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

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