Role: Program Lead – Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Work location: Brussels, Belgium
Contract: permanent
Working hours: full-time (38h/week)
Closing date: November 20, 2023 (09.00 am CET)


About ICFG

The International Center for Future Generations, established in 2021, is a think tank dedicated to shaping a future where decision-makers anticipate and responsibly govern the societal impacts of rapid technological change, ensuring that emerging technologies are harnessed to serve the best interests of humanity. In summer 2023, the think tank established its headquarters in Brussels. Join our dynamic and purpose-driven team, poised to grow fast and make an impact!


The role

As the program lead for advanced artificial intelligence at ICFG, your primary responsibility will be to develop, manage, and drive research and policy initiatives focusing on cutting-edge and next-generation AI technologies. Advanced AI, in this context, refers to the development and application of highly sophisticated AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and exhibiting cognitive abilities that mimic or surpass human intelligence. This role involves shaping the think tank’s strategic direction, managing a team of experts, fostering international collaborations, and engaging with policymakers, civil society, academia and industry stakeholders. 

You will collaborate on foresight and governance with your respective peers, and analyze the societal implications that advanced AI technologies have. The objective consists in translating findings into concrete governance ideas for decision makers to consider, such as policy options, international cooperation initiatives, spending priorities, or the enforcement of existing regulatory frameworks. Your goal will be to improve the resilience and preparedness of EU policies and partnerships in the face of advanced AI, in order to mitigate global catastrophic risks and harness opportunities to the benefit of societies worldwide. 

We are looking for a senior candidate with a solid technical understanding of AI technologies and a track-record in policy and public engagement. This full-time position (38 hours per week) will have to be based in the Brussels (Belgium) area. ICFG has flexible working policies, which enable a hybrid home and office working arrangement. The position will require international travel.


How you will make an impact

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive program strategy for the Advanced AI Program in alignment with the think tank’s mission and objectives.
  • Build, lead and inspire a team of AI researchers, analysts, and experts.
  • Define and oversee the program’s research agenda, projects, and initiatives in collaboration with the head of programs/CEO, the foresight and the governance leads, as well as the other program leads.
  • Publish research papers, reports, ICFG commentary, and policy briefs on advanced AI and related technologies.
  • Represent the think tank as a global thought leader in AI and technology policy through speaking engagements, conferences, and media appearances.
  • Engage with policymakers, government agencies, and international organizations to shape AI and technology policy discussions.
  • Collaborate with the governance team to develop evidence-based policy recommendations and advocate for responsible innovation and the proactive addressing of long-term challenges and opportunities presented by such transformative technologies..
  • Establish and nurture partnerships with think tanks, research institutions, industry leaders, and governmental bodies to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
  • Manage program budgets, allocate resources effectively, and nurture partnerships.
  • Ensure responsible financial stewardship and reporting, as well as highest quality research in collaboration with the head of programs.


What you will need to succeed in this role

  • Deep expertise in advanced AI and relevant work experience is essential. Your insights and knowledge will be instrumental in shaping the think tank’s advanced AI research agenda and contributing to the global discourse on AI-related policy.
  • A track record of research excellence, including a history of publishing influential research papers, reports, and policy briefs. Your team’s research outputs will be key in disseminating impactful insights and recommendations.
  • A proven ability to advocate for responsible innovation, and to engage in a meaningful way with a variety of stakeholders, incl. political decision makers.
  • A talent to communicate research findings clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing.
  • A collaborative spirit: a passion for building and nurturing partnerships with stakeholders, both internally and externally, is vital. 
  • Strong leadership and team management skills. Effective leadership will help you guide your team and navigate complex research projects.
  • Strategic thinking: as part of the management, you will contribute to the overall direction and impact of the organization. You should also be able to develop and adapt a long-term vision for the Advanced AI Program, aligning it with the think tank’s goals.
  • Given the rapidly evolving nature of emerging technology, the ability to stay current with AI developments and policy changes will ensure your program remains relevant and influential.
  • Having a global perspective and understanding of international AI policy landscapes and governance frameworks will help you succeed in engaging with diverse stakeholders and shaping policy discussions on a global scale.


Commitments

  • Full-time position based out of Belgium (Belgium: 38 hours per week maximum)
  • National and international travel required
  • Occasional extra hours may be required


What we offer

  • Salary: The salary for this position is competitive (with potential market supplements for Brussels candidates).
  • Work location: We have workspaces in multiple countries and flexible working policies that will enable a hybrid home and office working arrangement.
  • Vacation days: We offer a generous number of Vacation days (statutory days, discretionary days, shut-it-down days, etc.) and Parental Leave and Care Leave days.
  • Learning & Development: An annual contribution toward personal education & development.
  • Wellness & Wellbeing: An annual contribution toward personal wellness & wellbeing.
  • Inclusive workplace: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.


How to apply

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to support the founding partners in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Queries can be directed to Feride Yetis on Feride.Yetis@perrettlaver.com + 31 202 409 344. Applications should consist of a letter of motivation and a complete curriculum vitae. These can be uploaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference 6930.

The closing date for applications is 9 am CET on Monday, November 20, 2023.
Applications will be considered by the selection panel in November and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview December. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.


Personal data

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