AI & Tech Fellow
Summary
Join the YCI team to strengthen the capacity of entrepreneurs, partner organizations and innovation ecosystems through the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech. You will identify opportunities to improve systems, enhance decision-making and build digital capacity through responsible AI adoption. This is an opportunity to strengthen your CV with applied AI, digital transformation and capacity building experience, while advancing women's economic empowerment and entrepreneur success in emerging markets.
This is a new fellowship position we are piloting within HerStart. We value curiosity, flexibility and feedback as we continue to refine the role.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Designing and delivering AI and tech training, resources and toolkits for entrepreneurs, staff and fellows
- Conducting analyses to identify workflows that would most benefit from AI integration to enhance outcomes for entrepreneurs and partners
- Developing practical AI and tech-enabled systems, templates and workflows using accessible and free tools that improve organizational efficiency and program delivery
- Supporting women entrepreneurs to adopt AI and tech tools that strengthen business growth and operations
- Promoting responsible AI adoption through guidance on ethics, privacy and effective use
- Researching emerging AI tools and recommending practical applications for entrepreneurs and partners
- Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
- Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights
*Note: Responsibilities for this role will vary for each fellow and country. The above list demonstrates the types of activities this role may be engaged in, depending on the skills of the applicant and the immediate needs of the HerStart team.
Check out our Stories to learn about the experiences of different HerStart International Fellows!
Desired Qualifications for this Position
- Post-secondary education in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, information technology or a related field, or equivalent specialized training/certification in AI or tech
- Experience using free and widely available AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, CanvaAI, NotebookLM, Lovable, etc.) to improve productivity, research or business operations
- Strong digital literacy, with experience implementing tech solutions or improving systems and workflows
- Experience designing and delivering training, workshops or capacity-building initiatives for diverse audiences
- Understanding of responsible AI practices, including AI ethics, data privacy and the importance of human oversight
- Strong problem-solving, organization and project management skills
- Ability to communicate technical concepts in a clear, practical and accessible way
- Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to work independently
- Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
- Committed to working with others in an equitable and inclusive manner
- Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
- Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online
- Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team
- Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
*Note: Individuals from all gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with 40+ years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
- Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and partners, meaningfully contributing your time to expand the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
- Amplify your personal and professional growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as cross-cultural communication, project management, adaptability and more.
- Access in-demand training and resources: Learn from our staff and partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social innovation and climate action.
- Join a thriving network: Connect with like-minded, passionate people around the globe. Members of our network will also have first access to future YCI opportunities and resources.
For more information about the HerStart International Fellowship program and benefits, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page here!
Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
YCI recognizes the unequal power dynamics inherent in international development work and our responsibility to protect the human rights of the communities we serve and provide an environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse. Youth Challenge International (YCI) commits to a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and has a policy in place to ensure all staff, fellows and partners are aware of these commitments.