Job Opening: Lead of SNV’s Artificial Intelligence Programme (m/f/d) 

We offer you an opportunity to delve into AI governance at the intersection of technology, society and policy in Europe – an opportunity to develop and conduct high-quality research, drive impactful change and directly engage with decision-makers. This role offers you a chance to be at the forefront of advances in AI governance and to produce research for policymakers. You will join our organisation at an exciting time of organisational transformation. 

We're seeking candidates who have a deep understanding of the dynamic intersection of AI technology, society and public governance in Europe. Ideally, your expertise combines policy analysis and a robust understanding of AI technologies, cultivated through training in fields such as computer science, law, social sciences, data science or engineering. 

As Lead of the AI Programme, you will have the autonomy to develop specific research topics, shaping the strategy and approach of our AI governance programme. This is your chance to pioneer groundbreaking research, translate it into actionable policies and tangible impacts. Your role extends beyond research – supported by our professional Communications and PR team, you will be a communicator, collaborator and influencer who helps build effective governance for a technology that shapes our future.  

If you thrive on the opportunity to build something meaningful "from the ground up", then we invite you to join SNV. Together, we will navigate the evolving landscape of AI governance, fostering public debate and forging connections. 

SNV as an independent research think tank has consistently delivered cutting-edge policy advice on a diverse range of rapidly evolving topics, including cybersecurity, digital rights, platform governance, and artificial intelligence. Moreover, we actively engage with decision-makers at both the German and EU levels, ensuring our evidence-based recommendations meet the needs of policymakers in a timely manner. 

Join us at SNV and be part of a team of experts at the intersection of technology and policy. The successful candidate will initially be offered a two-year contract, with the opportunity for permanent employment thereafter. We are looking to fill in the role as soon as possible after the selection of a candidate. The role can accommodate either full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (80-90%). 

Position Description (your responsibilities):  

• Develop and execute a strategy on the subject of AI governance at SNV (e.g. identify important and neglected topics within this field).  
• Provide independent expertise on AI governance questions to policymakers and other stakeholders.  
• Research, write and publish policy papers.   
• Engage in AI governance discussions with other institutions, the public and policymakers (e.g. through interviews, panels, guest contributions, lectures, public events).   
• Expand and maintain a diverse international network of AI experts and stakeholders in government, businesses, research communities and civil society.  
• Fundraise in close collaboration with the management of SNV and hire potentially new team members.   
• Design and conduct expert workshops and roundtables.    
• Help advice and/or collaborate with a team of researchers at SNV who will be working on other AI subjects.   

Your Profile: 

• You have a technical understanding and working experience in the field of AI research or an AI-relevant industry. Alternatively, you are an experienced professional in the world of tech policy with a strong interest in the field of AI.  
• You take an entrepreneurial approach and interest in developing SNV’s AI programme and its long-term strategy.  
• You have knowledge of current debates in AI policy, both in Europe and internationally.    
• You have strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues to a broad audience of non-experts coupled with strong writing skills and track record such as academic or think tank publications, or written reports in other type of analysis-based professional contexts.  
• You like to work in a team and enjoy developing and testing your ideas with people inside and outside your own organization.     
• Fluency in English at a C1 level is required. Knowledge of other languages will be an asset.   
• The successful applicant can be a national of any country. But they must be based or willing to relocate to an EU country. 
• Any level of academic qualification/credentials is welcome. The important part is to be able to demonstrate sufficiently strong knowledge in a subject related to AI Governance.   

We offer: 

• An unparalleled opportunity to build and lead a research and policy programme within a leading tech think tank. 
• A working environment where personal responsibility, diversity, and creative freedom are valued with flat hierarchies and ample space for innovative ideas.   
• Work-from-anywhere in the EU policy – Candidates from any EU country are welcome to apply.   
• Flexibility to work remotely or utilize our centrally located and accessible office space in Berlin. We cover travel expenses for all-team events.
• Very flexible, family-friendly working hours.   
• Financial assistance with equipping your remote office and a monthly mobile office allowance.
• Option to work abroad (away from your place of residence) for up to 3 months annually.  
• Competitive salary range of 56.880 EUR - 77.400 EUR per year depending on experience.  
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (+ an additional day off on 31 December), based on full-time employment.  
• 5 optional care days per year to support family, friends, and pets.  
• Annual competence development meeting and salary adjustment.  
• Access to an annual training budget for professional and personal growth.  
• Up to 3 professional coaching sessions per year to support well-being at work.   
• Support from our Diversity Officer for matters concerning gender, diversity, and equality.  

We welcome applications from people regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental ability, religion and belief, sexual orientation and social background. We also encourage people from ethnic minorities and other groups that are underrepresented in civil society organisations to join us. 

Application deadline is 12 May 2024. Please apply with a cover letter and a CV (without photo) in one PDF file here. The interviews will take place digitally.  

Madlen Schliephake (personal@stiftung-nv.de) will be happy to answer any questions you may have.