Senior Advisor, AI

MIT•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Senior Advisor, AI at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) will lead its AI work portfolio across research, policy, and capacity building. The goal is to ensure applications of AI in development are evidence-based and responsible. This role is for a highly experienced senior leader who can provide strategic direction to J-PAL's global AI portfolio. The portfolio focuses on evaluating and scaling transformative applications of AI in development programs, advancing the field of AI and development economics research through randomized controlled trials, incorporating AI into J-PAL’s capacity building programs, and advising researchers and staff on leveraging AI to improve the quality and efficiency of J-PAL’s research, policy, and operations. The Senior Advisor will report to the Global Executive Director and work closely with J-PAL’s AI Faculty Co-Chairs, AI, and policy teams. The Senior Advisor will serve as the staff lead for J-PAL’s AI regranting initiatives, including managing Project AI Evidence (PAIE), and supervising the PAIE team and other colleagues contributing to J-PAL’s AI portfolio.

Requirements

Master's degree in economics, public policy, international development, computer science, or a related field.
Strong technical understanding of economics to ensure J-PAL's findings are translated into general policy conclusions accurately and simply.
Ten years of work experience.
Prior experience working in randomized evaluations.
Prior experience in economics research.
Prior experience in international development policy.
Prior experience in technology innovation.

Nice To Haves

Training in machine learning, AI, computer science, or related technical fields.
Experience overseeing research and policy grant funding competitions.
Expertise with technology, product development, AI tools, and emerging technology adoption.

Responsibilities

Lead J-PAL's AI work portfolio across research, policy, and capacity building.
Ensure applications of AI in development are evidence-based and responsible.
Provide strategic direction to J-PAL's global AI portfolio.
Evaluate and scale transformative applications of AI in development programs.
Advance the field of AI and development economics research through randomized controlled trials.
Incorporate AI into J-PAL’s capacity building programs.
Advise researchers and staff on leveraging AI to improve the quality and efficiency of J-PAL’s research, policy, and operations.
Serve as the staff lead for J-PAL’s AI regranting initiatives.
Manage Project AI Evidence (PAIE).
Supervise the PAIE team and other colleagues contributing to J-PAL’s AI portfolio.