If you are looking for a career opportunity, want to give meaning to your professional achievements and contribute to making the world a better place by playing a part in international development, and are passionate about managing artificial intelligence for development (AI4D) program initiatives, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is the place for you!

IDRC is home to people who share a passion for international development research. We look for employees who believe that knowledge and innovation can help solve the world’s most critical challenges.

Come join our Education and Science – Artificial Intelligence for Development and help us build a more sustainable and inclusive world!

Our employment opportunity of the moment:  Senior Program Specialist 

Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode*)

Employment Status: Determinate employment until April 2027

Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:

You have:

• A PhD with eight (8) years of relevant continuous experience in artificial intelligence, data science, cognitive science, or technology and development, or a master’s degree with ten (10) years of relevant and continuous experience in these fields.
• Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Significant and recent experience in developing and managing research projects, as well as communicating and translating science and evidence, and sharing knowledge for various audiences, all preferably within the context of issues on technology and international development. Experience working in a low and middle-income country (LMIC), particularly in Africa.
• A significant record of publication in technology and international development.
• An in-depth understanding of the transformative potential of AI to advance development.

You are: 

•  Aligned with the IDRC’s culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional, and accountable.
• A recognized leader with strong interpersonal and communications skills. 
• Experienced in project management, problem-solving and facilitating collaborative and transdisciplinary research.  
• Sensitive to the importance of gender equity, inclusion, and diversity within research. 
• Able to provide specialized advice and guidance to professional partnerships.
• A proven team player who works well within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures.  

You are interested in: 

• Managing a portfolio of projects with a degree of independence and discretion within the policies of the Centre and the plans set out in the Program Initiatives prospectus and to set an example of good practice for more junior staff.
• Identifying critical research issues and opportunities that will contribute to meeting the objectives of the Program Initiatives in terms of relevance, quality, policy impact, capacity building and in terms of visibility (reputation) of the program and the Centre.
• Assessing proposals, including conceptual, methodological, operational, evaluative, and financial aspects, and identifying and developing research proposals in accordance with the Centre policies.
• Collaborating at the Centre-wide level with different stakeholders and contributing to knowledge dissemination and utilisation.
• Joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion, and equity. 

Then we are interested in your profile! 

At IDRC, we support your professional development. 

Additional Information:

• For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.
• *Hybrid Mode: Have the flexibility to work in hybrid mode (Minimum 3 days out of 10 in the office).
• 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 requiring the same competencies relevant to the Education and Science Program.  Positions may be located at one of our six (6) offices around the world, in Ottawa, Amman, Dakar, Montevideo, Nairobi and New Delhi.