UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Technology Officer -Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Role Title: Technology Officer – Artificial Intelligence
Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Home-based / Remote
Reporting To: Chief Technology Officer / Senior Technology Leadership

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER ROLE.

About DTID

The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is an international non-profit institute advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies to support sustainable development and policy implementation.

DTID brings together professionals, researchers, technology specialists and other stakeholders to generate research, develop practical solutions, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, climate change and sustainable development.

The Role

DTID is seeking passionate and technically capable Technology Officers – Artificial Intelligence to contribute to the development and application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and related emerging technologies across the organisation.

The successful candidates will contribute to research, technical development, proof-of-concept initiatives and practical applications using AI, machine learning, data science, data modelling and associated tools.

They will work with technology specialists, researchers and other DTID teams to explore how artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies can support sustainable development, climate action and organisational effectiveness.

The role requires strong technical capability, analytical thinking, independent research skills and a willingness to continuously learn and engage with developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

The Technology Officer – Artificial Intelligence will:

• Support the design, development, testing and implementation of AI and machine-learning applications.
• Research and evaluate AI models, datasets, frameworks and tools relevant to DTID projects.
• Contribute to Proof-of-Concept initiatives, pilots and technology demonstrations.
• Support the application of AI, machine learning, data science and data modelling across DTID projects.
• Contribute technical input to DTID research, technical papers and publications.
• Assist with evaluating the quality, reliability, security and scalability of AI-based solutions.
• Conduct independent research and analysis on developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, specifications and knowledge resources.
• Collaborate with technology specialists, researchers and other teams across DTID.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's technology capabilities and technical practices.
• Engage with relevant external experts, organisations and partners where appropriate.
• Undertake other reasonable responsibilities relevant to the role as assigned by the reporting manager or senior leadership.

Skills and Abilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good technical and programming capability.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to conduct independent technical research and analysis.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a remote and internationally distributed team.
• Strong professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to contribute effectively to Agile or technology-development projects.
• A methodological, proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.
• Willingness to continuously learn and remain current with developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

General and Specialist Knowledge

Candidates should have knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Data science and data modelling.
• Programming languages such as Python or R.
• Machine-learning frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch and Scikit-learn.
• Data sources and formats including APIs, JSON, XML and CSV.
• Data preparation, analysis and visualisation.
• AI model development, testing and evaluation.
• Cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• GitHub and other version-control or open-source development environments.
• Software-development methodologies and technical documentation.
• Responsible AI, data governance and information-security principles.

A portfolio of open-source projects or GitHub contributions would be advantageous.

Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainability, international development, blockchain and other emerging digital technologies would also be advantageous.

Education and Training

Candidates should preferably possess:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics or another relevant discipline.

Relevant professional qualifications, certifications or specialist training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cloud technologies or software development would be advantageous.

Equivalent technical training, professional experience or demonstrated capability may also be considered where appropriate.

• Professional proficiency in English.

Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish or another international language would be advantageous.

Experience

Candidates should ideally demonstrate:

• Professional or practical experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, data modelling or a related technical field.
• Experience developing, testing or supporting AI or machine-learning applications.
• Experience working with relevant programming languages, frameworks and development tools.
• Experience working with datasets, APIs or data-processing environments.
• Experience contributing to technical projects, research or documentation.
• Experience working independently and taking responsibility for assigned technical deliverables.
• Experience collaborating within technical or multidisciplinary teams.

Experience using cloud platforms or contributing to AI Proof-of-Concepts, open-source projects or a GitHub portfolio would be advantageous.

Experience within an international organisation, think tank, nonprofit organisation, research institution, technology organisation, climate or sustainability-focused organisation would also be advantageous.

What Difference Will You Make?

Artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are increasingly influencing how organisations understand complex problems, analyse information and develop innovative solutions.

As a Technology Officer – Artificial Intelligence, you will contribute technical expertise to DTID's research, innovation and technology initiatives.

Your contribution will help strengthen DTID's ability to research, test and develop practical applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven technologies in support of sustainable development, climate action and policy implementation.

Benefits

What Will You Gain from Volunteering with DTID?

Although this position is unpaid, volunteering with DTID provides opportunities to:

• Gain practical experience within an international, volunteer-led organisation.
• Apply and strengthen artificial intelligence, machine-learning and data-science skills.
• Contribute to AI Proof-of-Concepts, pilots and technical research.
• Gain exposure to blockchain and other emerging digital technologies.
• Develop experience applying technology to climate, sustainability and international-development challenges.
• Work within a fully remote and globally distributed team.
• Collaborate with researchers, technology specialists and professionals from different countries and disciplines.
• Strengthen technical research, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Build international professional networks and long-term professional relationships.
• Contribute directly to DTID's mission and institutional development.

Selection Process

DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential.

As a volunteer-led organisation, DTID recognises that candidates may have acquired their skills through different professional, academic or practical pathways. Applications may therefore be considered on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant experience, transferable skills and potential.

The selection process will normally include:

1. Application screening
2. Written or technical assessment
3. Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
4. Final selection and onboarding

Candidates who successfully complete the written or technical assessment will be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Important Notice

This is an unpaid volunteer position.