Application Guide

How to Apply for Programme Co-Lead, Policy Leaders Programme

at Talos Network

🏢 About Talos Network

Talos Network is unique as a specialized talent development organization focused exclusively on European AI policy careers, with a mission-driven approach to reducing risks from advanced AI. Unlike general policy organizations, Talos specifically bridges talent gaps in AI governance by placing professionals into critical roles across Europe, offering a chance to directly shape the future of AI regulation on the continent.

About This Role

As Programme Co-Lead for the Policy Leaders Programme, you'll share leadership of Talos's flagship initiative that places experienced professionals into key AI governance roles across Europe. This role involves strategic scaling of the programme's impact, designing training curriculum for fellows, and coordinating placements with partner institutions—directly contributing to building Europe's AI policy capacity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve co-leading programme strategy discussions with your counterpart, designing curriculum modules for fellows on European AI governance, and coordinating with partner institutions across Europe to secure placements. You'd likely spend time mentoring fellows, recruiting senior guest speakers, and analyzing programme impact metrics to inform scaling decisions.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Talos Network Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of programme leadership experience with demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic scaling plans
  • Possesses direct background in AI governance or policy work, preferably with European institutional knowledge
  • Can provide specific examples of designing and delivering training curriculum for professionals (not just academic teaching)
  • Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement skills with European policy institutions and mentorship experience with senior professionals

📝 Tips for Applying to Talos Network

1

Quantify your programme leadership impact—show how you've scaled programmes or increased their reach/effectiveness

2

Highlight specific European AI policy experience or knowledge of EU institutions like the European Commission, Parliament, or national AI strategies

3

Include concrete examples of training curriculum you've designed for professionals, not just academic teaching

4

Demonstrate understanding of Talos's niche mission by referencing their specific focus on talent development for AI policy (not just general policy work)

5

Show how you've successfully coordinated placements or partnerships with institutions, as this is core to the role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience in AI governance/policy work and how it aligns with Talos's mission to reduce AI risks", 'Examples of programme strategy development and scaling, particularly in talent development or policy contexts', 'Demonstrated ability to design and deliver professional training curriculum (not just academic instruction)', 'Experience engaging with European policy stakeholders and coordinating institutional partnerships']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Talos Network's website and understand their specific focus on European AI policy talent development (not just general AI policy)
  • → Research the current European AI governance landscape, including the EU AI Act and key institutions involved
  • → Look into existing talent development programmes in European policy spaces to understand the competitive landscape
  • → Identify potential partner institutions Talos might work with for placements (European Commission, national governments, think tanks)
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you scale the Policy Leaders Programme's impact across European AI governance institutions?
2 Describe your approach to designing a training curriculum for experienced professionals transitioning into AI policy roles
3 How would you identify and coordinate placements with partner institutions across different European countries?
4 What strategies would you use to recruit senior guest speakers who can add value to fellows' development?
5 How do you measure the success of a talent development programme like the Policy Leaders Programme?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only academic or research experience in AI policy without professional programme leadership experience
  • Focusing on general policy work without specific AI governance knowledge or European context
  • Presenting teaching experience as equivalent to designing professional training curriculum for experienced practitioners

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: March 13, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Talos Network!

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