UAE Representative

The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is hiring a UAE Representative. The UAE is a major power and its stance on global governance is set to shape the future governance framework related to advanced AI. The UAE Representative will work with the Multilateral Engagement Lead.

This role will investigate the role that the UAE play in international governance and will also share these recommendations with representatives of the UAE  government.

FLI educates and engages lawmakers, key stakeholders, and the general public about transformative technologies and their implications. In doing so, it advises and advocates on the necessary steps to avoid catastrophic risks while bringing about positive futures for all. 

• Analyze the UAE's strategic position as a potential bridge between major AI powers, particularly the US and China, regarding multilateral governance frameworks for advanced AI and AGI.
• Identify pathways through which the UAE could advance international cooperation on AI safety.
• Develop specific recommendations for engaging with relevant stakeholders, particularly the national security establishment, which has significant influence over AI risk and safety decisions.
• Present these recommendations to appropriate representatives within the UAE government.
• Build awareness among key stakeholders about the fundamentals of AI safety, focusing on how it aligns with UAE's national security interests.
• Contribute to FLI's understanding of how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could affect global AI governance.

• A graduate degree in international relations, security studies, policy, or a technical field related to emerging technologies.
• Eligibility to work in the UAE as a consultant with the required permit, specifically in Abu Dhabi.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, written and spoken

• Strong personal commitment to improving governance of emerging technologies to reduce catastrophic and existential global risks.
• Excellent diplomatic skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong autonomy, proactivity, and work ethic with ability to work independently on solo projects over extended periods.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to present complex information to non-expert audiences persuasively.
• A thoughtful perspective on the risks associated with the development of artificial general intelligence.

• Understanding of the technical capabilities and limitations of AI systems.
• Prior experience working within the UAE government or with high-level officials in the region.
• Several years of experience in advocacy, diplomacy, or government relations.
• Knowledge of the UAE's political structure.

Application Deadline: This position is being hired for on a rolling basis.

Start Date: We'd like the chosen candidate to start as soon as possible after accepting an offer.

Application Process: Apply by uploading your resume, alongside a short answer to the following question:

In 350 words or less, analyze how the UAE could leverage its unique position to facilitate agreement between the US and China on a multilateral governance framework for advanced AI systems, considering both national security and commercial interests.

Please apply via our website. Email applications are not accepted.

FLI aims to be an inclusive organization. We proactively seek job applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. If you are passionate about FLI's mission and believe you have the qualities needed to succeed in this role, please don't hesitate to apply even if you don't meet all requirements. When recruiting, we optimize for talent, values, and potential rather than experience.

Questions may be directed to jobsadmin@futureoflife.org.

About the Future of Life Institute

Founded in 2014, FLI is an independent non-profit working to steer transformative technology towards benefitting life and away from extreme large-scale risks. Our work includes grantmaking, educational outreach, and policy engagement.

Our work has been featured widely, including in The Washington Post, Politico, Vox, Forbes, The Guardian, the BBC, The Economist and Wired.

Some of our achievements include:

- Pause Giant AI Experiments, an open letter calling for a 6 month pause on the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4. The letter has been signed by more than 30,000 people, including Yoshua Bengio, Stuart Russell, Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, Yuval Noah Harari, and Andrew Yang.

- The Asilomar AI Principles, one of the earliest and most influential sets of AI governance principles.

- How would a nuclear war between Russia and the US affect you personally?- A scientifically accurate simulation showing the consequences of nuclear war, with over 6 millions views and a feature in Time Magazine.

- AI Safety Index - an objective rating of AI companies on key safety and security domains, as judged by experts in the field.

- Superintelligence Imagined Creative Contest - From 180+ submissions, we selected 6 winning artworks that best illustrate the risks of advanced artificial intelligence.

FLI is a largely virtual organization, with a team of >25 distributed internationally, mostly in Europe and the US. We have four offices: Campbell in California, Brussels in Belgium, London in the UK, and Washington DC. We meet in person as a full team twice a year.