View Vacancy – Emerging Technologies for Development Adviser (42/24 NR)

Main purpose of job:

The role of an Emerging Technologies/AI for Development (ETA4D) Adviser in Kenya is to drive the UK’s work on building science and technology partnerships for sustainable development. The role is multifaceted, focusing on promoting the use of emerging technologies and AI to drive economic growth, socio-economic development, and inclusive and secure delivery of government services. This will be a demand-driven role that will need to be flexible and responsive and is tasked with offering technical assistance and advice on the use of emerging technologies for development (including but not limited to systemic enhancements, demand and supply market factors in their adoption, implementation, and regulation in Kenya the wider region).  Areas of focus may include policies, strategies, regulations, and guidelines aligned to the UK and Kenya Governments’ priorities. The role will be situated within the Science, Innovation and Technology team, based at the British High Commission in Nairobi. The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee new work around AI and Emerging Technologies in Kenya, building meaningful partnerships and collaboration between the two countries and promoting transparent and effective decision-making regarding the management and utilization of emerging technologies including AI in Kenya, with a particular emphasis on AI standards/safety and inclusivity.

In the initial phases, the role will focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Development, including exploring the use of AI technologies to tackle socioeconomic issues and promote sustainable development, enhance the delivery of Government services, and drive the start-up economy. This position requires a thorough understanding of the landscape of emerging technologies including AI in Kenya (and the broader region), the potential opportunities and challenges it presents, as well some knowledge and understanding of the broader societal context for the roll out of emerging technologies, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern their implementation.

A new UK digital development strategy sets out how the UK will lead the way and partner with countries around the globe, so that no one is left behind in a digital world. It is premised on the understanding that Digital technologies can support development, for example, mobile money and financial technology have had a huge impact by including people around the world in the digital economy. Likewise, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to boost health research and reduce the cost of drug development. UK intends to deliver on AI for Development aimed at building local capacity to develop and apply AI responsibly, with an initial focus on Africa, alongside an uplift of investment in AI across our sectoral research portfolios The UK Government’s Digital Development strategy 2024-2030 focuses on four critical interconnected objectives of Digital transformation, Inclusion, Responsibility and Sustainability.

In the last five years, UK has been implementing the Digital Access Programme in five Countries ( Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia) with the objective of  catalysing affordable inclusive safe and secure digital access for the digitally excluded populations. Since its inception it  has reached over 7.5 million people with digital inclusion models.

The job holder will report to the Digital Access Programme Adviser in Kenya and provide support in the design, development and delivery of the programme plan, including managing risks, monitoring implementation and reporting on programme progress against set intervention targets under each of the pillars of the programme and on the resourcing requirements needed to deliver them.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Innovation and Research: Collaborate with multiple stakeholders including with Universities, Research Institutions and innovation networks including UK Kenya Tech Hub (UKKTH) and East Africa Research and Innovation Hub (EARIH) to address Kenya’s and indeed Africa’s development challenges in areas such as Agriculture & Food Systems, Education, Climate Action, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Gender/Inclusion and Government Services.
• Systemic Enhancements: Engage with multiple stakeholders to inform and facilitate the development of public policies, standards and regulations that promote the inclusive benefits of emerging technologies including AI, while mitigating potential costs and risks.
• Talent Development: Support the amplification of Kenyan AI talent through UK initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent that responds to the talent requirements of the public and private sector.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with multiple stakeholders in Kenya and the region, as well as international partners, to leverage AI technologies in the service of solving development challenges and improving livelihoods for those living in poverty.
• Responsible AI Practices: Advocate for responsible AI practices that address and mitigate the risks associated with AI, including reinforcing structural inequalities, perpetuating gender imbalances, threatening jobs, and facilitating oppressive government surveillance and exclusion
• Ensure all activity complies with the new FCDO Programme Operating Framework.

In this role, you will ensure the projects, programmes and portfolio are compliant with the International Development Gender Equality Act (2014) by demonstrating consideration for gender equality throughout programmes and supporting ambitions to achieve the UK’s Women, Peace and Security objectives International women and girls strategy.

Roles and responsibilities: 

The Emerging Technologies/ AI for Development (ETA4D) Adviser (Kenya) will be responsible for strengthening the UK-Kenya partnership around emerging technologies and AI  – working with the SI&T pillar team at post and with the cross-government colleagues in the UK.  The role presents unique opportunities to advance science partnerships between Kenya and UK and to promote the use of emerging technologies to drive economic, social and environmental impacts at a time when these issues are of increasing importance on the international agenda. 

The indicative time allocation is shown below.

Resources managed:

No direct line management is envisaged initially although this may change depending on future requirements of the programme. Teamwork and coordination experience, particularly across different geographies is preferred given the jobholder will need to work closely with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including in Kenya and in the UK. 

There will be some possibilities for travel in the region and to the UK, as needed by the Programme’s objectives and priorities.  Relevant job-related training will be provided as required.

• Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline;
• Experience of managing and delivery of large and/or complex programmes with good eye for detail
• Experience of developing and applying tools to support effective project management as well as delivery control of implementing partners
• Experience of developing and executing programme/project implementation plans
• Experience of applying project coordination, monitoring, risk management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Supporting the commissioning of work packages or procuring delivery through external implementing partners and contract management