Application Guide
How to Apply for People Operations Director, The AI Access Initiative
at Evidence Action
🏢 About Evidence Action
Evidence Action is a global nonprofit scaling evidence-based programs that reduce poverty across Africa and Asia, with a strong focus on cost-effectiveness and measurable impact. Working here means joining a data-driven, mission-oriented team that values rigorous evaluation and practical solutions. The AI Access Initiative is an early-stage, high-potential arm of the organization, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI for development.
About This Role
As the People Operations Director for the AI Access Initiative, you will build and scale the people infrastructure for a new, fast-moving team. This role is pivotal in recruiting top talent, establishing performance and compensation systems, and creating a strong culture across multiple countries. Your work will directly enable the initiative to achieve its mission by ensuring it has the right people, in the right roles, with the right support.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing recruitment pipelines for open roles, coaching hiring managers on interview feedback, and designing a compensation framework for a new country. You might also meet with the initiative's leadership to align on talent needs and spend time building out onboarding materials or refining performance review processes, all while navigating time zones across Africa and Asia.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Evidence Action Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to Evidence Action
Highlight specific examples of building HR infrastructure from the ground up, especially in multi-country contexts, to show you can handle the scope.
Quantify your impact in past roles, such as time-to-hire reductions, retention improvements, or successful scaling from X to Y employees.
Demonstrate your familiarity with AI and its potential for development, perhaps by mentioning relevant projects or thought leaders you follow.
Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in both recruitment and HR systems, as this role requires a blend of strategic and hands-on work.
In your cover letter, explicitly address why you're drawn to Evidence Action's evidence-based approach and how you can contribute to the AI Access Initiative's early-stage growth.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Emphasize your experience in scaling teams and building people operations from scratch, with concrete examples. - Highlight your cross-cultural competence and experience managing HR in multiple countries, especially in low- and middle-income settings. - Show your passion for the intersection of AI and social impact, and how your skills can help the initiative attract and retain top talent. - Mention your data-driven approach to people decisions, aligning with Evidence Action's evidence-based culture.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Evidence Action's website to understand their evidence-based approach and the specific programs they scale, such as deworming and water treatment.
- → Read about the AI Access Initiative, its goals, and any published updates or news to understand its current stage and priorities.
- → Look into the broader field of AI for development, including key players and challenges, to speak knowledgeably about the context.
- → Review Evidence Action's blog or annual reports to get a sense of their culture and values in action.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on recruitment; this role also requires building HR systems and infrastructure. Show breadth.
- Avoid giving generic answers about 'culture' without tying them to the specifics of a remote, multi-country, early-stage environment.
- Don't overlook the importance of experience with low- and middle-income countries; if you lack it, emphasize transferable skills and willingness to learn.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Evidence Action!