Policy Fellow – AI Initiative - DC or London

Center for Global Development•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Global Development (CGD), an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, is seeking a Policy Fellow to help build its Artificial Intelligence Initiative. The initiative aims to ensure AI’s potential benefits the world’s poor, focusing on evaluating AI solutions, extending access to underserved low- and middle-income country (LMIC) populations, and preparing LMICs for economic and institutional changes driven by AI. The Fellow will define and pursue policy analysis and outreach on issues important to global development, with a focus on AI, and will help translate research into policy impact. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC or London. The role is hybrid, requiring at least three days per week in the office. Washington-based candidates must be able to live and work in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. UK-based candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK and be within commuting distance of the SW1 offices. CGD will sponsor US work authorization, subject to successful visa arrangements; UK sponsorship, if required, is likewise contingent on obtaining the necessary work visa. The position offers a collegial environment and opportunities for intellectual and professional growth. Salary is $130,000–$150,000 in the US or £80,325–£95,812 per annum in London, with starting salary based on experience and, in the US, compensation commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

Requirements

PhD or master’s degree in economics, international development, public policy, technology policy, computer science, or a closely related discipline, with substantive work on development issues.
At least 12 years of policy experience.
Demonstrated ability to produce rigorous research, such as peer-reviewed articles, working papers, or flagship policy reports, that has influenced or aimed to influence development policy debates.
Expertise in current AI issues and familiarity with international institutions and forums central to AI policy discussions.
Exceptional ability to distill complex analytics into concise, persuasive writing and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
Prior collaboration with LMIC governments, multilaterals, or NGOs.
Familiarity with research ethics, data-protection regulations, and the practicalities of implementing evaluations in resource-constrained settings.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team while remaining individually accountable for policy outreach deliverables.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including ability to coach junior staff such as research assistants.
For US-based candidates, ability to live and work in DC, Maryland, or Virginia; CGD will sponsor US work authorization, subject to securing required work authorization.
For UK-based candidates, the right to live and work in the UK; any required work sponsorship is contingent on obtaining the necessary visa, and the candidate must be within commuting distance of the SW1 offices.

Responsibilities

Collaboratively set the team’s intellectual vision and research and policy agenda.
Conduct research and policy analysis in areas of expertise, including AI-specific evaluation methods, emerging technologies, and development effectiveness.
Build collaborative relationships with policymakers, development agencies, donors, and international financial institutions to translate research and policy analysis into concrete actions and impact.
Conduct policy outreach, including speaking engagements; represent CGD in meetings, conferences, presentations, expert group consultations, working groups, technical communities, and other forums; and publish material for policymakers, academics, and CGD’s public audience.
Organize and facilitate private meetings and public events in areas of expertise.
Mobilize financial resources and support for the program and its staff in coordination with fundraising staff and CGD leadership.
Supervise mid-level and junior staff and manage their performance and development.
Oversee program planning, budgeting, execution, methods, and staff to achieve program goals.
Contribute to CGD-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and help foster a culture aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
Integrate activities within the program and across the organization.
Develop and support solutions to complex problems requiring ingenuity, creativity, engagement, and innovation.