Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Lead, AI Access Initiative

at Evidence Action

🏢 About Evidence Action

Evidence Action uniquely focuses on scaling proven, cost-effective interventions that measurably reduce poverty across Africa and Asia. Unlike many development organizations, they prioritize rigorous evidence and cost-effectiveness analysis to maximize impact per dollar spent. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to programs that have already reached millions while innovating with new approaches like AI.

About This Role

As Program Lead for the AI Access Initiative, you'll spearhead the design and implementation of AI-powered programs targeting poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries. This role involves shaping strategy across health, agriculture, and education verticals while building government and partner relationships to drive policy adoption and scalable delivery. You'll directly influence how emerging AI technologies can be leveraged for measurable, large-scale social impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual stand-up with your team across time zones, reviewing progress on an AI-powered agriculture pilot in Malawi. You'd spend midday analyzing cost-effectiveness data from a recent health intervention, then join a call with Kenyan government officials to discuss scaling pathways. The afternoon could involve designing evaluation frameworks for a new education chatbot pilot while mentoring a junior program manager on partnership development.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Evidence Action Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years leading international development programs or tech-for-social-impact initiatives, with demonstrated experience scaling interventions in LMIC contexts
  • Possesses a proven track record of building and managing relationships with government agencies and implementation partners in Africa or Asia
  • Has designed and overseen multiple pilot programs from conception to evaluation, with specific experience testing technology-enabled approaches
  • Has managed cross-functional teams of 5+ people in remote or hybrid settings, with experience mentoring junior staff in program management

📝 Tips for Applying to Evidence Action

1

Quantify your impact in previous roles using Evidence Action's language—specifically mention cost-effectiveness metrics, scale (number of people reached), and evidence-based approaches

2

Highlight any experience working with government systems in Africa or Asia, naming specific ministries or agencies you've collaborated with

3

Demonstrate your understanding of AI applications in development by mentioning specific use cases in health, agriculture, or education relevant to LMICs

4

Show familiarity with Evidence Action's existing programs (like Deworm the World or Dispensers for Safe Water) and explain how AI could complement or enhance them

5

Emphasize your ability to work remotely while managing teams and partners across multiple time zones, particularly in Africa and Asia

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience designing and scaling evidence-based programs in LMICs, with specific examples of measurable outcomes', "How you've successfully built government and partner relationships to drive policy change or program adoption", 'Your approach to pilot design and testing, particularly for technology-enabled interventions', "Why Evidence Action's focus on cost-effectiveness and scale aligns with your professional philosophy"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Evidence Action's existing programs and their cost-effectiveness metrics (particularly Deworm the World and Dispensers for Safe Water)
  • → The organization's 2023-2025 strategy document and how AI fits into their scaling priorities
  • → Recent partnerships Evidence Action has formed with governments in Kenya, India, or other focus countries
  • → AI applications currently being tested in international development (e.g., in precision agriculture, disease prediction, or educational chatbots for LMICs)
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design an AI pilot for maternal health in Kenya, considering cost-effectiveness and scalability requirements?
2 Describe your experience navigating government procurement or policy processes in a specific African or Asian country
3 How do you balance innovation (testing new AI approaches) with Evidence Action's commitment to proven, evidence-based interventions?
4 What metrics would you track to demonstrate the impact of an AI-powered agriculture extension program?
5 How would you manage a team split across Nairobi, Delhi, and remote locations while implementing a complex AI initiative?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on AI technical expertise without demonstrating understanding of development contexts and implementation challenges in LMICs
  • Using generic development terminology without specific examples of scale, cost-effectiveness, or evidence-based decision-making
  • Failing to show how you would work within Evidence Action's existing program frameworks while introducing innovation

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Evidence Action!

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