The Center for Global Development (CGD) is inviting applications for a Policy Fellow – AI Initiative, a senior full-time opportunity based in Washington, DC, USA, or London, UK. The position offers salaries of up to $150,000 per year in the United States or £95,812 per year in London, alongside excellent benefits. The role is aimed at experienced policy professionals with substantial expertise in artificial intelligence, international development and public policy. Candidates should have a strong record of research, policy engagement and leadership, particularly involving low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The application deadline is Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. About the Center for Global Development The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization with offices in Washington, DC and London. The organization focuses on policies and institutions that can contribute to inclusive development. Through research and engagement with governments, donors, international institutions and other decision-makers, CGD works on issues affecting low- and middle-income countries. The new AI Initiative seeks to ensure that artificial intelligence contributes to better development outcomes rather than increasing existing inequalities. What Is the AI Initiative About? CGD’s AI Initiative focuses on three major areas. Effectiveness: The initiative seeks to distinguish credible AI solutions from hype by developing evidence-based approaches for evaluating AI interventions, procurement decisions and scaling. Access: The initiative examines how AI can reach underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries despite challenges involving connectivity, devices, affordability and language support. Transformation: The initiative explores how LMICs can prepare for a future in which AI performs many economically valuable digital tasks, including the policies, infrastructure and institutions needed to manage this transformation. The Policy Fellow will help shape this agenda while engaging governments, donors, development agencies, international financial institutions and other influential stakeholders. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will help establish the intellectual and research direction of the AI Initiative. Responsibilities will include conducting research and policy analysis on issues such as AI evaluation, emerging technologies and development effectiveness. The fellow will also be expected to translate research into practical policy impact by developing relationships with policymakers, development agencies, donors and international financial institutions. Other responsibilities include: Representing CGD at conferences, expert consultations, working groups and other high-level forums. Delivering presentations and speaking engagements. Publishing blogs, policy briefs, papers and commentaries. Organizing private meetings and public events. Supporting fundraising and mobilizing resources for the initiative. Supervising mid-level and junior staff. Supporting staff performance, development and coaching. Overseeing planning, budgeting, research methods and program execution. Collaborating across CGD’s wider initiatives. Contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Developing innovative solutions to complex policy challenges. This makes the position particularly suitable for an experienced policy leader who can combine rigorous research with high-level stakeholder engagement. Who Can Apply? Applicants should have a PhD or Master’s degree in economics, international development, public policy, technology policy, computer science or a closely related field, combined with substantive experience working on development issues. The position requires at least 12 years of policy experience. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong publication and impact record, including peer-reviewed research, working papers or major policy reports that have influenced or sought to influence development policy debates. Other important qualifications include: Strong expertise in current AI policy issues. Knowledge of international institutions and forums involved in AI policy discussions. Experience working with LMIC governments, multilaterals or NGOs. Understanding of research ethics and data-protection regulations. Experience implementing evaluations in resource-constrained environments. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to explain complex analytical issues to technical and non-technical audiences. Strong organizational and project-management skills. Demonstrated leadership and staff-management experience. Ability to work collaboratively while independently delivering policy outreach. Salary and Benefits For candidates based in the United States, the salary range is $130,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on education, skills and experience. CGD also offers generous paid time off, medical, vision and dental benefits, employer retirement contributions, commuter benefits and other benefits. For London-based candidates, the salary is £80,325 to £95,812 per year, plus excellent benefits. Work Location and Visa Requirements The position is hybrid, with employees expected to work from the office at least three days per week. For the US position, candidates must be able to live and work in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. CGD states that it will sponsor US work authorization for this position, subject to the organization and candidate successfully securing the required visa. Candidates choosing London should have the right to live and work in the UK. Any required sponsorship will depend on successfully obtaining the necessary work authorization. London-based employees are expected to be within commuting distance of CGD’s offices in southwest London and work from the office at least three days each week. Application Deadline The application deadline is Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Interested candidates should prepare a resume and complete the online application, including information about their work authorization and earliest possible start date. How to Apply Qualified candidates can apply through the official Center for Global Development recruitment portal. Applicants should carefully review the full requirements and determine whether they meet the senior-level experience, academic and policy qualifications before submitting their application. This is a particularly strong opportunity for experienced development-policy professionals who want to shape international discussions around artificial intelligence and its impact on developing economies. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.