Center for Global Development (CGD) Policy Fellow – AI Initiative 2026–2027 | Salary Up to $150,000 in the USA or £95,812 in London
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The Center for Global Development (CGD) Policy Fellow – AI Initiative 2026–2027 is an experienced-level policy research opportunity for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), international development, economics, public policy, technology policy, or related disciplines. The full-time position is available in Washington, D.C., USA, or London, UK, and offers a competitive salary of $130,000–$150,000 per year in the United States or £80,325–£95,812 per year in the United Kingdom.
The Policy Fellow will help shape CGD’s AI policy research agenda, evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in international development, and work with governments, donors, development agencies, and international institutions to promote evidence-based policies that benefit low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Candidates with a strong policy research record, at least 12 years of policy experience, leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to influence development policy debates are encouraged to review this opportunity.
Application deadline: Monday, 2 November 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).
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1. Job Overview: CGD Policy Fellow – AI Initiative 2026–2027
The Policy Fellow – AI Initiative is a full-time, experienced-level position at the Center for Global Development, an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit policy research organization working on issues critical to inclusive development.
The successful candidate will contribute to research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership focused on artificial intelligence and international development. This position is intended for an experienced professional who can translate complex research into practical recommendations for policymakers and development institutions.
Key Job Details
- Job Title: Policy Fellow – AI Initiative
- Organization: Center for Global Development (CGD)
- Job Category: Policy Research, Artificial Intelligence, and International Development
- Job Type: Full-time
- Experience Level: Experienced professional
- Locations: Washington, D.C., USA, or London, United Kingdom
- US Salary: $130,000–$150,000 per year
- UK Salary: £80,325–£95,812 per year
- Minimum Policy Experience: 12 years
- Education: Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with at least three days per week in the office
- Application Requirement: Resume
- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
Applicants should carefully review the location-specific eligibility and work authorization requirements before submitting their applications.
2. About the Center for Global Development (CGD)
The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit policy research organization with offices in Washington, D.C., and London, UK.
CGD focuses on research and policy issues affecting inclusive development, particularly the challenges facing low- and middle-income countries. Its work connects rigorous empirical research with engagement involving policymakers, governments, international financial institutions, donors, and other development partners.
The organization seeks to ensure that research informs real-world decisions and contributes to improved development outcomes.
Through its AI Initiative, CGD aims to help global decision-makers understand how artificial intelligence can support development, where AI interventions are effective, and how countries can prepare for the economic and institutional changes associated with increasingly capable AI systems.
The Policy Fellow will play a key role in advancing this mission through research, policy outreach, collaboration, and leadership.
3. About the CGD Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The CGD AI Initiative focuses on ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers meaningful benefits for the world’s poorest and most underserved populations.
The initiative is organized around three major areas.
A. AI Effectiveness
The AI Effectiveness agenda focuses on identifying credible AI solutions and distinguishing evidence-based interventions from exaggerated claims about what AI can achieve.
The Policy Fellow will contribute to research and policy frameworks that help governments, donors, and development organizations evaluate AI interventions, make procurement decisions, and determine whether successful initiatives should be expanded.
This work is important because development organizations need reliable evidence before investing substantial resources in new technologies.
B. AI Access
The AI Access agenda examines how underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries can benefit from artificial intelligence.
Challenges include limited internet connectivity, insufficient access to digital devices, language barriers, and gaps in technological infrastructure.
The Policy Fellow will help develop policies and recommendations that encourage more inclusive access to AI tools and their potential benefits.
C. AI Transformation
The AI Transformation agenda considers how countries should prepare for a future in which artificial intelligence can perform many economically valuable digital tasks.
This includes examining the implications for employment, economic development, public institutions, digital infrastructure, and national policy.
The Policy Fellow will contribute to research and policy discussions that help developing countries navigate these changes and identify appropriate institutional responses.
4. Key Responsibilities of the Policy Fellow
The successful candidate will combine research expertise, policy engagement, leadership, and program management.
Research and Policy Analysis
The Policy Fellow will conduct rigorous research and policy analysis on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, development effectiveness, and related issues.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing research questions and identifying important policy challenges.
- Contributing to AI evaluation methods and evidence-based policy frameworks.
- Examining AI interventions and the use of AI in evaluation.
- Producing research that supports informed decisions by policymakers and development institutions.
- Translating complex findings into practical policy recommendations.
Developing the AI Research Agenda
The Policy Fellow will collaborate with colleagues to define the intellectual vision and research priorities of the AI Initiative.
This involves identifying emerging issues, developing research plans, and ensuring that the initiative addresses policy questions of significant importance to the international development community.
Policy Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
A major responsibility will be establishing relationships with governments, development agencies, donors, international financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The successful candidate will help ensure that CGD research informs policy decisions and contributes to measurable development impact.
Publishing Research and Policy Publications
The Policy Fellow will communicate research findings through different formats, including:
- Policy papers and research reports.
- Blogs and short commentaries.
- Policy briefs.
- Public presentations.
- Publications intended for policymakers, academics, and wider audiences.
Strong writing and communication skills will be essential for explaining complex technical and economic issues to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Representing CGD at Events
The position includes representing CGD at prominent meetings, conferences, expert consultations, working groups, technical communities, and other policy forums.
The Policy Fellow may also organize and facilitate private meetings and public events related to artificial intelligence and international development.
Leadership and Staff Management
The successful candidate will supervise mid-level and junior staff, support their professional development, and contribute to performance management.
Additional responsibilities include overseeing program planning, budgeting, research methods, staff coordination, and implementation of the initiative’s goals.
Fundraising and Program Development
The Policy Fellow will work with CGD leadership and fundraising colleagues to mobilize financial resources and support for the AI Initiative.
This includes contributing to the long-term sustainability and effective delivery of the program.
Organizational Collaboration and Inclusion
The Policy Fellow will coordinate activities across the organization and contribute to CGD’s wider diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The successful candidate will help foster a collaborative working environment aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
5. Eligibility Criteria for the CGD Policy Fellow Job
Applicants must demonstrate substantial professional experience, relevant academic qualifications, and a record of policy research or leadership.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or PhD in one of the following disciplines or a closely related field:
- Economics.
- International development.
- Public policy.
- Technology policy.
- Computer science.
- Another relevant discipline with substantive work on development issues.
The organization is seeking candidates who can combine disciplinary knowledge with a practical understanding of development policy.
Professional Experience
Applicants must have 12 or more years of policy experience.
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work on complex policy issues, lead research activities, engage with stakeholders, and translate analysis into practical recommendations.
Relevant experience in artificial intelligence policy, international development, technology policy, development economics, or related areas may be particularly valuable.
Research and Publication Record
Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to produce rigorous research that has influenced, or is intended to influence, development policy debates.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Working papers.
- Major policy research reports.
- Policy briefs and analytical publications.
- Research contributions that have informed public policy discussions.
Applicants should clearly communicate their research contributions and explain how their work has addressed important policy questions.
Experience Working with Development Stakeholders
The successful candidate should have experience collaborating with low- and middle-income country governments, multilateral organizations, or nongovernmental organizations.
Familiarity with research ethics, data protection regulations, and the practical challenges of conducting evaluations in resource-constrained settings is also required.
Communication Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
Applicants should be able to explain complicated research findings clearly, prepare persuasive policy recommendations, and deliver effective presentations to audiences with different levels of technical knowledge.
Leadership and Management Skills
The Policy Fellow must demonstrate leadership, organizational ability, and experience supporting or supervising junior colleagues.
The ability to coach research assistants, manage competing priorities, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and remain accountable for individual deliverables will be important.
6. Salary and Benefits: CGD Policy Fellow 2026–2027
The Center for Global Development offers competitive compensation and a benefits package designed to support employees’ professional and personal well-being.
United States Salary
Annual salary: $130,000–$150,000
The final salary will depend on the candidate’s education, skills, and professional experience.
The US benefits package includes:
- Generous paid time off.
- Medical insurance.
- Vision coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- Employer retirement contributions.
- Commuter benefits.
- Additional employee benefits.
CGD states that its medical, vision, and dental benefits involve a modest employee contribution.
United Kingdom Salary
Annual salary: £80,325–£95,812
The starting salary will be based on experience.
Candidates based in London will also receive access to the organization’s excellent benefits package.
Applicants should consult the official CGD careers page for further information about benefits and employment arrangements.
7. Work Location and Hybrid Work Arrangement
The Policy Fellow position is available in Washington, D.C., or London, UK.
Although the role involves international policy engagement, it is not advertised as a fully remote position.
Washington, D.C., USA
Candidates seeking the US-based position must be able to live and work in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, where CGD is registered to employ staff.
The successful candidate must work from the office at least three days per week.
CGD will sponsor US work authorization for this position. Any employment offer requiring sponsorship is conditional on CGD and the candidate successfully obtaining the necessary work visa or authorization.
London, United Kingdom
Candidates seeking the UK-based position must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Applicants should be within commuting distance of CGD’s offices in southwest London, identified in the vacancy as SW1.
The successful candidate must attend the office at least three days per week.
Any offer requiring work sponsorship is conditional on the candidate successfully obtaining the necessary authorization.
Important: The work authorization conditions differ between the two locations. Candidates should confirm that they meet the applicable requirements before applying.
8. Who Should Apply for the CGD Policy Fellow Position?
This opportunity may be suitable for experienced professionals who have built a strong career in policy research, artificial intelligence, technology governance, economics, or international development.
Potentially relevant candidate profiles include:
- Senior policy researchers specializing in AI or emerging technologies.
- International development experts with substantial policy experience.
- Economists working on technology, productivity, or development effectiveness.
- Technology policy specialists with experience in global policy institutions.
- Researchers with strong publication records and practical policy influence.
- Professionals who have worked with governments, donors, multilateral institutions, or NGOs.
- Experienced research managers who can supervise teams and lead policy programs.
The role requires more than academic qualifications alone. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the required years of policy experience, research quality, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capability.
Applicants whose experience is primarily entry-level or limited to general AI use may not meet the advertised requirements.
9. How to Prepare a Strong Application
A well-prepared resume should demonstrate how your experience aligns with the Policy Fellow – AI Initiative position.
Highlight Relevant Policy Experience
Clearly state your years of policy experience and describe your work in AI policy, international development, technology policy, economics, or related fields.
Include examples of policy projects you have led, research programs you have managed, and recommendations you have helped develop.
Demonstrate Your Research Impact
List relevant publications, including peer-reviewed papers, working papers, major reports, and policy briefs.
Where possible, explain how your research contributed to policy discussions, institutional decisions, or development initiatives.
Avoid listing publications without providing enough context to demonstrate their relevance.
Emphasize AI and Development Expertise
Show how your work relates to the three areas of CGD’s AI Initiative: effectiveness, access, and transformation.
For example, candidates may highlight experience evaluating technology interventions, improving digital inclusion, studying the economic implications of AI, or advising institutions on technology policy.
Only include expertise and achievements that accurately reflect your professional background.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Include examples of collaboration with government agencies, international financial institutions, development organizations, donors, or NGOs.
Explain your role in building partnerships and translating research into practical recommendations.
Show Leadership and Management Ability
Describe relevant experience supervising junior researchers, managing teams, overseeing budgets, organizing policy events, or leading complex research projects.
The position involves program-level responsibility, so evidence of leadership should be easy for the hiring team to identify.
Use a Clear, Professional Resume
Organize your resume into clear sections, such as:
- Professional summary.
- Education and qualifications.
- Policy and research experience.
- Selected publications.
- Leadership and management experience.
- Stakeholder engagement and policy impact.
- Relevant technical or subject-matter expertise.
Prioritize your strongest and most relevant achievements rather than including unnecessary information.
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10. Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Candidates applying for the CGD Policy Fellow job should avoid the following mistakes:
- Submitting a resume that does not clearly demonstrate 12 or more years of policy experience.
- Failing to show a record of rigorous research or policy influence.
- Listing publications without explaining their relevance to the position.
- Overlooking the importance of AI policy and international development expertise.
- Providing limited evidence of stakeholder engagement.
- Failing to demonstrate leadership and staff supervision experience.
- Assuming the role is fully remote.
- Ignoring the separate work authorization requirements for the US and UK.
- Submitting an incomplete application.
- Waiting until the final hours before the application deadline.
A strong application should connect the candidate’s experience directly to the responsibilities and qualifications listed in the official vacancy.
11. Career Opportunities in AI Policy and International Development
The CGD Policy Fellow – AI Initiative position sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public policy, research, and international development.
Professionals working in these fields may contribute to decisions about how emerging technologies are evaluated, funded, regulated, and deployed.
Relevant areas of professional development include:
- Artificial intelligence governance.
- International technology policy.
- Digital development and inclusion.
- Evidence-based policymaking.
- AI impact evaluation.
- Development economics.
- Public-sector technology adoption.
- Technology and labor-market transformation.
- Research leadership and policy advisory work.
The Policy Fellow role offers an opportunity to contribute to high-level policy discussions and collaborate with institutions working on development challenges across different countries.
The vacancy does not guarantee future promotions or specific career outcomes, but it provides a senior-level opportunity for qualified professionals to apply their expertise to international policy questions.
12. Application Deadline and Important Information
The closing date for the Center for Global Development Policy Fellow – AI Initiative position is:
Monday, 2 November 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).
Applicants should prepare and submit their resume through the official recruitment portal.
The vacancy identifies a resume as the application document to submit. Candidates should follow the official application instructions and check whether any additional information is requested in the recruitment form.
Because the position is available in two locations with different salary ranges and employment authorization conditions, applicants should select and review the appropriate location-specific requirements.
13. How to Apply for the CGD Policy Fellow – AI Initiative Job
Interested candidates should apply through the official Center for Global Development recruitment portal.
Official application link:
Official organization website:
Careers and benefits information:
Before applying, review the full vacancy description, confirm your eligibility, prepare an updated resume, and ensure that your application accurately reflects your qualifications and achievements.
14. Final Thoughts
The Center for Global Development Policy Fellow – AI Initiative 2026–2027 is a senior-level opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to influence artificial intelligence policy and international development.
With an annual salary of $130,000–$150,000 in the United States or £80,325–£95,812 in the United Kingdom, the position offers competitive compensation alongside benefits and opportunities to contribute to influential policy research.
The successful candidate will help shape research priorities, evaluate AI interventions, strengthen engagement with development institutions, publish policy analysis, and lead staff and program activities.
However, the position has demanding eligibility requirements, including a relevant Master’s degree or PhD, at least 12 years of policy experience, a strong research and publication record, stakeholder engagement experience, and demonstrated leadership skills.
Qualified candidates interested in AI governance, evidence-based development policy, and the future of technology in low- and middle-income countries should review the official vacancy and submit their applications before 2 November 2026.
