AI Policy Lead - J-PAL Global

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of over 390 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

Position overview

The Policy and Communications Group is a rapidly growing group within J-PAL working to translate research by J-PAL affiliates into actionable poverty alleviation policies around the world. As AI and machine learning increasingly reshape the landscape of international development, from predictive analytics in social protection to LLMs in education, J-PAL is seeking a leader for its work to ensure these technologies are evidence-based and responsible.

This specific role is designed for a senior staff member who can manage J-PAL’s global AI portfolio. This portfolio focuses on evaluating and scaling transformative applications of AI in development programs. You will work closely with the Director of Policy & Communications and Global Executive Director to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and social impact, anchoring J-PAL’s partnerships with tech-focused funders, bilateral development institutions, and governments looking to integrate AI into public service delivery.

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Only applications following all instructions at the bottom of this page will be considered.

Responsibilities

• AI Sector Leadership & Strategy: Lead J-PAL’s "AI for Social Good" initiatives. Work under the guidance of Project AI Evidence (PAIE) Co-Chairs to effectively generate, synthesize, disseminate, communicate, and catalyze the use of evidence from randomized evaluations in real-world policy. Manage the AI policy team and ensure high quality work including policy publications, analysis, evidence presentations and reviews, and policy recommendations. Provide advising and leadership to PAIE, J-PAL’s primary vehicle for funding new research measuring the impacts of AI tools, AI policy influence and scaling opportunities, and increasing the diversity of our research network.
• Tech-Policy Partnerships: Anchor high-level partnerships with external tech-focused funders, AI labs, and international organizations (e.g., World Bank). Build new partnerships to expand J-PAL’s influence and network in the “AI for social good” ecosystem.
• AI Fundraising & Donor Stewardship: Identify and secure funding specifically for AI-related research and policy initiatives. Steward donors (including tech philanthropies, individual donors, and bilateral agencies) to expand J-PAL’s capacity to evaluate emerging technologies.
• Strategic Innovation: Support the Global Executive Director and Director of Policy in shaping J-PAL-wide objectives regarding the use of AI in development across sectors and regions. Coordinate with J-PAL’s internal AI team to shape how the organization leverages AI and automation to achieve its strategic objectives.
• Organizational Leadership: Manage and directly oversee 3-4 staff members who will support on both strategy and execution. Coach and mentor managers and junior staff, perform performance reviews of subordinates, carry out recruitment duties including representing J-PAL at job fairs and making presentations at conferences and universities.
• Regional Support: Provide senior level advising and policy outreach support to J-PAL regional offices on special projects as requested.

Supervision received

AI Policy Lead will report to the Global Director of Policy & Communications. He/she takes ownership of tasks and exercises good judgement in knowing when to seek feedback from the supervisor, and shows initiative in adding value to processes. The Policy Lead is expected to work independently or in groups, but be able to take initiative and grow into further leadership roles.

Supervision exercised

Senior AI Policy Manager/Lead will manage 1-2 AI Policy Associates and up to 1 AI Manager.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: This position is for people with at least a master’s degree in economics, public policy or international development, including significant training in economics, as a strong technical understanding of economics is necessary to ensure that J-PAL’s findings are translated into general policy conclusions in a way that is both simple to follow but also accurate and undistorted. Training in computer science, machine learning, and other topics related to AI is a plus.
• Experience: 8 years minimum work experience including prior experience working in randomized evaluations, economics research, and international development policy. Experience with overseeing research and policy grant funding competitions is strongly preferred. Experience with technology, product development, and using AI tools is strongly preferred.
• Self-motivated and able to work collaboratively with the supervisor (Director of Policy and Communications) and J-PAL’s Global Executive Director to create goals and work towards them while leveraging key staff across various offices. Ability to exercise good judgment on when to secure approval from the supervisor and when to keep them informed.
• Proven ability to multitask and successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision is required. A willingness to work hard and learn will be essential for doing well in this position.
• Experience in working with teams, including both working with peers and also leading and managing teams. Recruiting and mentoring staff and managing them with good humor and responsibility.
• Excellent writing skills required. Experience writing articles for print and online publications and dealing with the media will be a plus. Attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills for communicating policy lessons from academic papers in ways that policymakers understand. This requires clear, precise, non-technical writing, and confident, effective public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of local languages of one or more of the developing countries where J-PAL affiliates have field studies will be a plus.
• Experience, comfort and expertise in public speaking will be required to represent J-PAL at various conferences and other public commitments is also a plus.
• Travel: willingness to undertake domestic and international travel (~20% of time).

Location: This position is based in Cambridge, MA, with an expectation of in-office presence at least two days per week (currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Staff may work remotely on the remaining three days. Hybrid policies are subject to change annually. We greatly value in-office presence and therefore this position, similar to others at J-PAL Global, is not eligible for full-time remote work.

Staff based in the United States will be employed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

J-PAL hires highly qualified staff and rewards them accordingly. Total compensation packages are competitive for the non-profit international development field with excellent MIT benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, a 401(k) match and pension-based retirement plan, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, MIT community discounts, a generous vacation policy, and more.

We like working at MIT and think you will too.