AI for Development Research Lead: Emerging Tech Innovator

PurposePhil Career; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Remote working available

Learning & development opportunities

Generous holiday allowances

Job summary

GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) is seeking a researcher and generalist to lead analytical pieces on AI and emerging tech for development. You will identify gaps, risks and opportunities for impactful AI innovations in resource-constrained settings.

The role focuses on translating technical understanding into actionable guidance for investment, partnerships and scalable solutions across LMICs, with collaboration across teams and donors.

Qualifications

• A solid foundation in AI, ML and related technologies applied to development contexts.
• Hands-on experience supporting AI‑based innovations to address LMIC challenges.
• Experience partnering with startups via innovation funds, accelerators or incubators.
• Awareness of responsible, inclusive, low‑resource AI design considerations.
• Excellent analytical skills to define questions, frameworks and insights.
• Fluent written and spoken English with ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Proactive, delivery‑oriented mindset with strong stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct global research to identify opportunities for AI-enabled development in LMICs.
• Define scope and methodology for research projects aligning with funders and programmes.
• Produce policy reports, briefs, blogs and case studies for public dissemination.
• Monitor trends in emerging technologies and identify scalable, high‑impact models.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure coherence across research agendas.
• Assess technical and commercial architecture of AI solutions to spot gaps and opportunities.

Skills

Research and analysis

AI for development

Qualitative methods

Communication skills

Project management

Tools

LLMs/SLMs

Job description

GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) is seeking a researcher and generalist to lead analytical pieces on AI and emerging tech for development. You will identify gaps, risks and opportunities for impactful AI innovations in resource-constrained settings.

The role focuses on translating technical understanding into actionable guidance for investment, partnerships and scalable solutions across LMICs, with collaboration across teams and donors.