Policy Generalist – Advanced AI

Position description

Salary range: €70,000 – €90,000 (actual salary will depend on expertise and experience)
Contract: Indefinite
Working hours: Full-Time, 38h per week
Closing date: March 31, 2024, 11:59pm (rolling basis)

About ICFG

Established in 2023, the International Center for Future Generations (ICFG) is 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. ICFG executes rigorous, independent, and policy-oriented research to create awareness about emerging technologies that require the urgent attention of political decision-makers. ICFG operates as a catalyst for change and its programs currently evolve around the following focus areas: Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Neurotechnology, Biotechnology, Quantum Technology, and Climate Interventions. In addition, there are two cross-cutting programs – Foresight and Governance – that dig into the bigger picture challenges of effective policy-making. We are funded with private investments and we do not accept funding from government or commercial interests. Our funders don’t gain from our activities, so independence in the research and outreach is guaranteed. We’re a start-up organization of about 20 people at the moment and growing fast. Some are working from Brussels, some remotely.

About the Advanced AI Program

One of our main technologies is Advanced AI. In contrast to the broad term of AI, Advanced AI encompasses foundation models trained on broad data, which are capable of a wide range of downstream applications, and are so powerful they could pose severe risks to public safety and global security. It’s important to note that while other organizations have made commendable strides in advocating for a robust EU AI Act, and focusing now on its implementation and enforcement, ICFG is embracing a more expansive viewpoint. We are questioning whether current global efforts are sufficiently ambitious and exploring what global measures are necessary to govern Advanced AI in a way that is more democratic, mitigates potential severe risks, and ensures the equitable distribution of benefits. Our aim is to champion comprehensive strategies that tackle these broad challenges, delving into how multilateral cooperation, international governance of Advanced AI, and global institutions can safeguard global stability, ensure public safety, and promote human well-being today and into the future.

The role

Our Program Lead for Advanced AI, Max Reddel, is expanding the team in order to execute an ambitious strategy. As a Policy Generalist you will play a critical role in strategy building, and developing and advocating for policies that guide the safe development and governance of Advanced AI. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including but not limited to officials of national governments, super-national & international organizations, civil society leaders, and the academic community. The job title Policy Generalist is a working title while the final title will be decided in consultation with the candidate.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to Strategy Building: Play a pivotal role in developing our strategic approach to governing advanced AI, requiring a high degree of independence and initiative in identifying and pursuing strategic objectives;
• Conduct Policy Research and Analysis: Focus on the governance of Advanced AI, emphasizing multilateral cooperation, international frameworks, and compute governance;
• Develop Policy Recommendations: Actively contribute to ICFG’s publications and advocacy materials, aligning with our mission and goals;
• Engage with Stakeholders: Foster dialogue and collaboration with government, industry, academia, and civil society on Advanced AI governance;
• Represent ICFG: Enhance our influence and network by participating in conferences, workshops, and other events related to Advanced AI;
• Collaborate Across Teams: Ensure strategic alignment and synergy with the Advanced AI team and other cross-cutting programs at ICFG.

Requirements

• Excellent Communication & Networking Skills: Must possess the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders. Good understanding of Brussels and the Brussels bubble is a plus;
• Experience in Policy Research and Advocacy: Seek proven background in research, analysis, and advocacy, ideally within think tanks, policy organizations, public institutions, or similar;
• Diverse Academic Backgrounds Welcome: Open to candidates with degrees in Public Policy, Public Administration, Technology Management, Computer Science, International Relations, Law, Ethics, and beyond. We value the unique insights diverse academic experiences bring;
• Understanding of Societal Implications: Essential knowledge of Advanced AI’s societal impact is preferred. Otherwise-strong candidates can be brought up to speed with internal workshops;
• Strong Project Management Abilities: Require organizational skills and the adaptability to manage changing priorities;
• Scout Mindset: including epistemic rigor; intellectual humility; probabilistic thinking; an ability to engage with different worldviews; and a commitment to state your beliefs transparently and honestly;
• Collaborative and Professional Attitude: including an ability to collaborate across different teams and backgrounds; a sense of ownership of your work; a habit of triaging your analyses based on the needs of the team; a desire to see your colleagues thrive; and a drive to identify opportunities for professional development;
• Commitment to Our Values: Looking for individuals dedicated to intellectual humility, compassion, and collaboration.

What we offer

• Flexible working hours and location: Remote work is fully supported, yet presence in our office (Avenue des Arts 44, 1040 Brussels) is encouraged when it significantly benefits your role or team collaboration. There’s no fixed quota for office attendance; we prioritize effectiveness and meaningful interaction;
• 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 financial contribution toward personal education & development;
• Wellness & Wellbeing: An annual financial contribution toward personal wellness & wellbeing;
• Inclusive workplace: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.

Application instructions

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