Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is seeking an Associate Fellow and Program Manager for its Technology Vertical, based in New Delhi, to work on issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, data governance, international technology partnerships and broader technology policy. The candidate will contribute to original research and policy-relevant publications, help shape and manage the technology verticals programme of activities, support events and engage with a wide network of government, industry, academic, and civil society stakeholders in India and internationally. The candidate will also own projects and products within the team. This is a role that combines intellectual contribution with programme leadership.
Research and Policy Work
- Produce high-quality policy-relevant publications including issue briefs, occasional papers, expert commentaries, and special reports on topics such as AI governance, the geopolitics of emerging technology, strategic technologies, technology governance amongst others.
- Develop and articulate independent research positions; represent technology policy work in public forums, private events conferences, and media engagements.
- Track and analyse key developments in technology-policy including India, Europe, the United States and the Global South.
- Contribute to ORF's engagement with national, multilateral and bilateral processes on technology governance.
- Collaborate with ORF researchers across centres and with external partners from academia, government, and the private sector on joint initiatives.
- Lead products and specific projects (for example, an AI use-case repository) within the team
Programme Management
- Support design and planning of the technology programme calendar, including research publications, roundtables, workshops, conferences, and international dialogues.
- Lead and support coordination of convenings including managing concept development, speaker outreach, briefing materials, logistics, and post-event documentation and outreach.
- Coordinate and work with the development, communications and operation teams and provide mentorship to junior colleagues within the team.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A postgraduate degree in public policy, international relations, law, economics, political science, computer science, or a related discipline.
- 6-8 years of relevant professional experience, including substantive engagement with technology policy, AI governance or a closely related field.
- A demonstrated record of research or policy writing; published work in academic, policy, or journalistic formats is desirable.
- Experience designing and managing research programmes, convenings, or policy projects, including stakeholder coordination across government, industry, and civil society. Ability to build and maintain productive relationships internally and externally.
- Candidates must be comfortable engaging with technical concepts and their policy implications.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; the ability to write accessibly for both specialist and general audiences is essential.
- Strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and one writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line ‘Associate Fellow and Program Manager – Technology_Candidate Name’. We look forward to hearing from you.
