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Call for
Applications
for Professional
Development
Award · 2023

Deadline

February 1, 2023 by 23:59 (EDT)

Topic(s)

AI for development, policy and regulation, social and ethical impacts, AI ethics, bias and inclusion in AI systems in Africa, etc.

Duration

1 year

Funded by

IDRC and Sida

Region(s)

Kenya

Contact

AI4DAfrica@idrc.ca

Budget

KES 2,032,072 – 3,204,520 annual salary

Status

Open

Type

Paid program

READ MORE   BACKGROUND DOCUMENT BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

IDRC and Sida are seeking applications from individual researchers to undertake a 12-month Professional Development Award (PDA). The recipient will be based in  IDRC’s Nairobi office and will receive additional support to advance research focusing on responsible AI for development in Africa, while also contributing to the development and management of the AI4D Africa program. 

The Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa (AI4D Africa) is a 5-year partnership between International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). AI4D Africa seeks to improve the quality of life for all in Africa and beyond by partnering with Africa’s science and policy communities to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) through high-quality research, responsible innovation, and talent strengthening.

AI4D Africa support is structured around three pillars:

  • policy research to promote and support responsible AI;
  • supporting responsible innovation to address Africa’s development challenges; and
  • amplify African talent to develop and deploy responsible AI.

Key Dates

1
November 1, 2022
Call for proposals release date
2
February 1, 2023
Proposal submission deadline

For further assistance preparing your proposal, please refer to IDRC guidelinesIDRC guidelines for proposal development.

Eligibility and requirements

AI4D Africa seeks applications from candidates with the following qualifications:

  • Minimum of a master’s degree in computer science, machine learning/artificial intelligence, mathematical sciences, neuroscience, communication studies, science and technology studies, or a related field;
  • At least two years’ experience working in a development organization and/or conducting research in a related field;
  • Demonstrated interest in research on AI, innovations and technologies, and their application for international development;
  • Strong research, analysis, and writing skills for different audiences (academic, policy, public);
  • Experience in considering equity, gender and inclusion in AI;
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in French considered an asset.

Scope

This project aims to build career experience and professional capacity of early career researchers focusing on AI for development or related policy issues. The program will support one Professional Development Awardees (PDA) posted at the IDRC office in Nairobi. The PDA will join IDRC for a one-year paid program to work within the AI4D Africa team to assist in program activities, as well as undertake research on the AI for development topic of choice. They will receive hands-on experience in research and program management and support, grant administration, and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international development perspective.

50% Research Project —

  • The successful candidate will allocate 50% of their time for a research project relating to AI for development under the guidance of a program officer.
  • The awardee will be expected to prepare a research plan, potentially publish an article, provide progress updates during the year, and present their findings at the end of the year.
+ Expand

50% AI4D Africa Program Operations —

  • The other 50% of the successful candidate’s time will include contributions to AI4D Africa program operations.
  • This may include synthesizing and disseminating project outcomes and results; participating in program development; monitoring, and evaluation; events coordination; and preparing reports.
+ Expand

Research Areas

For this call, AI4D Africa is seeking a PDA to conduct research in the area of artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Example areas of focus could be:

  • Policy and regulation to support the development of responsible AI for development;
  • Social and ethical impacts of specific AI innovations, such as in agriculture, climate change, education, health care, etc.;
  • Bias and inclusion in AI systems in Africa;
  • Automated decision-making and accountability; 
  • Understanding African-based principles of ethical or responsible AI;
  • How to foster to the development, use and governance of human-centred responsible AI systems in Africa; and
  • How AI technologies can advance gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity in Africa.

Eligible Countries

This call is open to Kenyan citizens, or citizens that have a work permit valid for full-time work in Kenya, having completed a Masters degree program at a recognized university in the last five years.

The PDA is expected to join the team in May 2023 for a one-year contract. The position may be hybrid.

The selected candidate shall have to be ready to work in person in IDRC’s Nairobi office once this is permitted.

The annual salary range for the position is 1,972,885 – 3,111,181 KES (Kenyan shillings).

Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.

How to Apply

Applicants must prepare a complete application that includes their resume, a cover letter as well as a short research proposal. Resumes should be succinct, no more than 3 pages. In the cover letter, applicants should clearly outline their qualifications for this position and explain how this opportunity will advance their career goals.

The research proposal should be no more than 3 pages and include the following information:

  • A description of the purpose of the research
  • Proposed methodology
  • Timeline that demonstrates a feasible approach
  • Ethical considerations

Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than 23:59 EDT on February 1, 2023.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be advised by email.

Ready and Eligible?

Apply Now!