The Future of AI in the Development Sector
The integration of artificial intelligence in the development sector is no longer a question of if, but when. This shift will change how professionals in human resources, IT, and development operate daily. The good news? You don’t need an advanced degree in AI or computer science to keep up. Basic familiarity with AI tools is becoming essential.
Gaining practical AI skills can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Below are key insights and actionable tips from experts on how to adopt AI effectively in your work.
3 Tips for Adopting AI
“Start experimenting with AI tools in your current work now, but do it thoughtfully.” — Jack Jarrett, international development HR adviser
AI can optimize workflows across all roles in the development sector. Here’s how to begin integrating it into your daily tasks:
- Focus on immediate, practical needs. Start by exploring commonly used AI tools that address straightforward problems in your role. Avoid jumping into complex technical platforms initially. This approach makes learning manageable and relevant.
- Learn independently with free resources. Many organizations don’t yet have formal AI strategies, so self-education is key. Free courses like AI for Everyone by DeepLearning.AI and Google’s Introduction to Generative AI offer excellent starting points.
- Understand AI risks. Be aware of data privacy, bias, transparency, environmental impact, and digital access issues. The Ethics of AI course by the University of Helsinki is a valuable free resource to explore these concerns.
What’s the Deal with Portfolio Careers?
You might have heard of “portfolio careers,” but how do they differ from freelance work? It’s a mindset shift. Instead of seeing yourself as “between jobs,” you treat your skills and services as a business with multiple income streams.
This approach offers benefits like reduced dependency on a single employer—something many in development have experienced recently. However, it comes with challenges that require careful management. Insights from leadership coach Kelsi Kriitmaa emphasize the importance of treating your portfolio career as a real job with structure and strategy.
Around the Watercooler
Here are some recent updates from the global development sector worth noting:
- MCC will survive, but at a cost. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, once at risk of severe cuts, has survived recent foreign assistance reviews. However, over half of its programs face cancellation.
- USAID director alleges ‘malfeasance’. Andrea Capellán, from USAID’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance, reported that serious issues have been met with a pattern of ignoring by agency leadership over the past six months.
- Inside Gavi’s strategy shift. After losing U.S. support, Gavi’s board approved a new approach to support children in fragile and humanitarian contexts and confirmed plans to introduce respiratory syncytial virus vaccines for pregnant mothers.
For professionals looking to build AI skills relevant to development work, consider exploring practical AI courses and certifications. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer accessible options to start learning today.
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