Opportunity:
Professional Development Award
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We are currently accepting applications from researchers to undertake a 12-month paid Professional Development Award (PDA). The recipient will be based in IDRC's Nairobi office and will receive additional support to advance research focusing on responsible AI for development in Africa, while also contributing to the development and management of the AI4D Africa program.
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PDA Eligibility & Requirements
The Professional Development Award (PDA) recipient will undertake a 12-months paid program of research focusing on responsible AI for development in Africa. The PDA role provides a unique opportunity to enhance research skills and gain a fresh perspective on crucial development issues.
We are looking for applications from candidates with the following qualifications:
- Minimum of a master’s degree in computer science, machine learning/artificial intelligence, mathematical sciences, neuroscience, communication studies, science and technology studies, or a related field;
- At least two years’ experience working in a development organization and/or conducting research in a related field;
- Demonstrated interest in research on AI, innovations and technologies, and their application for international development;
- Strong research, analysis, and writing skills for different audiences (academic, policy, public);
- Experience in considering equity, gender and inclusion in AI;
- Superior verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in French considered an asset.
This call is open to Kenyan citizens, or citizens that have a work permit valid for full-time work in Kenya, having completed a Masters degree program at a recognised university in the last five years. The selected candidate shall have to be ready to work in person in IDRC’s Nairobi office once this is permitted.
The annual salary range for the position is KES 1,972,885 – 3,111,181
To apply:
Applicants must prepare a complete application that includes their resume, a cover letter as well as a short research proposal. Resumes should be succinct, no more than 3 pages. In the cover letter, applicants should clearly outline their qualifications for this position and explain how this opportunity will advance their career goals.
The research proposal should include the following information:
- A description of the purpose of the research
Proposed methodology
- Timeline that demonstrates a feasible approach
- Ethical considerations
Applications must be submitted by email to AI4DAfrica@idrc.ca no later than 23:59 EDT on February 5, 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be advised by email.
For a detailed description of this role and its requirements, please visit our website
Share this opportunity widely!
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Results : Prioritising AI4D Innovation Areas
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Last year, we asked you to help us figure out which developmental areas AI innovations should focus on in Africa. The results of this survey will guide us on which areas we should focus on with our innovation research networks.
Based on the results, we chose to these four topics
- Agriculture
- Education
- Climate change
- Gender / Inclusion
We found that these four topics relate to our own vision for the AI4D innovation networks. We will provide more information on how we plan to support these four areas in due time.
Despite Health being the top developmental area picked from the survey, we did not select it. Based on the year we had with the pandemic, it came as no surprise. IDRC & Sida are already investing in this area
through the COVID-19 Global South Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Program, and so is the NIH.
We also fully expect a lot of health innovations within our innovation small grants
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We are happy to share that Lacuna Fund has selected its first cohort of supported projects in the agricultural AI for social good domain. These pioneering initiatives will solve urgent local problems in African countries while leading to a step change in machine learning’s potential worldwide.
Lacuna Fund - an initiative co-founded by The Rockefeller Foundation, Google.org and Canada's IDRC, is helping bridge the financial gap that is present and will give researchers, farmers, communities, and policymakers access to the agricultural datasets they need to unlock the power of machine learning, which will help alleviate food security challenges and spur economic opportunities.
Visit their website to learn more about the projects chosen
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AI4D Africa
" Community. Responsibility"
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