Humanitarian AI and Machine Learning Advisor

We are looking for an AI Adviser with experience of working within the humanitarian sector to join the Early Warning Analysis and Reporting team to help shape the future of humanitarian decision making. As the Humanitarian AI & Machine Learning Adviser, you will help shape the responsible use of AI to strengthen early warning, crisis analysis and analytical outputs that support critical decision-making across the humanitarian sector.

Working within the Early Warning, Analysis and Reporting (EWAR) team, you will identify opportunities for AI adoption, provide expert advice on emerging technologies, and support the delivery of innovative solutions that drive meaningful humanitarian impact.

The Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations and Stabilisation Programme (HEROS), delivered by Palladium, provides operational and advisory support to the UK Government's response to humanitarian crises and stabilisation challenges in more than 130 countries. Within HEROS, the Early Warning, Analysis and Reporting (EWAR) team delivers critical analysis and early warning products that inform humanitarian decision-making. As part of EWAR, this role will support the responsible adoption of AI and machine learning to enhance analytical capabilities and strengthen humanitarian outcomes.

• Strategy
  • Support the Data & Visualisation team leader in delivering the EWAR AI / ML strategy.
  • Advise on how AI/ML use-cases can be embedded into EWAR analytical processes in a proportionate, ethical, and context appropriate manner.
  • Maintain a database of use-cases for AI adoption within EWAR and advise on their added value & feasibility.
  • Maintain awareness of AI developments, initiatives, and applications relevant to EWAR across the humanitarian sector, wider industry, and FCDO.
• Product Development and Delivery
  • Identify opportunities for EWAR to embed AI tools into its analytical processes, including in the development of the Humanitarian Early Warning Note (HEWN), humanitarian scenario development, monitoring evaluation and learning processes, and in ad hoc analytical products.
  • Where feasible, participate in designing, prototyping and evaluating AI/ML methodologies in EWAR.
  • Critically evaluate and support the continued development of existing AI/ML tools and methodologies used within EWAR.
• Expertise and Advisory
  • Support the team in maintaining expertise on technical developments, safety risks, operational applications, and emerging trends related to AI in the humanitarian sector and beyond.
  • Provide advice and evidence-based insights in these areas to support humanitarian policy development and decision-making.
  • Regularly communicate limitations and risks of AI/ML methodologies to audiences across HSOT and the FCDO.
• Collaboration
  • Support and contribute to cross-contract AI/ML initiatives in HSOT when required.
  • Work closely with colleagues in the data science unit across the FCDO to share the knowledge and learnings.
  • Share knowledge, support others and contribute to a positive team culture.
  • Participate at industry events and develop and maintain bi-lateral relations with relevant stakeholders.
• Other Duties
  • The post holder may 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 the role of Duty Officer on rotation, providing week-long out of hours surveillance of emergencies.
  • 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.

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

• 1 – 3 years relevant professional or research experience in data science, data analysis, analytical engineering, ML engineering, computer science or a related field.
• Experience applying evaluation methods to assess AI/ML applications, including their performance, limitations, and suitability for real-world application.
• Understanding of the opportunities and risks presented by advancements in AI, and the ability to translate these into implications for the humanitarian sector.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience working in the humanitarian, development, or public sectors.
• 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.
• Able to work at pace, in collaboration with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Knowledge of how AI initiatives align with team and organisational priorities.

• Experience designing and applying analytical or technical solutions to humanitarian contexts, with demonstrated capacity to drive innovation.
• Experience of supporting an increase in uptake of AI/ML tools in professional settings.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating the impact of data and AI/ML solutions in operational settings.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience working with or knowledge of humanitarian early warning systems, risk modelling, and foresight.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applications from candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

The post holder will be required to obtain a higher level of security clearance. Eligibility for this clearance requires a minimum of two years' residency in the UK within the last five years.

Palladium International Ltd. participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.