Program Officer – Artificial Intelligence for Development, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Job Overview   

The Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa program supports policy, innovations, and expanded leadership to spur responsible AI development. The program funds three critical pillars that will be needed to shape AI in Africa as a force for good:

• Scaling proven responsible AI innovations that address Africa’s development challenges
• Capacity building activities to foster African talent and skills around AI and its application for good
• Fostering policy and regulations in Africa that support responsible AI

As the Program Officer, you will identify research issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence, and other novel technologies can support the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals, mainly in the areas of education, governance and entrepreneurship. The Program Officer will also be focused on implementing programming related to artificial intelligence and data science (including open and big data), including coordinating projects to understand ways in which successful public good applications can be replicated and scaled, to build individual and organizational capacity in AI and data science, and to advance public policy solutions to making AI more inclusive, ethical, and rights-based. Moreover, you would be expected to support collaboration on global research activities within the areas of the future of work, cyber policy, and digital equality.

Candidate Profile   

Education

PhD and a record of publication in an area of applied research related to the application of information and communication technologies (such as AI) and international development as applied to the developing world OR a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and significant work experience and publications.

Experience

This position requires three years of relevant experience in research management, which may include:

• Supporting the management of applied research related to AI (or other related technologies) in developing regions;
• Coordinating programming in the area of data science including open data and big data programming: projects, proposals, manuscripts, technical reports or theses;
• Synthesizing and communicating research and research results: presentations, reports, documents for expert and non-expert audiences including the general public and the development community particularly in areas related to data science and artificial intelligence;
• Assisting with the design and delivery of activities to build capacity to conduct and manage research projects in AI (or related technologies); or
• Supporting donor reporting, particularly on technical matters.

Language 

English and French intermediate reading, writing and speaking skills.

Knowledge

• Understanding of issues related to the information society in the developing world, including how new digital technologies and applications, such as AI, big data or the internet, impact on education, entrepreneurship and governance;
• Grasp of the underlying technical elements and different processes behind data science and AI;
• Grasp of social science research methodologies relating to both understanding the social impacts of technologies as well as scaling innovations, including as they pertain to gender;
• Awareness of legal aspects of technology, including intellectual property, cyber-security and human rights-based issues related to digital environments (privacy, freedom of expression, etc.);
• Awareness of academic, government, and non-government stakeholders engaged in artificial intelligence and data science issues.

Competencies

• Value and model diversity, inclusion and equity;
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills;
• Strong planning, organization, problem-solving, coordination and negotiation skills;
• Initiative, sound judgment and flexible team player;
• Ability to work as a member of a virtual team and under pressure;
• Ability to establish, manage and monitor relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team of people from diverse cultures, expertise and experiences.

Additional Information 

This position requires a willingness to travel internationally, an average of 30-60 days per year.

For more information on primary duties or responsibilities, view the Job Details.

As a result of this process, the Centre may establish a pool of pre-qualified candidates for future permanent and term opportunities.

The selected candidate will receive an offer which is conditional on the obtention and maintenance of a valid work permit and visa (if applicable) which is required to legally work in Nairobi, Kenya.