Policy Fellow – AI Initiative - DC or London

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non‑partisan, non‑profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low‑and middle‑income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.

The Center is seeking a Policy Fellow, based in Washington, DC or London, to help build a new Artificial Intelligence Initiative. CGD's AI Initiative works to ensure AI's potential delivers for the world's poor. We are focused on three domains related to AI: (1) Effectiveness—distinguishing credible AI solutions from hype through evidence‑based frameworks for evaluation, procurement, and scaling decisions; (2) Access—extending AI's benefits to underserved LMIC populations despite gaps in connectivity, devices, and language support;

and (3) Transformation—preparing LMICs for a world where AI can perform most economically valuable digital tasks, and the policies, infrastructure, and institutions needed to navigate that shift.

We aim to leverage CGD’s influence on donor institutions and other high‑level decision-makers, positioning ourselves both as a go‑to resource for learning and a level of accountability, guiding global leaders towards evidence‑based policies and investments that improve development outcomes for people in LMICs. The Policy Fellow will define and undertake an agenda of policy analysis and outreach focused on issues of high importance to the global development community, with a focus on AI.

The Policy Fellow should be expert in current issues surrounding AI, and should be familiar with the current international institutions and forums central to AI policy discussions.

This is a full‑time position based in Washington, D.C or London.

• Collaboratively setting the intellectual vision and research and policy agenda for the team
• Conducting research and policy analysis in areas of expertise, including but not limited to AI specific evaluation methods (evaluation of AI interventions and AI for evaluation), emerging technologies, and development effectiveness.
• Ensuring that research and policy analysis are translated into concrete actions and impact by establishing collaborative relationships with policymakers, development agencies, donors, and international financial institutions
• Engaging in related policy outreach activities, including speaking engagements, representing the organization at a prominent level in meetings, conferences, presentations, expert group consultations, working groups, technical communities, and other forums; and publishing blogs, papers, policy briefs, and/or short commentaries geared towards policymakers, academics, and CGD’s public audience
• Organizing and facilitating private meetings and public events in areas of expertise
• Mobilizing financial resources and support for the program and its staff in close coordination and cooperation with fundraising staff and CGD leadership
• Supervising mid-level and junior staff and being accountable for their performance management and development
• Overseeing planning, budgeting, execution, methods, and staff to achieve the program’s goals
• Engaging with and contributing to the institution’s wider initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as playing a key part in creating a culture which aligns with our mission and values
• Integrating activities within the program and across the organization
• Developing and supporting solutions to complex problems requiring a high…