Applications for this role close 19th July 23:59 UK Time

About the Incubator for AI (i.AI)

The Incubator for AI (i.AI) is a fast moving, autonomous technical unit within the UK government. Our mission is to pioneer transformative applications of AI to build a better Britain.

We operate under three core principles:

Talent: We bring together the UK’s best AI talent across a range of functions. You will work alongside exceptional researchers and top government leaders, staying at the cutting edge of technology.

Innovation: We set precedents for what is possible in government. We combine the pace of a start-up with the influence of being at the digital centre of government. You will test new ideas, expand what is possible, and leverage unique government data to create novel solutions.

Impact: We are dedicated to using AI as a tool for public good - this can mean improving outcomes in schools, boosting housebuilding or providing more personalised support for those in need. With the backing of the Prime Minister, you will turn technical breakthroughs into real-world applications that affect millions of citizens.

About the role

The Strategy Team sits at the heart of the Incubator for AI (i.AI). The role of the team is to tell the story of the Incubator, turn decision-makers into advocates and to drive delivery of the project portfolio.

This is a dynamic brief, in one of the most exciting and critical areas of government, with high ambition from the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister.

The successful candidate will shape the big picture vision of how the Incubator can reimagine the state with AI - and then set it up to deliver on it.

This will require thought leadership to define our end goals, including bringing in challenge from leading AI and industry experts.

It will also mean ensuring the work of the Incubator is building up this vision, including by running quarterly portfolio reviews, with the Chief AI Officer, to make calls on where we invest our resources.

The postholder will drive this vision, bringing alignment across teams in GDS, DSIT and wider government and across professions including digital, legal, comms and policy - telling a compelling story of this work.

Working within a small strategy function in a team of technical experts, success in this role can mean improving the lives of millions of citizens.

Role Responsibilities

• Building excellent working relationships across government, especially with No10, Cabinet Office and DSIT
• Shaping a long-term vision for public sector AI in the UK, drawing on in-house technical expertise and external challenge
• Ensuring the Incubator is set up to deliver, including running quarterly portfolio review boards, chaired by the Government Chief AI Officer
• Communicating the Incubator’s vision to key stakeholders across government and externally to drive delivery and attract talent

Person specifications

Essential skills:

• Situational awareness including AI trajectories and their implications for the public sector and UK citizens
• Excellent communication skills
• Evidenced ability to secure the trust of and influence the most senior stakeholders.
• A self-starter with the ability to see and seize opportunities in a fast-moving and uncertain environment

Experience of any of the following would be beneficial but not essential:

• Understanding of the workings of government and how to get things done within the system
• Fluency in use of AI tools to augment work

What we offer

Career-defining projects with outsized impact

• Backing from the Prime Minister and No10 to scope and build transformative AI projects.
• Unique opportunities to apply technology that could transform the public sector and impact citizens’ lives.
• Talented, supportive and mission-driven colleagues.

Resources & access

• Access to frontier models and ample compute.
• Extensive operational, engineering, strategy, design and delivery support so you can focus on shipping.
• Work with experts across national security, policy, AI research and adjacent sciences.

Growth & empowerment

• A team culture and development support that prioritises personal growth.
• Opportunities to own important products early and develop them in small empowered teams.
• 5 days off for learning and development, annual stipends for learning and development, and funding for conferences and external collaborations.

Life & family*

• Hybrid working, flexibility for occasional remote work abroad, and stipends for work-from-home equipment.
• Generous annual leave — 25 days plus one additional day for each year of service.
• Generous paid parental leave (up to 39 weeks full pay, with the option of additional unpaid time).
• On top of your salary, we contribute 28.97% of your base salary to your pension.
• Discounts and benefits for cycling to work, dental insurance, donations and retail/gyms.

*These benefits apply to direct employees. Benefits may differ for people joining through other employment arrangements such as secondments.

Selection Process

Candidates will be required to submit a CV and responses to two application questions. Applications will be sifted against the essential criteria, including relevant experience and motivation for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a preliminary call.

Those who progress will then attend an interview, which will include questions on their application, a technical assessment, and a behavioural interview. For the technical assessment, candidates will be asked to give a short presentation to the panel on a relevant scenario and respond to follow-up questions. Further details will be provided in advance, including the opportunity for candidates to prepare for the technical interview. Candidates may use AI tools to support this preparation.

Appointment is conditional on successfully completing UK Government SC clearance. Prior clearance is not required — we will sponsor and support you. You should normally have been resident in the UK for 2 of the past 5 years. Employment is conditional on obtaining and maintaining the required clearance(s).

Due to the nature of this role, we are advertising this vacancy in London only.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. As part of the application process, we monitor statistics on D&I.