AI and Machine Learning Advisor

About The Team

The Early Warning, Analysis and Reporting (EWAR) team sits at the centre of government humanitarian decision‑making. The team monitors global risks and emerging crises, turning complex, fast‑moving information into timely insights that shape humanitarian action. The team navigates challenging information environments, applies mixed‑method approaches, and continually refines methodologies to ensure decisions are grounded in the strongest available evidence.

About the Role

As a Senior Adviser – AI, fine‑tune, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models for use in the team's analytic workflows. Evaluate and support the continued development of existing AI/ML tools and methodologies used within EWAR. Co‑design data‑driven products that meet FCDO’s humanitarian information needs and operational needs of the HEROS contract. Once complete and where possible, the AI specialist will provide training for relevant EWAR staff to access and run these tools. Support the evolution of the HEWN (Humanitarian Early Warning Note) and other flagship products through AI/ML innovation.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Ensure responsible AI use amongst EWAR, ensuring compliance with privacy and ethical standards and FCDO responsible use guidelines.
• Regularly communicate limitations of AI/ML methodologies used to non‑technical audiences.
• Participate at industry events and actively develop and maintain bilateral relations with relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Build internal capacity on AI/ML across HSOT, through formal and informal touchpoints.
• Contribute to the development of HSOT’s learning agenda and support the Learning and Impact pillar with data for monitoring and evaluation.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Data and Visualisation pillar and the wider EWAR team to ensure that all activity is embedded in broader pillar workplan and aligned with the strategic direction of the team.
• Support and contribute to cross‑contract AI/ML initiatives and innovation in alignment with the HSOT AI strategy.
• Work constructively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Share knowledge, support others, and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Be open to feedback and willing to adapt to meet team needs.

Risk Management

• Be aware of potential risks to effective and responsible programme management and contribute to mitigation measures according to job role.
• Be familiar with and actively participate in established risk management procedures, including reporting issues against identified risks and failures of mitigation measures.
• Contribute to risk assessment activities and suggest improvements.

Other Duties

• The post holder will be required to deploy to support an FCDO response if required for up to 25% of the time.
• Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the position, as requested.
• Fulfil role of Duty Officer on rotation, providing week‑long out of hours surveillance of emergencies.
• Contribute to HEROS contract quarterly and annual contractual reporting on specialist portfolio, and provide support as requested in support of results‑based reporting.
• Collaborate constructively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and deliver impactful outcomes.
• Share knowledge and expertise to support team members and contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Remain open to feedback and demonstrate adaptability to meet evolving team and project needs.
• Support business Transition and Exit Planning: Play a pivotal role in adapting to system upgrades and organisational changes, ensuring the workforce is aligned with future business needs.
• Lead on providing data inputs during the transition phase.

This position follows Palladium’s hybrid working policy, requiring a minimum attendance of three days in the office.

Key Skills And Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in data science, ML engineering, or a similar role.
• Experience creating, testing and rolling out AI/ML tools.
• Experience applying validation methods to assess AI/ML methodologies, including their performance, limitations, and suitability for real‑world application.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows, model deployment, and versioning.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualisation in humanitarian risk analysis, foresight, and early warning.
• Strong communication skills, ability to communicate complex concepts to non‑technical audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to advise non‑technical stakeholders on the appropriate use and limitations of AI/ML approaches.
• Understanding of data ethics and responsible AI principles, particularly in contexts where accuracy and precision are critical.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and compelling visuals.
• Experience with using Github (or similar) for version control.
• Enthusiasm for working at pace, in collaboration with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Strategic thinking and ability to align data work with organisational goals.
• Act with integrity, reliability, and respect in all interactions.
• Represent Palladium positively in all professional settings.
• Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• Deliver work to agreed standards and deadlines.
• Follow through on commitments and raise concerns early when issues arise.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience designing and applying analytical frameworks tailored to humanitarian contexts, with demonstrated capacity to drive innovation in analytical frameworks and approaches.
• Experience working with collaborative cloud computing platforms (such as Databricks).
• Advanced degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a relevant field.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating the impact of data and AI/ML solutions in operational settings.
• Experience with humanitarian early warning systems and risk modelling.
• Experience working in the humanitarian, development, or public sectors.
• Experience supporting an increase in uptake of AI/ML tools in professional settings.

This is a permanent role based in London. Candidates must have the Right to work in the UK and a minimum of 2 years residency in the UK out of the last 5 years to be eligible for this post.