AI in International Development Fellowship
AI in International Development Fellowship
New York (Remote, with occasional in-person attendance) // Part Time
Overview
The Jain Family Institute (“JFI”) is seeking a fellow with a background in ethics, law, human rights, international relations, or global development to support research projects with the World Bank on the ethics and governance of artificial intelligence.
The ideal candidate has an advanced degree (or is a candidate for such a degree) in law, philosophy, political science, public policy, or international and public affairs, with an interest in the use of AI for international development. This fellow will be providing recommendations on national AI governance strategies for developing countries and proposing internal guidance for the use of AI in World Bank-sponsored projects. Familiarity with the World Bank Group is desirable, but not required.
JFI is an applied social science research organization. Our work investigates and influences the structural forces of society. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates with industry, government, and academia to pilot scalable, high-impact interventions. The fellow will join a small team of practitioners with backgrounds in normative ethics, economics, decision theory, public policy, data science, education policy, finance, and philosophy and will work closely with JFI’s Lead Researcher in Digital Ethics and Governance.
Responsibilities
Time commitment: approximately 20 hours a week.
Because JFI works with potentially sensitive data, the fellow will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
The fellow's tasks will include:
- Proposing recommendations for the selection of a national AI governance strategy for low- and middle- income countries
- Discussing and revising recommendations with policymakers in World Bank client countries
- Reviewing internal World Bank policies (e.g. Environmental and Social Framework) to find applications to the governance of artificial intelligence
- Identifying areas for future policy work on artificial intelligence within the World Bank
- Organizing workshops, events, and other programming related to digital ethics projects
- Participating in research activities (talks, reading groups, etc.) at JFI and the World Bank
- Contributing to ongoing research projects at JFI, possibly leading to co-authorship on peer reviewed publications
Required Skills And Qualifications
- MA or greater in law, philosophy, political science, public policy, or international and public affairs
- Interest in the use of artificial intelligence for international development
- Knowledge of ethical theory and a broad range of ethical frameworks
- Strong analytical writing skills
- A love of rigorous research and reasoned debate
Helpful Skills and Qualifications
- Familiarity with the World Bank and/or related organizations
- Demonstrated experience as a research assistant or comparable experience in applied research
Benefits
- A stipend of $15,000, paid in biweekly installments for six months with the possibility of renewal based on performance and subject to project needs
- The possibility of co-authoring research papers or publishing whitepapers
- Opportunities to meet with leading scholars and policy experts
Commitment
The position can be filled remotely, but may require occasional attendance at in-person meetings. The fellow will have the opportunity, if so desired, to work periodically from our Manhattan office. During such time, you will need to be present and online during your set working hours, and as needed for research meetings and presentations. Our typical hours are 10am - 6pm ET.
How to Apply
Send all application material to de-ai-intl-apps@jainfamilyinstitute.org:
- A letter of interest
- A CV with contact information
- A relevant writing sample
Deadline: June 18, 2021. Submit materials at your earliest convenience.
About JFI
JFI is an applied research organization in the social sciences. We work to bring just and equitable research and policy from conception in theory to implementation in society. Our current initiatives include applied research in higher education finance, guaranteed income, and digital ethics.
JFI is firmly committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe that the quality of our work and research is immensely strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, and more. We actively seek and welcome applicants who identify as BIPOC, women, members of the LGBTQIA community, persons with disabilities, and people at the intersections and peripheries of these identities, from across the spectrum of disciplines and methods. For details about our staff and current projects, see http://www.jainfamilyinstitute.org.