AI and Machine Learning Advisor in London

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.

As a Senior Adviser – AI & Machine Learning, you will lead the development and adoption of AI/ML tools that enhance the speed, quality, and clarity of our humanitarian analysis. This includes shaping EWAR’s two‑year AI/ML strategy, building practical tools with colleagues across the Data & Visualisation pillar, and advising on responsible AI/ML uptake across the wider humanitarian community. Your work will be embedded across EWAR’s core workstreams, ensuring innovative methods translate into real‑world impact. The role will be reporting to the TL -Data and Visualisation.

Key Requirements

• Develop the AI / ML strategy for EWAR aligned with the strategic objectives of HCRD and HEROS.
• Embed AI/ML approaches into EWAR analytical processes in a proportionate, ethical, and context appropriate manner.
• Stay up to date with AI developments and best practice applications, both in humanitarian communities, wider industry, and across FCDO.
• Identify opportunities for EWAR to embed AI tools into its analytical processes, including in the development of the HEWN, scenario development, monitoring evaluation and learning, and in ad hoc analytical products.
• Support with the practical implementation of AI ML technologies; fine tune, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models for usage in the teams analytical 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, as well as operational needs of the HEROS contract.
• 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, as well as 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 bi‑lateral relations with relevant stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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.
• Share knowledge, support others, and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Be aware of potential risks to effective and responsible programme management and contribute to mitigation measures according to job role.
• 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 for 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience designing and applying analytical frameworks tailored to humanitarian contexts, with demonstrated capacity to drive innovation in analytical frameworks and approaches.
• Experience working in the humanitarian, development, or public sectors.

Closing Information

The closing date for the advert is 8th June.