The Future Society

Contract opportunity: Fundraising Consultant

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Published January 31st 2021

The Future Society (TFS) is looking to retain the services of one or more fundraising consultant(s). If you want to help a fast growing nonprofit think-and-do tank fulfill its core fundraising goals, send a CV and a cover letter to nicolas.moes@thefuturesociety.org. This is a rolling application and there are multiple openings available.

Description:

This outcome-driven role requires significant autonomy. You are expected to design your unique fundraising approach with support from the top management of the organization. We expect the scope of the engagement to cover most or all of the following, depending on the candidates skillset:

Create, grow and maintain a pipeline of prospective donors for core funding
Proactively reach out to foundations and philanthropists interested in the work and topics covered by TFS
Introduce TFS and its work in first contacts; make introductions to relevant team members and top management (President, Vice-President, Board Members) in second contacts
Refine the case for TFS and adapt it to a rapidly evolving context.

Minimum qualifications:

There is no minimum qualification, though demonstrated fundraising successes and mastery of written and oral English are definitely a plus.

TFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Location:

California and Washington, D.C. area. Candidates would be expected to conduct several in-person meetings with prospects and donors per month once public health guidelines permit it. TFS is a globally-distributed organization and all teammates conduct work remotely.

Compensation:

Negotiable and based on candidates experience.

Recruitment process:

Send a CV and a cover letter to nicolas.moes@thefuturesociety.org. Shortlisted candidates will then be contacted for a first informational interview. After a case study exercise, finalists will be invited for further interviews with top management.

This is a rolling application and there are multiple openings available. Note that due to the volume of applications, we are unfortunately unable to contact candidates that haven’t been shortlisted.

About The Future Society:

The Future Society is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-and-do tank. We advance the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. We help society govern AI, seizing the opportunities it presents while mitigating its risks.

Our research addresses a range of AI adoption and governance topics, including AI for UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), governance for ethics (e.g. fairness, transparency, inclusion) and safety risks (including long-term and existential risks), AI in the law, policy frameworks for AI adoption in developing countries, mapping national AI strategies, global governance of AI, geopolitics of AI, and more. We work with international organizations, development banks, national governments, companies, and more. Our recent partners have included the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Microsoft, Stanford University, The World Bank, UNESCO, EY, the Global Partnership on AI, New York University and many more.

Contract opportunity: Data Scientist for AI Against Modern Slavery

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The Future Society is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-and-do tank. We advance the global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity. We help society govern AI, seizing the opportunities it presents while mitigating its risks. The Future Society is adding an element of applied AI research to its agenda, starting by looking into how AI can be used for reading and benchmarking businesses’ statements on Modern Slavery. We are looking for one Data Scientist to join our team and support our Project AIMS (AI against Modern Slavery).

Years after the adoption and implementation of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act in 2010 and the UK Modern Slavery Act (MSA) in 2015, little is known about businesses’ compliance and what they have been reporting. It is imperative to innovate the process of report analysis in order to boost compliance and help combat Modern Slavery. We are looking into automating the analysis and benchmarking of existing statements.

In April 2020, The Future Society launched Project AIMS in partnership with Walk Free. Project AIMS builds upon the BHRRC Modern Slavery Registry to develop an AI algorithm to ‘read’ the statements produced by companies under the Modern Slavery Act. This algorithm will use metrics designed by Walk Free in line with the UK Government guidance. The new tool will be integrated with the WikiRate platform to enable ongoing human verification of the automated data collection. For more details see our GitHub.

Duration: To be determined

Location: Remote-based, flexible location, UTC+ preferred

Application deadline: Rolling until filled (please apply at earliest convenience)

Starting date: March 10th or when position filled

Employment Type: Full time, paid.

Seniority level: Min 3-5 years experience

Recruitment process: Fill in the following form. If you are pre-selected, this stage will be followed by a technical test and three interviews with our team. For any questions, please contact Adriana (adriana.bora@thefuturesociety.org).

1. Tasks

Coordinate with TFS staff, partners, and advisors in designing the project’s technical structure
Design and set the short and long term steps for the project in collaboration with the TFS staff, partners, and advisors
Monitor and support the meeting of the project’s deliverable
Lead and implement the data science and engineering requirements of the project
Design and implement the data pipeline for the project
Research, design and deploy machine learning models for the metrics, in collaboration with TFS advisors
Assist in the design and implementation of the integration process of the Project AIMS’ tool with the WikiRate platform
Delegate tasks to junior data scientists to realize the successful completion of the project
Monitor the performance of junior data scientists and provide them with practical guidance, as needed
Write clear and concise text reports summarising progress and results for both technical and non-technical audiences
Keep clear documentation of the project and contribute to the writing of the Project Handbook and publications
Support and participate in relevant events

2. Required skills & traits

Bachelors or Advanced degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or similar
Extensive experience as a Data Scientist (Minimum 3-5 years)
Demonstrable history of devising and overseeing data-centered projects
Proficiency in Python
Proficiency in English
Experience working with Docker Containers
Experience with deploying ML and DL models
Experience in designing and building APIs
Hands-on experience with one of the major cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)
Competent in machine learning/deep learning principles and techniques, especially NLP
Able to use standard collaboration tools such as Git
Ability to relay insights in layman’s terms, such that these can be used to write the Project Handbook as well as inform business decisions
Ability to supervise and mentor junior data scientists
Capacity to foster a collaborative, stimulating work environment that frequently harnesses teamwork
Compliance with prevailing ethical standards
Ability to work independently
Detail-oriented, organized, conscientious, diligent

3. Bonus skills & traits (not required)

General software engineering knowledge and skills
Experience working in small organizations, similar to The Future Society
Any extra Computer Science, Data Science, and Machine learning (ML) experience and skills
Web scraping
In-depth understanding of SQL
Great team spirit

4. What you can get from this role

Help eradicate modern slavery
Lead the technical development of an internationally recognized ‘AI for Good’ project
Directly shape AI developments, leading the development of an AI solution for something that does not exist yet
Help in automating manual and time-consuming work
Take part in a great data challenge & opportunity
Be part of an agile, small, global team
Interact with a high-level global network of experts in AI and leaders in AI policy, including international organizations such as the World Bank and UNESCO, AI Labs such as Mila, Australian Institute of Machine Learning, or scientists from BNP Paribas or namR, etc.
Work with geographic flexibility
Gain professional development & networking opportunity
Gain experience working in a dynamic, diverse, growing, and international think-tank that participates in leading AI policy events around the world

The Future Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Contract opportunity: Tunisia Digital Economy & AI Specialist

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Project: Developing Tunisia’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy

A position is open on the team to develop Tunisia’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. The project is led by the Government of Tunisia and GIZ Digital Transformation Center Tunisia with support by The Future Society. The Future Society (TFS) is a U.S. nonprofit organization with the mission to advance the responsible adoption of AI and other emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity. TFS is a top think-tank in artificial intelligence and brings expertise and experience in the development of national AI strategies to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

Position: Tunisia Digital Economy & AI Specialist

Contact: Please send CV to Yolanda Lannquist at Yolanda.Lannquist@thefuturesociety.org

Deadline: March 15, 2021 or when position filled

Duration: 3-5 days per week from April 1st to August 30th

Compensation: Flexible based on experience and qualifications

Location: Tunis, Tunisia (remote)

Tasks:

Support the research, drafting, and delivery of Tunisia’s national AI policy, including the following key deliverables: SWOT analysis of Tunisia’s AI ecosystem, national goals and targets, ethical guidelines, strategy for AI adoption in economic & industrial sectors, policy mechanisms and implementation plan
Map the Tunisian innovation landscape, illustrating the current landscape for AI’s development and adoption
Support research and development of an in-depth SWOT analysis, capturing opportunities and challenges related to AI adoption in the economy
Conduct primary and secondary research on AI use cases in key Tunisian sectors, capturing concrete mechanisms to accelerate AI adoption in those sectors
Advise on requirements for AI development and adoption in Tunisia e.g. workforce skills, data availability, compute & cloud services, entrepreneurship ecosystem, economic context, political & regulatory context
Map key stakeholders and gather evidence-based input for relevant parts of the AI policy as well as relevant ICT and digital economy policies, stakeholders, and strategic context in Tunisia and the region
Support the identification of key stakeholders (public sector, private sector, academia) and delivery of stakeholder interviews and input sessions

Qualifications:

Education/training: A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Law or other relevant areas
Language: Fluent in French
5+ years of experience in and in-depth understanding of the digital economy and policy processes and stakeholders in Tunisia
2+ years of experience in policy formulation and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks for the digital economy. Preferably, experience in: national and regional ICT plans and strategies to drive productivity through digital economy; design and implementation of digital agendas or pilot projects.
4+ years experience working in digital, technology or AI use in industry or economic sectors in Tunisia
Demonstrable understanding of the Tunisian innovation and technology ecosystem
Experience in developing innovative business models, services and applications related to the new digital economy, including public-private partnerships
(Preferred): Technical experience in the area of AI including in building systems and models based on machine learning or in AI adoption in industry or economy

Internship: AI Policy Researcher – National AI Strategies for Development

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The Future Society (TFS) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-and-do tank originally incubated at Harvard Kennedy School. Its mission is to advance the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity. The Future Society is globally ranked as a top think-tank in artificial intelligence.

We are looking for 1-2 intern(s) to join our team to help us develop our practice area: National AI Policies AI for Inclusive & Sustainable Development. This program builds tailored AI policy, regulatory, and governance approaches and instruments to support countries’ efforts to harness artificial intelligence responsibly to achieve their national objectives and sustainable development goals. It builds upon our work with GIZ, World Bank Digital Development Practice, OECD AI Policy Observatory, UNESCO, the World Government Summit, and other international organizations and governments. It follows our 2020-2021 work co-developing Rwanda’s National AI Policy with Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT & Innovation and GIZ. Our guidance to governments about responsible artificial intelligence supports a broad range of countries beyond those leading in AI today, particularly in the Global South. It also complements our work on harnessing AI to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The precise assignment project depends on the timeline of the internship. At this point, we envision supporting the development of a National AI Policy in the Global South (e.g. Tunisia, Rwanda) with government and private sector stakeholders.

The following two projects are also possibilities and may have different tasks and qualificaitons:

Co-development of a benchmark of AI solutions to combat child sexual abuse & exploitation online in partnership with international organizations and law enforcement agencies.

Supporting our ongoing AI policy research topics e.g. responsible AI adoption in judicial systems and other projects in global governance of AI.

Recruitment Process: Please send CV and statement of interest to Yolanda Lannquist at Yolanda.Lannquist@thefuturesociety.org

Deadline: Rolling basis; please apply as soon as possible

Period: Part-time or full-time; flexible timeline targeting April to September 2021.

Compensation: Stipend

Location: Remote; Preferred time zones in the range GMT-5 to GMT+2

Tasks:

Support the research, drafting, and development of a North African country’s National AI Policy, including the following key deliverables: SWOT analysis of its AI ecosystem, goals and targets, AI ethical guidelines, strategy for AI adoption in economic & industrial sectors, policy mechanisms and implementation plan.
Apply latest economic and policy frameworks for harnessing emerging technologies for international development; conduct expert interviews; work directly with local stakeholders (government, private sector, AI entrepreneurs)
Support the business development of The Future Society’s program area National AI Policies AI for Inclusive & Sustainable Development including network outreach, communications, fundraising, project proposal and grant drafting.
Potential to contribute to other TFS projects such as harnessing AI to combat child sexual abuse material & exploitation online and responsible adoption of AI in judicial systems.

Qualifications – Required:

Masters degree in public policy, economics, international development or similar
Experience working in developing country context
Interest or knowledge of AI policy
Experience in policy analysis and writing
Excellent research, analysis and writing skills
Mastery of written English or French
Ability to work independently; detail-oriented, organized, collaborative, diligent

Qualifications – Preferred:

Professional fluency in French (to conduct expert interviews, analyze policy and economic documents, write documents)
Advanced coursework in economics and international development including knowledge of economic theory and policy frameworks for international development
Understanding of AI/machine learning, computer science or data science methods and technological landscape
Experience in government, think-tanks, consulting, digital economy or technology

What you can get from this role:

An ability to directly shape AI policy, ethics and governance to benefit inclusive and sustainable development
Interacting with a high-level global network of experts in AI policy, including with national governments and international organizations such as GIZ, OECD, World Bank, UNESCO, UN.
Skills in policy research, analysis, writing
An ability to work with geographic flexibility
Professional development, networking, and recruitment opportunities
Experience working in a dynamic, diverse, growing and international think-tank that participates in leading AI policy events around the world.

About The Future Society

Our research addresses a range of AI policy and governance topics, including AI for UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), policy & governance for ethics (e.g. fairness, transparency, inclusion) and safety risks (including long-term and existential risks), AI in the law, policy frameworks for AI adoption in developing countries, national AI strategies, global governance of AI, geopolitics of AI, and more. We work with international organizations, development banks, national governments, companies, and more. Our partners include GIZ, The World Bank, UNESCO, OECD, Microsoft, The Future of Life Institute, leading academic institutions (e.g. Sciences Po Paris, Harvard Kennedy School), and many more. Please see our website for more examples on the topics and methods of our work. AI policy researchers work directly with partners to help shape and advise AI policy approaches on a global scale.

Internship: Data Scientist for AI against Modern Slavery

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The Future Society is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-and-do tank. We advance the global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. We help society govern AI, seizing the opportunities it presents while mitigating its risks. We are looking for 1 intern to join our team and support our project on AI against Modern Slavery.

Our research addresses a range of AI policy topics. Our partners include The World Bank, UNESCO, OECD, EY, Microsoft, The Future of Life Institute, leading academic institutions (e.g. Sciences Po Paris, Harvard Kennedy School), and many more. Please see our website for more examples on the topics and methods of our work. This year, The Future Society is adding an element of applied AI research to its agenda, starting by looking into how AI can be used for reading and benchmarking businesses’ reports on Modern Slavery.

Years after the adoption and implementation of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act in 2010 and the UK Modern Slavery Act (MSA) in 2015, little is known about businesses’ compliance and what they have been reporting. Today there are approximately 15,000 published Modern Slavery reports and last month Australian businesses stared publishing as required by the Australian Modern Slavery Act. It is imperative to innovate the process of report analysis in order to boost compliance and help combat Modern Slavery. We are looking into automating the analysis and benchmarking of existing reports.

Duration: To be determined

Location: Remote-based, flexible location

Application deadline: Until filled (please apply at earliest convenience)

Starting date: Flexible

Recruitment process: Fill in the following form. If you are pre-selected, this stage will be followed by three interviews with our team.

1. Tasks

Write clean, tested and documented Python code to analyse text data
Use open source natural language processing frameworks to train classification algorithms for the modern slavery corpus
Write clear and concise text reports summarising experiments’ results for both technical and non-technical audiences
Assist the research engineer and project manager in improving the data quality
Perform exploratory tasks for each metric used in benchmarking the reports
Provide input in the overall roadmap of the project
Understand, test and improve proposed approaches and solutions by thorough questioning and ideating alternative solutions
Supporting and participating in relevant events

2. Required skills & traits

Experience with natural language processing, text preprocessing and analysis methods
Mastery of Python
Ability to work with both SQL and NoSQL data stores
Able to use standard collaboration tools such as Git
Proficiency in English
Ability to work independently
Detail-oriented, organized, conscientious, diligent

3. Bonus skills & traits (not required)

General software engineering knowledge and skills
Hands-on experience with one of the major cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)
Any extra Computer Science, Data Science and Machine learning (ML) experience and skills
Web scraping
Great team spirit

4. What you can get from this role

Help eradicate modern slavery
Opportunity to work with cutting edge NLP tools
Learn and further develop cloud deployments skills
An ability to directly shape AI developments, building an NLP solution for something that does not exist yet
Help in automating manual and time-consuming work
Take part in a great Python challenge/opportunity to test your skills
Being part in an agile, small, global team
Interacting with a high-level global network of experts in AI and leaders in AI policy, including with international organizations such as the World Bank and UNESCO
An ability to work with geographic flexibility
Professional development, networking, and recruitment opportunities for the next stages of the projects
Experience working in a dynamic, diverse, growing and international think-tank that participates in leading AI policy events around the world

Expression of Interest

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The Future Society is a think-and-do-tank specialized in questions of impact and governance of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. We are always happy to hear about people interested in working with us.

Our non-profit organization aims to address the profound consequences of the current technological explosion. Our Mission is to advance the global governance of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. Learn more about our work here: http://www.thefuturesociety.org/

Recruitment process: Fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/eSgtEx92AxayGMnLA. We will contact you when we open a role that could be relevant to you.

What you can get from working with us

An ability to directly shape AI policy, ethics and governance with high-level global stakeholders;
Interacting with a high-level global network of experts in AI and leaders in AI policy, including with international organizations;
Skills in research, analysis, writing, project management, public speaking;
An ability to work with geographic flexibility;
Professional development, networking, and recruitment opportunities;
Experience working in a dynamic, diverse, growing and international think-and-do-tank that participates in leading AI policy events around the world.