Applied AI Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities, the IRC is one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO) dedicated to humanitarian aid. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of millions worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Applied AI Engineer (AAE) plays a crucial role in ensuring that AI systems function effectively within the real-world contexts they are intended to serve. This position involves designing, deploying, adapting, testing, and validating AI systems in various program environments to guarantee their accuracy, usability, and effectiveness. The AAE collaborates directly with country teams, partners, and communities to tailor AI systems to local contexts, which includes considerations for language, cultural nuances, and operational constraints. The AAE is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of AI deployments, from initial configuration to iteration, evaluation, and scaling. This role requires translating complex real-world challenges and field insights into actionable system improvements and deployment strategies. By acting as a bridge between technical development and field implementation, the AAE ensures that IRC's investments in AI yield tangible benefits for the communities served, ultimately enhancing the quality and speed of humanitarian responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• AI Deployment, Configuration & Context Adaptation: Lead the end-to-end deployment of AI systems in program contexts, ensuring systems are adapted to local environments, including language and cultural context. Configure prompts, workflows, and system behavior, curate domain-specific knowledge bases, and ensure systems reflect real-world humanitarian knowledge. Support multiple concurrent software deployments.
• Testing, Validation & Continuous Improvement: Test AI systems in real-world conditions to identify potential failure modes. Utilize an agile, iterative approach to rapidly build, test, and refine systems based on feedback. Conduct safety validations and troubleshoot technical issues, while collecting user feedback to inform system improvements.
• Partnership & Cross-functional Collaboration: Train field teams on system deployment and manage structured handovers. Document deployment processes and collaborate with technical teams to translate field insights into system enhancements. Act as the primary interface between field teams and technical development, ensuring solutions are practical and sustainable. Contribute to shared learning and identify patterns across deployments to improve future implementations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess 3–5+ years of experience in software engineering, technical implementation, or related roles. Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and modern web development practices is essential, along with comfort in Python or similar scripting languages. Experience with deploying LLM-based applications in real-world environments and familiarity with communications or messaging platforms is preferred. Candidates should also have experience integrating AI systems with third-party platforms and business tools, as well as proficiency with AI-assisted development tools. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate in ambiguous environments are crucial, along with experience in humanitarian or nonprofit contexts.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required for this position. Advanced degrees or certifications in AI, machine learning, or related disciplines may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in software engineering or technical implementation, with a strong emphasis on deploying AI systems in complex, real-world environments. Experience in humanitarian, development, or nonprofit contexts is strongly preferred, as is familiarity with East or Central Africa contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role, while additional regional language skills are considered a plus. Proficiency in languages relevant to the operational areas of IRC would be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position can be based remotely or in an IRC office location, requiring close collaboration with country teams and potential travel to field locations. Candidates should be comfortable working across time zones and in dynamic, resource-constrained environments. The compensation for this role varies based on location and experience, with a US pay rate ranging from $88,277 to $103,222 and a UK pay rate from £49,598.90 to £60,04

• The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards and values, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.