CDG Research Fellow – AI Initiative

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is seeking a Research Fellow to help build a new AI Initiative. This role involves conducting research on AI applications for international development, including evaluating AI interventions and designing sustainable business models. The Research Fellow will collaborate closely with experts like Han Sheng Chia and Markus Goldstein, as well as a Research Assistant.

📋 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 12, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Opportunity Location: United States
• Eligible Locations: United States

🏢 About the AI Initiative

The CGD AI Initiative aims to:

1. Identify “Smart Bets” in AI applications for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
2. Develop practical evaluation methods to help implementers and governments assess the effectiveness of their AI investments.
3. Design sustainable business models for AI-related Digital Public Goods.

CGD leverages its influence on donor institutions and high-level decision-makers to promote evidence-based policies and investments that improve development outcomes for people in LMICs.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

The Policy Fellow’s principal responsibilities include:

• Conducting research and policy analysis on topics such as AI-specific evaluation methods, emerging technologies, and development effectiveness.
• Translating research into actionable insights by collaborating with policymakers, development agencies, donors, and international financial institutions.
• Engaging in policy outreach activities, including speaking engagements, conferences, and expert consultations.
• Publishing blogs, papers, policy briefs, and commentaries for diverse audiences.
• Organizing and facilitating private meetings and public events.
• Mobilizing financial resources and support for the program in collaboration with fundraising staff and CGD leadership.
• Supervising and mentoring mid-level and junior staff.
• Overseeing planning, budgeting, and execution to achieve program goals.
• Contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organization.
• Developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

Note: This is a 1-year Fixed-Term position with the possibility of extension.

💰 Benefits

• Salary Range: $129,400–$160,000 (commensurate with education, skillset, and experience).

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Educational Background:
  • Graduate training in a relevant field (PhD or Master’s in economics, public policy, data science, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline).
  • A combination of economics/social science and computational/data science training is ideal.
• Technical Skills:
  • Expert programming in Python/R and SQL.
  • Hands-on experience with machine-learning libraries and causal-inference toolkits.
  • Ability to work with messy, high-dimensional data and learn new technologies as needed.
• Research and Impact:
  • Proven ability to produce rigorous research (peer-reviewed articles, working papers, or flagship policy reports) that influences development policy debates.
• Communication Skills:
  • Exceptional ability to distill complex analytics into concise, persuasive writing and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Field Experience:
  • Prior collaboration with LMIC governments, multilaterals, or NGOs.
  • Familiarity with research ethics, data-protection regulations, and implementing evaluations in resource-constrained settings.
• Other Skills:
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience coaching junior staff, such as research assistants.

📅 Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via the following application link.

🗓️ Application Deadline

• Deadline: June 20, 2025

🔗 Additional Information

For more details, visit the CDG Research Fellow – AI Initiative application portal.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research and policy development in the field of AI for international development. Apply today to make a global impact! 🌟

• Salary range: $129,400-$160,000. Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience.