AI Safety Policy Programme Lead (80%-100%)

Pour Demain | Start: Flexible (ideally April 1, 2026; latest June 1, 2026)

Lead AI safety policy at a European think tank with global reach. Shape EU AI Act implementation, advance safe AI research funding and innovation facilities, coordinate the Swiss AI Summit 2027, and lead a dynamic team across Brussels and Switzerland. This leadership role offers strategic influence, direct access to policymakers, and the opportunity to credential yourself in the AI safety ecosystem while making tangible policy impact in Europe and beyond.

→ Express your interest in only 5-10 minutes with this form
(Due date: January 11, 2026; latest January 18, 2026)

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Your Impact as AI Programme Lead

Pour Demain is a think tank conducting research and advocating for the safe development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) within Europe, recognising that European policy decisions have global implications.

This is a rare leadership opportunity to shape AI safety policy. You'll lead a dynamic team of 4-5 staff members across Brussels and Switzerland, plus consultants, working on high-stakes policy initiatives:

• EU AI Act Implementation: Drive strong implementation of the Code of Practice for advanced AI models and support the EU AI Office's capacity, among other EU AI work.
• Supporting Safe AI Paradigms: Advance increased research funding and new EU innovation facilities to promote safe AI development approaches.
• International Coordination: Lead Pour Demain's work on the expected Swiss AI Summit 2027, positioning Switzerland as a valuable player in global AI governance.
• Impact: Shape concrete policy outcomes, not just reports - our work has contributed to substantial inputs in Code of Practice development for advanced AI models, advancing AI safety in critical infrastructure and strengthening the ecosystem by coordinating amongst civil society organisations.

You'll join at an inflection point where your strategic thinking and management experience can define how the organisation scales.

We Are Looking For

Essential

• Team Leadership: Proven experience managing teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects with concrete deliverables; comfort with both strategic leadership and hands-on execution ("player-coach" approach); skilled at coordinating experts in a flat-hierarchy structure
• AI Safety Expertise: Professional background working on AI safety, governance, or related technical/policy domains
• Policy Acumen: Natural ability to translate evidence-based analysis into politically viable policy proposals; comfort engaging with policymakers, ministry officials, and civil society actors
• Analytical Excellence: Strong capacity for prioritising initiatives using structured frameworks and evaluating policy interventions for real-world impact
• Communication Mastery: Ability to adapt complex technical content for diverse audiences (policy briefs, parliamentary discussions, stakeholder presentations)
• Autonomy & Ownership: High degree of self-organisation and project management - you shape projects from conception through political implementation
• Excellent English skills. German and French are a plus.

Desired

• Deep AI Governance Experience: Multi-year background in AI safety governance, public affairs, and EU policy (Swiss policy experience valuable given the 2027 AI Summit, but not required)
• Extensive Management Track Record: Multiple years successfully leading teams and navigating complex organisational dynamics, especially in agile environments with flat hierarchy
• Relevant Institutional Experience: Previous roles at think tanks, policy organisations, the European Commission, national governments, or similar institutions
• Start-up Mindset: Demonstrated success in dynamic, high-autonomy environments requiring conscientiousness and adaptability; resilience in navigating setbacks and diverging stakeholder interests
• Agile Methods Familiarity: Experience with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), Asana or similar task management systems, iterative project approaches, productivity techniques, building on and continuously refining standard operating procedures optimised for our team
• Established Network: Connections in AI safety governance and EU policy circles
• Strategic Systems Thinking: Ability to balance organisational growth with ecosystem impact (we think beyond our organisation); systematic, evidence-based thinking with focus on impact

We Offer

• Direct Policy Impact: The opportunity to develop and advance high-leverage policy recommendations that shape AI governance at European and global levels
• Substantial Autonomy: Own your projects from strategy to execution, with close collaboration from an exceptional team and organisational leadership
• Collaborative Leadership Structure: Work closely with the EU AI Policy Branch Lead and the think tank's Executive Lead whilst coordinating a team that operates in an egalitarian way - approximately 90% of decisions stay with the relevant implementing team member who owns the related work
• Strategic Influence: Genuine input on organisational direction and programme priorities, not just programme execution
• Ideal Setup: Brussels or Bern base (typically 3 days office, 2 days remote) with flexibility for outstanding remote candidates willing to travel frequently
• Dynamic Environment: Start-up culture of a young, ambitious think tank with flat hierarchies, fast decision-making, and an egalitarian ethos
• Strong Network: Collaboration with leading international organisations and direct access to decision-makers in EU institutions, national governments, and the AI safety ecosystem
• Flexibility: 80%-100% FTE; flexible work hours around normal office hours; minimum four weeks annual travel for conferences and team retreats
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary within our egalitarian pay structure, designed to be fair and competitive for the European think tank sector
• Start Date: Flexible - ideally April 1, 2026 (latest June 1, 2026); earlier starts may be possible

Application

Unsure if this role is right for you? If you're unsure about applying because of the list of essential points, we encourage you to apply anyway. Submit the form or reach out with questions at info@pourdemain.ngo.

We've kept this form intentionally brief - it takes just 5-10 minutes to submit.

Due date: January 11, 2026 (latest January 18, 2026)

Early applications are explicitly encouraged. We look forward to getting to know you!