for UkraineImplementing Agency:Expertise France (EF)Overall objective:Contribute to strengthen the competitiveness and maturity of the private sector in innovation in EaP countries through valuable collaborations with European partnersPillars’ description:Pillar 1 – Supporting early-stage fundingPillar 2 - Backing high added-value segments and high-performance incubationPillar 3 - Strengthening community tiesPillar 4 – Promoting EaP startups and advancing the development of EU partnerships  Expert Profile●        Master's degree in law, economics, finance, project management, political science, international relations/cooperation, or a relevant field; ●        5+ years of experience in technology policy, AI strategy, digital transformation, or innovation leadership.●        Strong understanding of AI trends, AI governance models, and relevant international frameworks.●        Experience working with government, private sector, and multilateral organizations.●        Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French is a plus.  Required Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities ●        Experience in legislative framework analysis and development; ●        Familiarity with EU legislation related to AI and digital regulation (EU AI Act, DSA, DMA, etc.);●        Proven ability to lead cross-sectoral and international initiatives;●        Ability to develop an integrated approach to innovation, AI both at international and national level; ●        Skills in developing technical, narrative, and progress reports; ●        Good knowledge of cooperation mechanisms and public development aid, especially for projects funded by the European Union and/or other European donors is a plus; ●        Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and gender approaches is an advantage; ●        Previous experience with one or more Eastern Neighborhood countries is a significant plus. Soft Skills ●        Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; ●        Excellent ability to build connections; ●        Teamwork (multicultural) and adaptability; ●        Diplomacy, empathy, and conflict management skills; ●        Sense of responsibility, initiative, and responsiveness; ●        Pragmatic and results-oriented; ●        Organizational skills, rigor, and proactivity. Application processThe application should include:●       CV●       Track record of similar projects/initiatives implemented●       3 contact persons for professional reference (name/position/company/email/phone number)●        Financial offer (incl. rate per day/monthly)Application deadline The applications should be submitted by May 13, 2025.