Policy Fellow – Artificial Intelligence Initiative at the Center for Global Development (CGD): Full-Time Job in Washington, D.C. or London

<p>The <strong>Center for Global Development (CGD) Policy Fellow – Artificial Intelligence Initiative</strong> is an exciting opportunity for experienced policy professionals, researchers, and development experts seeking to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on global development. Based in Washington, D.C., United States, or London, United Kingdom, this full-time position offers an opportunity to contribute to international policy discussions, conduct high-level research, influence development strategies, and help ensure that artificial intelligence delivers meaningful benefits to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).</p> <p>As artificial intelligence continues to transform economies, public institutions, businesses, and international development, there is a growing need for evidence-based policies that ensure its benefits are distributed equitably. While AI offers opportunities to improve public service delivery, strengthen research, increase productivity, and support economic development, countries with limited digital infrastructure, inadequate connectivity, and insufficient technological capacity risk being left behind.</p> <p>The successful candidate will help address these challenges by contributing to the intellectual direction, research priorities, policy engagement, and strategic development of CGD&#8217;s new AI Initiative. The position is particularly suited to a professional with extensive policy experience, a strong record of research and publication, expertise in international development, and the ability to translate complex technological and economic issues into practical recommendations for policymakers and development institutions.</p> <p>The role also involves leadership responsibilities, including supervising junior researchers, managing programme activities, developing partnerships with international stakeholders, and supporting efforts to mobilise financial resources for the initiative.</p> <p>With a competitive salary of $130,000–$150,000 per year for the United States-based position or £80,325–£95,812 per year for the London-based position, alongside an extensive benefits package, this opportunity offers experienced professionals the chance to contribute to influential global development research and policy reform.</p> <p><strong>Application deadline: Monday, 2 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).</strong></p> <h2>About the Center for Global Development</h2> <p>The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation with offices in Washington, D.C., and London, United Kingdom. Its work focuses on the policies, institutions, and international relationships that are critical to promoting inclusive and sustainable development.</p> <p>CGD conducts rigorous empirical research and engages actively with policymakers, international organisations, development agencies, donors, governments, and other influential stakeholders. Its work examines the policy intersections between low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can contribute to improved development outcomes.</p> <p>The organisation seeks to ensure that development policies and investments are informed by credible evidence and that decision-makers understand the implications of their choices for people in developing countries.</p> <p>Through research, policy analysis, public engagement, and strategic partnerships, CGD works to identify practical solutions to major development challenges. Its areas of interest include international development finance, global economic governance, public policy, poverty reduction, institutional effectiveness, and emerging technologies.</p> <p>The organisation&#8217;s approach combines independent research with direct engagement in policy processes. Rather than limiting its work to academic discussion, CGD seeks to translate research findings into recommendations that policymakers and development institutions can use when designing programmes, allocating resources, and implementing reforms.</p> <p>The Policy Fellow will contribute to this mission by helping establish and advance a new initiative focused on artificial intelligence and its implications for global development.</p> <h2>About the Artificial Intelligence Initiative</h2> <p>CGD&#8217;s AI Initiative aims to ensure that the potential of artificial intelligence translates into meaningful and equitable progress for the world&#8217;s poorest and most underserved populations.</p> <p>Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into economic activities, government operations, research, education, healthcare, financial services, and public administration. These developments create opportunities to improve productivity, expand access to information, strengthen public institutions, and support evidence-based decision-making.</p> <p>However, the benefits of AI are not guaranteed to reach everyone equally. Many low- and middle-income countries face challenges associated with limited internet access, inadequate digital infrastructure, insufficient computing resources, language barriers, gaps in technical expertise, and limited institutional readiness.</p> <p>There are also questions about the effectiveness of AI interventions, the quality of evidence supporting their adoption, the responsible use of data, and the long-term implications of automation for employment and economic development.</p> <p>CGD&#8217;s AI Initiative seeks to address these challenges through three interconnected areas of work: effectiveness, access, and transformation.</p> <h3>1. Effectiveness: Identifying AI Solutions That Deliver Measurable Results</h3> <p>The first priority is to distinguish credible AI solutions from exaggerated claims and technological hype.</p> <p>AI products and interventions are often promoted as solutions to complex development challenges. However, the existence of a sophisticated technology does not automatically mean that it will produce better outcomes than existing approaches.</p> <p>Development institutions must be able to determine whether an AI intervention is effective, affordable, reliable, appropriate for its intended users, and capable of producing measurable improvements.</p> <p>CGD&#8217;s work in this area focuses on developing evidence-based frameworks that can guide the evaluation, procurement, and scaling of AI solutions.</p> <p>This includes examining how development agencies and governments can assess AI systems before investing substantial financial and institutional resources in them. It also involves identifying the conditions under which AI can improve programme performance and when conventional approaches may be more suitable.</p> <p>The initiative&#8217;s work may address questions such as:</p> <ul> <li>How can governments determine whether an AI tool produces better outcomes than an existing service or intervention?</li> <li>What evidence should development agencies require before purchasing AI systems?</li> <li>How can organisations measure the costs, benefits, reliability, and wider effects of AI interventions?</li> <li>What evaluation methods are appropriate for AI applications in healthcare, education, public administration, agriculture, and other development sectors?</li> <li>How can institutions identify promising AI applications and determine whether they should be expanded to serve larger populations?</li> <li>How can AI itself be used to improve programme monitoring, evaluation, and research without compromising data quality or research integrity?</li> </ul> <p>An important distinction in this area is between evaluating AI interventions and using AI to support evaluation. The former examines whether AI-based solutions achieve their intended objectives, while the latter explores how AI can assist researchers and development practitioners in collecting, processing, analysing, and interpreting evidence.</p> <p>The Policy Fellow will contribute research and policy analysis that helps governments, donors, and development organisations make informed decisions about AI investments.</p> <h3>2. Access: Expanding AI Benefits to Underserved Populations</h3> <p>The second priority is ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are accessible to people and communities that are frequently excluded from technological progress.</p> <p>Although AI technologies are advancing rapidly, access to their benefits depends on several factors, including internet connectivity, the availability of digital devices, electricity, affordability, digital literacy, and the availability of relevant content in local languages.</p> <p>These challenges are particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where infrastructure and resources may be unevenly distributed between urban and rural communities.</p> <p>Language presents another major consideration. AI systems that perform well in widely represented languages may be less effective or less accessible to people who speak languages that are underrepresented in training data and digital services.</p> <p>Without deliberate efforts to address these barriers, AI could widen existing inequalities rather than reduce them.</p> <p>CGD&#8217;s AI Initiative seeks to understand how policymakers and development institutions can extend AI&#8217;s benefits to underserved LMIC populations.</p> <p>Relevant considerations include:</p> <ul> <li>Identifying infrastructure and affordability barriers that prevent people from accessing AI-powered services.</li> <li>Examining how AI tools can be adapted to local contexts and the needs of underserved communities.</li> <li>Investigating the importance of language inclusion in AI development and deployment.</li> <li>Assessing opportunities to use AI to improve access to public services and development programmes.</li> <li>Evaluating policies that support inclusive digital transformation.</li> <li>Identifying investments that can help countries and communities participate more effectively in the AI economy.</li> </ul> <p>The Policy Fellow will help develop policy recommendations that enable governments, development agencies, and other stakeholders to make AI more accessible and useful to populations that stand to benefit from improved services and economic opportunities.</p> <h3>3. Transformation: Preparing Low- and Middle-Income Countries for an AI-Driven Economy</h3> <p>The third priority focuses on the broader economic and institutional changes that may arise as AI systems become capable of performing an increasing number of economically valuable digital tasks.</p> <p>Artificial intelligence has implications beyond individual products or services. It may reshape labour markets, business models, public administration, education, economic competitiveness, and the international distribution of productive capacity.</p> <p>For low- and middle-income countries, these changes create both opportunities and risks.</p> <p>On one hand, AI may allow countries to improve productivity, strengthen public services, support innovation, and access new forms of economic activity. On the other hand, countries whose growth strategies depend heavily on digital services and tasks that can be automated may face significant economic adjustments.</p> <p>Governments will need to consider how AI affects employment opportunities, workforce development, investment priorities, industrial strategies, and the capabilities required for long-term economic growth.</p> <p>CGD&#8217;s AI Initiative seeks to examine the policies, infrastructure, and institutions that LMICs need to navigate this transformation.</p> <p>This work may involve analysing:</p> <ul> <li>The implications of AI-driven automation for employment and economic development.</li> <li>The capacity of governments to design policies that respond to technological change.</li> <li>The importance of digital infrastructure and institutional readiness.</li> <li>The role of education, skills development, and workforce adaptation.</li> <li>The implications of AI for economic competitiveness and development strategies.</li> <li>The policy frameworks needed to help countries benefit from AI while managing potential disruption.</li> </ul> <p>The Policy Fellow will help ensure that international development discussions account for the long-term structural implications of AI, particularly for countries that may have fewer resources to adapt to rapid technological change.</p> <h2>Purpose of the Policy Fellow Position</h2> <p>The Policy Fellow will play a central role in defining and implementing CGD&#8217;s policy analysis and outreach agenda on artificial intelligence.</p> <p>The successful candidate will be expected to bring substantial expertise in contemporary AI policy issues, a strong understanding of international development, and familiarity with the international institutions and forums where AI policy is debated.</p> <p>The role is not limited to conducting research. It requires the successful candidate to help shape the initiative&#8217;s intellectual direction, establish productive relationships with influential stakeholders, communicate research findings effectively, and ensure that the programme contributes to practical policy improvements.</p> <p>CGD aims to use its influence with donor institutions and other high-level decision-makers to become a trusted source of evidence, analysis, and accountability on AI and development.</p> <p>The Policy Fellow will support this ambition by helping global leaders understand which AI policies and investments are most likely to improve development outcomes for people living in low- and middle-income countries.</p> <p>The position therefore combines research, policy engagement, programme management, institutional leadership, fundraising support, and public communication.</p> <h2>Key Responsibilities of the Policy Fellow</h2> <p>The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of responsibilities connected to research, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, programme delivery, and organisational leadership.</p> <h3>1. Developing the Research and Policy Agenda</h3> <p>The Policy Fellow will work collaboratively with colleagues to establish the intellectual vision and research priorities of the AI Initiative.</p> <p>This responsibility involves identifying important policy questions, determining where additional evidence is required, and developing a coherent agenda that reflects the needs of the global development community.</p> <p>The fellow will contribute to decisions about which research topics should receive priority, how projects should be designed, and how the programme&#8217;s work can support CGD&#8217;s wider institutional objectives.</p> <p>The successful candidate will need to identify emerging developments in artificial intelligence and assess their implications for international development policy.</p> <p>This requires an understanding of the relationship between technological change, public policy, institutional capacity, and development outcomes.</p> <p>The fellow will also need to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that research priorities are informed by different areas of expertise and that the programme&#8217;s activities contribute to a consistent strategic vision.</p> <h3>2. Conducting Research and Policy Analysis</h3> <p>A major responsibility will be undertaking rigorous research and policy analysis in areas relevant to the candidate&#8217;s expertise.</p> <p>The research agenda may cover AI evaluation methods, emerging technologies, development effectiveness, and other issues related to the use of AI in development policy.</p> <p>The fellow will be expected to examine complex questions, assess available evidence, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and develop practical recommendations for decision-makers.</p> <p>Research activities may include analysing policy frameworks, examining institutional approaches to AI, assessing development interventions, and evaluating the implications of technological change for low- and middle-income countries.</p> <p>The role requires the ability to distinguish reliable evidence from unsupported assumptions and to explain the strengths and limitations of different approaches.</p> <p>The fellow&#8217;s work should contribute to a deeper understanding of how AI can support development objectives and the circumstances in which particular interventions are most likely to succeed.</p> <h3>3. Translating Research into Policy Impact</h3> <p>Producing high-quality research is only one part of the position. The Policy Fellow must also help ensure that research findings influence decisions and contribute to measurable development outcomes.</p> <p>This involves building collaborative relationships with policymakers, development agencies, donors, and international financial institutions.</p> <p>The fellow will be expected to understand the priorities of these stakeholders and identify opportunities to incorporate research findings into policy discussions, programme design, procurement decisions, and investment strategies.</p> <p>Effective policy engagement requires more than presenting research findings. It involves explaining why the findings matter, identifying practical implications, and helping decision-makers understand how evidence can inform their choices.</p> <p>The successful candidate will therefore need strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to work with institutions operating at different levels of government and international development.</p> <h3>4. Representing CGD in International Policy Discussions</h3> <p>The Policy Fellow will participate in policy outreach activities and represent CGD in prominent meetings, conferences, presentations, expert consultations, working groups, technical communities, and other relevant forums.</p> <p>These engagements will provide opportunities to communicate the organisation&#8217;s research, contribute to international discussions, and strengthen CGD&#8217;s position as a credible source of expertise on AI and development.</p> <p>The successful candidate may be required to present research findings, respond to questions from policymakers, participate in technical discussions, and contribute to consultations on emerging AI policy frameworks.</p> <p>The role requires confidence in professional settings and the ability to communicate effectively with audiences that may include senior government officials, academics, development practitioners, technology experts, and representatives of international institutions.</p> <h3>5. Publishing Policy Papers, Briefs, Blogs, and Commentaries</h3> <p>The fellow will contribute to CGD&#8217;s written publications and public-facing policy analysis.</p> <p>Potential outputs include:</p> <ul> <li>Research papers and working papers.</li> <li>Policy briefs aimed at decision-makers.</li> <li>Blog articles explaining emerging policy issues.</li> <li>Short commentaries on developments in AI and international development.</li> <li>Research-based recommendations for governments and development institutions.</li> <li>Publications designed for academic, technical, and general audiences.</li> </ul> <p>The successful candidate must be able to communicate complex analytical findings in a clear, persuasive, and accessible manner.</p> <p>Publications should help readers understand the policy problem, evaluate the available evidence, and identify practical responses.</p> <p>The role therefore requires both analytical depth and strong writing skills, particularly the ability to adapt the presentation of research to different audiences without compromising accuracy.</p> <h3>6. Organising Meetings, Consultations, and Public Events</h3> <p>The Policy Fellow will organise and facilitate private meetings and public events related to their areas of expertise.</p> <p>These activities may bring together researchers, policymakers, development partners, technology specialists, donors, and other stakeholders to discuss important questions concerning AI and development.</p> <p>The fellow will help ensure that these engagements are productive, well organised, and aligned with the initiative&#8217;s research and policy objectives.</p> <p>Responsibilities may include identifying relevant participants, preparing discussion topics, facilitating conversations, presenting evidence, and helping translate discussions into follow-up activities.</p> <p>The ability to convene diverse stakeholders and encourage constructive engagement will be important to the initiative&#8217;s success.</p> <h3>7. Supporting Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation</h3> <p>The fellow will contribute to efforts to mobilise financial resources and other forms of support for the AI Initiative and its staff.</p> <p>This work will be undertaken in close coordination with CGD&#8217;s fundraising team and organisational leadership.</p> <p>Sustaining a research programme requires adequate resources to support staff, conduct research, organise events, develop partnerships, and disseminate findings.</p> <p>The Policy Fellow will therefore help communicate the programme&#8217;s objectives, demonstrate the value of its work, and support engagement with potential funders.</p> <p>This responsibility requires an understanding of the relationship between research priorities, programme planning, resource requirements, and institutional sustainability.</p> <h3>8. Supervising and Developing Staff</h3> <p>The position includes responsibility for supervising mid-level and junior staff and being accountable for their performance management and professional development.</p> <p>The successful candidate will need to provide guidance, coordinate research activities, support staff in meeting project objectives, and help create an environment in which team members can develop their skills.</p> <p>The fellow may also coach junior researchers and research assistants, helping them strengthen their analytical capabilities, improve their written outputs, and manage their responsibilities effectively.</p> <p>Strong leadership involves setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring that team members have the support required to deliver high-quality work.</p> <h3>9. Managing Programme Planning, Budgets, and Implementation</h3> <p>The Policy Fellow will oversee planning, budgeting, execution, research methods, and staffing to achieve the AI Initiative&#8217;s objectives.</p> <p>This responsibility requires the ability to manage several interconnected activities while ensuring that resources are used appropriately and work is delivered to a high standard.</p> <p>The fellow will need to monitor programme implementation, coordinate staff and research activities, identify operational challenges, and make adjustments when necessary.</p> <p>Effective programme management will be essential to ensuring that the initiative&#8217;s research and policy engagement activities remain aligned with its goals.</p> <h3>10. Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion</h3> <p>The successful candidate will contribute to CGD&#8217;s wider diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and help foster a workplace culture consistent with the organisation&#8217;s mission and values.</p> <p>This responsibility is particularly relevant to AI and development because the distribution of technological benefits can be influenced by inequalities in income, infrastructure, language, access to education, and institutional capacity.</p> <p>Within the organisation, the fellow will be expected to support a collaborative working environment in which different perspectives are respected and colleagues can contribute effectively.</p> <h3>11. Integrating Programme Activities Across CGD</h3> <p>The Policy Fellow will help coordinate activities within the AI Initiative and across the wider organisation.</p> <p>This requires collaboration with colleagues working on related research and policy priorities, identifying opportunities for joint projects, and ensuring that the programme&#8217;s work contributes to CGD&#8217;s broader mission.</p> <p>The fellow will need to recognise connections between AI policy and other development issues, helping the organisation respond to complex challenges through coordinated research and engagement.</p> <h3>12. Developing Innovative Solutions to Complex Problems</h3> <p>The role requires the ability to address complex problems that demand ingenuity, creativity, engagement, and innovation.</p> <p>AI policy is an evolving field, and many of the questions facing governments and development institutions do not have straightforward answers.</p> <p>The fellow must be able to assess competing perspectives, work with incomplete or emerging evidence, identify practical options, and develop recommendations suited to the needs of different institutions and countries.</p> <p>The ability to combine analytical rigour with creative problem-solving will be important to advancing the initiative&#8217;s work.</p> <h2>Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements</h2> <p>CGD is seeking an experienced policy professional with advanced academic training, substantial policy experience, a strong research record, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.</p> <p>Applicants should carefully review the requirements below before preparing their applications.</p> <h3>1. Educational Qualifications</h3> <p>Applicants must possess a PhD or master&#8217;s degree in one of the following fields, or a closely related discipline:</p> <ul> <li>Economics.</li> <li>International development.</li> <li>Public policy.</li> <li>Technology policy.</li> <li>Computer science.</li> </ul> <p>The successful candidate should also have substantive experience working on development issues.</p> <p>The educational requirement reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the position. AI policy requires an understanding of technology, economic incentives, institutional capacity, public administration, and development outcomes.</p> <p>Applicants from different academic backgrounds may be relevant if their qualifications and professional experience demonstrate the expertise required for the position.</p> <h3>2. At Least 12 Years of Policy Experience</h3> <p>Candidates must have <strong>12 or more years of policy experience</strong>.</p> <p>This is a senior, experienced-level position that requires the ability to lead research and policy initiatives, engage influential stakeholders, manage programmes, and supervise staff.</p> <p>Applicants should be able to demonstrate a sustained record of policy work and the ability to contribute at a high level to international development discussions.</p> <p>Relevant experience should help establish the candidate&#8217;s capacity to conduct rigorous analysis, influence policy debates, build partnerships, and deliver results.</p> <h3>3. Strong Research and Publication Record</h3> <p>Applicants must demonstrate an established record of producing rigorous research.</p> <p>Relevant publications may include:</p> <ul> <li>Peer-reviewed academic articles.</li> <li>Research working papers.</li> <li>Major or flagship policy reports.</li> <li>Other substantial research outputs that have influenced, or sought to influence, development policy debates.</li> </ul> <p>Candidates should demonstrate their ability to investigate complex policy questions, analyse evidence, develop credible conclusions, and communicate findings that are relevant to decision-makers.</p> <p>The organisation is interested not only in research production but also in its potential policy impact.</p> <p>Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate how their work has contributed to policy discussions, informed institutional decisions, or helped shape approaches to development challenges.</p> <h3>4. Exceptional Communication Skills</h3> <p>The successful candidate must be able to distil complex analytical findings into concise and persuasive writing and presentations.</p> <p>The position requires communication with technical and non-technical audiences, including researchers, government officials, development practitioners, donors, and members of the public.</p> <p>Applicants should demonstrate their ability to explain sophisticated research findings in ways that are accurate, understandable, and useful for policy decisions.</p> <p>Strong communication skills are particularly important when discussing AI, where technical complexity can make it difficult for decision-makers to assess the practical implications of different technologies.</p> <h3>5. Field and Stakeholder Engagement Experience</h3> <p>Candidates should have previous experience collaborating with stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries.</p> <p>Relevant experience may include work with:</p> <ul> <li>National or local governments.</li> <li>Multilateral institutions.</li> <li>International development agencies.</li> <li>Non-governmental organisations.</li> <li>Other organisations involved in development policy and implementation.</li> </ul> <p>Applicants should also be familiar with research ethics, data-protection regulations, and the practical challenges of conducting evaluations in resource-constrained environments.</p> <p>These capabilities are important because AI interventions and development evaluations must account for the circumstances in which they are implemented, including limitations in infrastructure, data availability, institutional resources, and technical capacity.</p> <h3>6. Excellent Written and Oral Communication</h3> <p>In addition to the ability to explain analytical findings, applicants must possess excellent general communication skills.</p> <p>The fellow will regularly interact with stakeholders, present research, facilitate meetings, participate in policy consultations, and produce publications.</p> <p>The ability to communicate clearly and professionally will be essential to building trust, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that CGD&#8217;s research is understood by its intended audiences.</p> <h3>7. Strong Organisational Skills</h3> <p>The position requires excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.</p> <p>The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate research, supervise staff, manage programme activities, organise events, contribute to fundraising, and engage with external stakeholders.</p> <p>Applicants should demonstrate an ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, manage competing demands, and maintain high standards across different areas of responsibility.</p> <h3>8. Collaboration and Individual Accountability</h3> <p>Candidates must be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team while remaining individually accountable for delivering policy outreach and other assigned responsibilities.</p> <p>The role requires collaboration across research, programme management, fundraising, and external engagement.</p> <p>At the same time, the fellow must be capable of taking ownership of projects, making informed decisions, and ensuring that commitments are fulfilled.</p> <h3>9. Leadership and Staff Development</h3> <p>Applicants must demonstrate leadership and management skills, including the ability to coach junior staff such as research assistants.</p> <p>The successful candidate should be able to guide research teams, support professional development, manage performance, and create an environment that encourages high-quality work.</p> <p>Experience managing projects, coordinating teams, supervising researchers, or leading policy initiatives may help applicants demonstrate their suitability.</p> <h2>Duty Station and Employment Arrangement</h2> <p>The position is a <strong>full-time role</strong> with two possible duty stations: Washington, D.C., United States, or London, United Kingdom.</p> <p>Candidates should carefully review the relevant location requirements before applying.</p> <h3>Washington, D.C., United States</h3> <p>Applicants seeking to work from the United States must be able to live and work in one of the following locations:</p> <ul> <li>Washington, D.C.</li> <li>Maryland.</li> <li>Virginia.</li> </ul> <p>CGD operates a hybrid working arrangement, requiring all staff to work from the office at least three days per week.</p> <p>Candidates must therefore be able to commute to the relevant office and comply with the organisation&#8217;s in-person working expectations.</p> <p>Employment is subject to verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, including completion of the required employment eligibility documentation upon hiring.</p> <p><strong>Work authorisation:</strong> CGD will sponsor United States work authorisation for this position. Any offer requiring sponsored work authorisation will be contingent on CGD and the candidate successfully securing the necessary work visa or visas.</p> <h3>London, United Kingdom</h3> <p>Candidates choosing the London duty station must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.</p> <p>The successful candidate is expected to live within commuting distance of CGD&#8217;s offices in the SW1 area of London.</p> <p>The position follows a hybrid working arrangement, with staff required to attend the office at least three days per week.</p> <p><strong>Work authorisation:</strong> Any offer requiring work sponsorship will be contingent on the organisation and the successful candidate obtaining the necessary work visa.</p> <p>Applicants should consider their current immigration status and eligibility to work in the UK when deciding whether to apply for the London-based position.</p> <h2>Salary and Benefits</h2> <p>The Policy Fellow position offers competitive remuneration that reflects the seniority of the role and the expertise required.</p> <p>The salary differs according to the selected duty station.</p> <h3>United States Salary</h3> <p>The annual salary range for the Washington, D.C.-based position is:</p> <p><strong>$130,000–$150,000 per year.</strong></p> <p>Pay will be commensurate with the successful candidate&#8217;s education, skills, and professional experience.</p> <p>CGD offers a comprehensive benefits package intended to support employees&#8217; professional development, wellbeing, and financial security.</p> <p>The advertised benefits include:</p> <ul> <li>Generous paid time off.</li> <li>Medical insurance.</li> <li>Vision insurance.</li> <li>Dental insurance.</li> <li>Employer retirement contributions.</li> <li>Commuter benefits.</li> <li>Additional employee benefits.</li> </ul> <p>The organisation states that employees make a modest contribution towards medical, vision, and dental benefits.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Click <strong><a href="https://www.cgdev.org/careers." target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a> </strong>for more information</p> <h3>United Kingdom Salary</h3> <p>The annual salary range for the London-based position is:</p> <p><strong>£80,325–£95,812 per annum, plus excellent benefits.</strong></p> <p>The starting salary will depend on the successful candidate&#8217;s experience.</p> <p>Candidates considering the London option should evaluate the salary alongside the responsibilities of the position, the cost of living in London, commuting arrangements, and their eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom.</p> <h2>Who Should Apply for This Opportunity?</h2> <p>This opportunity is particularly suitable for experienced professionals who have built substantial careers in policy research, international development, technology policy, economics, public policy, or related disciplines.</p> <p>Potential applicants may include:</p> <ul> <li>Senior policy researchers with a strong record of influencing development debates.</li> <li>International development specialists with experience working with governments, multilateral institutions, or NGOs.</li> <li>AI policy experts with an understanding of the implications of emerging technologies for developing economies.</li> <li>Economists and public policy professionals with extensive research and programme leadership experience.</li> <li>Technology policy specialists who have worked on digital transformation, AI governance, or development effectiveness.</li> <li>Researchers experienced in evaluating public programmes and assessing the effectiveness of technological interventions.</li> <li>Policy leaders with experience supervising research teams, managing budgets, and developing partnerships with donors and development institutions.</li> </ul> <p>However, applicants should recognise that the position requires at least 12 years of policy experience, advanced academic qualifications, a strong publication record, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.</p> <p>Meeting only the educational requirement or having a general interest in artificial intelligence will not, by itself, establish suitability for this senior position.</p> <p>Candidates should be able to demonstrate that their professional experience aligns with the initiative&#8217;s objectives and that they can contribute meaningfully to both research and policy engagement.</p> <h2>How to Apply for the CGD Policy Fellow – AI Initiative Position</h2> <p>Interested candidates should submit a <strong>resume</strong> for consideration.</p> <p>Applicants are encouraged to prepare a resume that clearly demonstrates their qualifications, professional experience, research achievements, policy engagement, and leadership capabilities.</p> <p>A strong application should make it easy for the recruitment team to assess whether the candidate meets the requirements of the position.</p> <h3>Recommended Resume Preparation</h3> <p>Before submitting an application, candidates should consider highlighting the following areas where applicable:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Academic qualifications:</strong> Clearly state relevant master&#8217;s or doctoral qualifications in economics, international development, public policy, technology policy, computer science, or a closely related discipline.</li> <li><strong>Policy experience:</strong> Demonstrate at least 12 years of relevant policy experience, identifying positions held, responsibilities undertaken, and the policy issues addressed.</li> <li><strong>Research and publications:</strong> Highlight peer-reviewed articles, working papers, policy reports, and other substantial research outputs relevant to AI, development, or public policy.</li> <li><strong>Policy impact:</strong> Explain how previous research or policy work has influenced or sought to influence development debates, institutional decisions, or public policy.</li> <li><strong>AI and technology expertise:</strong> Describe relevant experience with artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, evaluation methods, digital transformation, or technology policy.</li> <li><strong>International development experience:</strong> Identify relevant work with governments, multilateral organisations, development agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries.</li> <li><strong>Communication and outreach:</strong> Demonstrate experience publishing research, presenting findings, participating in policy consultations, or engaging senior decision-makers.</li> <li><strong>Leadership and management:</strong> Highlight experience supervising staff, managing research teams, coordinating programmes, overseeing budgets, and supporting professional development.</li> <li><strong>Research ethics and data protection:</strong> Include relevant experience with ethical research practices, data-protection requirements, and evaluations in resource-constrained settings.</li> </ol> <p>These recommendations are intended to help applicants present their experience clearly; candidates should follow the official application instructions and submit the documents requested by CGD.</p> <h3>Application Deadline</h3> <p>The closing date is <strong>Monday, 2 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).</strong></p> <p>Applicants should submit their resumes before the stated deadline and allow sufficient time to complete the application process.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://centerforglobaldevelopment.applytojob.com/apply/DLfYmRjhBO/Policy-Fellow-AI-Initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE TO APPLY</a></p> <h2>Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Recruitment</h2> <p>The Center for Global Development and its affiliated organisation, CGD Europe, identify themselves as equal opportunity employers committed to fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment.</p> <p>The organisation states that all persons will be considered for employment without discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, including race, colour, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.</p> <p>This commitment reflects the organisation&#8217;s emphasis on a workplace in which employees with different experiences and perspectives can contribute to its mission.</p> <p>Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement for the applicable employment and equal opportunity policies.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The Policy Fellow – Artificial Intelligence Initiative position at the Center for Global Development offers an opportunity for an experienced policy professional to contribute to important international discussions about the relationship between artificial intelligence and economic development.</p> <p>Through its focus on effectiveness, access, and transformation, CGD&#8217;s AI Initiative seeks to ensure that AI investments are guided by credible evidence, that underserved populations can benefit from technological progress, and that low- and middle-income countries are better prepared for the economic and institutional changes associated with AI.</p> <p>The successful candidate will help shape the initiative&#8217;s research agenda, produce influential policy analysis, engage senior decision-makers, build partnerships with development institutions, supervise research staff, and support programme implementation and resource mobilisation.</p> <p>With an annual salary of $130,000–$150,000 in the United States or £80,325–£95,812 in the United Kingdom, together with an extensive benefits package, the position represents a significant professional opportunity for candidates who meet the demanding experience, research, and leadership requirements.</p> <p>However, applicants should carefully assess the minimum requirement of 12 years of policy experience, the relevant postgraduate qualification, the publication and impact record, and the location-specific work authorisation conditions before applying.</p> <p><strong>The application deadline is Monday, 2 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.</strong> Eligible and suitably experienced candidates should review the official vacancy announcement, prepare a resume that clearly demonstrates their suitability, and submit their applications before the deadline.</p> <p>By bringing together rigorous research, practical policy engagement, and international development expertise, the successful Policy Fellow will have the opportunity to help shape how governments and development institutions approach AI and work towards ensuring that its benefits contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a> to discover more job opportunities</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/10/18/center-for-global-development-careers-2026-apply-for-research-and-policy-jobs-in-london-and-washington-dc/">Policy Fellow – Artificial Intelligence Initiative at the Center for Global Development (CGD): Full-Time Job in Washington, D.C. or London</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>