Senior Program Officer, AI, Modeling, & Quantitative Methods

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Program Officer, you will play a pivotal role at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and gender equality. Your primary responsibility will be to guide the foundation in navigating the rapidly evolving field of AI and directing investments that can significantly enhance the health and well-being of women and girls in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This position is crucial in ensuring that AI systems are developed, evaluated, and implemented with a focus on equity, safety, and real-world impact. You will work closely with frontier AI labs and technology companies, critically assessing the development of AI tools and translating these insights into strategic guidance for leadership. Your work will influence a portfolio that includes AI-powered health products, applied modeling, and women's health measurement, ultimately shaping how impact is measured and what solutions are developed for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include serving as the primary AI technical voice for the DATA team, tracking developments in frontier AI, and advising leadership on implications for gender equality and women's health. You will engage with AI labs and technology companies to assess partnership opportunities and advocate for equity and safety in AI systems. Additionally, you will conduct technical diligence on AI proposals, incubate research in areas affecting women's health, and shape the design and evaluation of AI products. You will manage a portfolio of investments, oversee applied analytics and forecasting, and present data findings to diverse audiences. Your role will also involve representing the DATA team in external engagements and contributing to discourse in the AI-for-development and women's health measurement fields.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in quantitative fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Physics, Public Policy, Biostatistics, Applied Statistics, or a related discipline. A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in applied AI/ML, digital health product design or evaluation, health measurement, or applied research is required, with a preference for experience in LMIC contexts and a focus on women's and girls' health outcomes. Strong technical fluency in AI/ML is essential, along with hands-on experience in shaping or deploying AI-enabled tools. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in AI product design, safety assessments, applied modeling, and the ability to engage with AI labs and technology companies effectively.

Educational Background:
A Ph.D. in a quantitative field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary analytical skills and theoretical knowledge required to navigate complex AI and data science challenges, particularly in the context of gender equality and health outcomes.

Experience:
The role requires 5-10 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as applied AI/ML, digital health product design, health measurement, or applied research. Experience in low- and middle-income countries, particularly related to women's and girls' health, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with technical partners and managing investments in these contexts.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international scope of the organization. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus, such as French or local languages from Africa and South Asia, would be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The salary range for this role is between $190,100 to $294,700 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. New hires typically start within the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes a background check, and the organization is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the application and interview process.