Program Leader - AI4D

IDRC; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities

Job summary

IDRC in Ottawa, Canada, invites applications for a Program Leader in Education and Science, AI4D. The role leads cross-disciplinary teams to deliver AI4D partnerships while managing funder relations and governance across international development contexts.

The position requires a PhD or equivalent master’s, 10+ years of related research leadership, and fluency in English and French. This is a temporary, hybrid role with travel and governance responsibilities within IDRC’s programs.

Qualifications

• PhD or a Master’s degree with equivalent professional experience in AI, information science, CS, social sciences, digital development, economics, public policy, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience including research and research management, international development, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team in developing, executing and evaluating AI4D partnership programs.
• Deliver on funder agreements with development partners and maintain governing partnerships.
• Provide intellectual leadership on AI-related issues and contribute to division priorities.
• Oversee operations and recruitment, and promote IDRC’s Code of Conduct while championing diversity and inclusion.

Skills

AI4D

Stakeholder engagement

Research management

Leadership

Bilingual English/French

Education

PhD or Master's with experience

Job description

If you are looking for a career opportunity, want to give meaning to your professional achievements and are passionate about managing and coordinating program level donor partnerships this position might be for you!

Our employment opportunity of the moment: Program Leader

Program Area: Education and Science - Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D)

Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode)

Employment status: Temporary until March 2031

Step into the opportunity:

As the Program Leader, you will be joining the Programs and Partnerships Branch/ Education and science Division in a team that values and models diversity, inclusion and equity while being responsible for:

• Leading a multi-disciplinary team in the development, execution and evaluation of AI4D partnership programs as part of the implementation of the Centre’s Strategy.
• Delivering on funder agreements with key development partners, such as FCDO, and supporting a strong relationship with these funding partners, including through joint program governance mechanisms.
• Providing intellectual leadership in AI related issues and expertise that contribute to advancement of the work under their responsibility as well as Division and Centre priorities.
• Providing operational leadership to employees under their responsibility while contributing to recruitment activities, empowering and adhering to IDRC’s Code of Conduct, champions diversity, equity and inclusion, etc.

For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.

Take a minute to see if your profile fits this position:

You have:

• A PhD, or a Master's degree with equivalent professional experience, in artificial intelligence, information science, computer science, social sciences, digital development, economics, public policy, or another discipline relevant to the Centre, together with a record of research and publication.
• A minimum of (10) years of related experience including a background in research and research management, international development, or a related field.
• Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing and speaking)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D), including AI research and innovation ecosystems, responsible AI, AI policy and governance, capacity strengthening, and approaches to maximizing the benefits of AI while mitigating associated risks.
• Ability to communicate complex AI, technology, innovation, and policy issues to diverse audiences, including policymakers, funders, researchers, civil society organizations, senior decision-makers, and the media.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, management, monitoring, and evaluation of research and innovation programs, including technical, financial, and performance management responsibilities.

Additional experience considered an asset listed below:

• Extensive experience and demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams of research-for-development professionals, including setting strategic direction, coaching staff, managing performance, and fostering collaboration across disciplines, geographies, and cultures.
• Expertise in building and sustaining partnerships with researchers, governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and international development organizations.
• Recognized expertise in developing and managing co-funded partnerships and multi-partner initiatives, including stewardship of donor relationships, reporting, governance, and accountability.
• Experience in managing and coordinating financial and non-financial contributions from donors, partners, and IDRC to achieve shared development and research outcomes.
• Experience in convening and facilitating donor, funder, and partner collaborations, including moderating discussions, building consensus, and aligning co-funded or complementary investments and activities in AI4D.
• Experience working with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and other funding organizations to advance shared objectives in AI, science, technology, innovation, and international development.

You are:

• Aligned with IDRC’s culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional and accountable.
• A skilled collaborator with great interpersonal skills.
• A strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset, capable of leading AI4D projects and delivering impactful outcomes.
• Competent in engaging, mobilizing people, innovating and managing change.
• A team player within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures.

If this sounds like the right fit, we’d love to hear from you.

At IDRC, we support your professional development.

Additional Information:

• Hybrid Mode: The Centre provides a hybrid work environment, and your presence at the office is governed by the teleworking policy.
• This position requires frequent international travel.
• As a result of this process, the Centre may establish a pool of pre-qualified candidates for future permanent and term opportunities.