NetHope Opens AI Fellowship Consultant Consultancy for Global Applicants – Apply by 17 August 2026

Overview

NetHope is seeking an AI Fellowship Consultant to design and run a new AI research fellowship programme. The consultant is the research lead for the fellowship and reports to the Director of the Center for the Digital Nonprofit. The engagement is fully virtual, and qualified consultants from diverse backgrounds and locations around the world are welcome. It runs from August 31, 2026 to March 15, 2027 at about 20 hours per week, roughly 560 hours in total.

The consultant develops the fellowship concept note and research structure, sets research periods and focus areas such as AI adoption, use cases, technical considerations and safety, creates research agendas, a working calendar, checkpoints for NetHope subject-matter experts and quality-control processes, drafts the application form and recruitment materials, supports recruitment, screens applications and interviews, and presents a shortlist so that a cohort of at least four fellows is chosen with NetHope. After onboarding, the consultant guides research and quality, holds regular progress meetings with the programme director, leads final research products, gives at least one stakeholder briefing and writes a pilot fellowship reflections document with recommendations.

Who can apply

Applicants need demonstrated experience designing and directing AI research programmes, ideally fellowship or cohort-based models, along with programme or curriculum design experience, selection criteria and multi-participant research processes, programme leadership and a track record of guiding independent researchers to rigorous shared outputs. Experience running fellowships, and familiarity with Global South contexts and nonprofit or humanitarian settings, are advantages.

What you get

The work is an hourly consultancy, and applicants propose their rate in USD. Payment is monthly against invoices. Fellows receive a separate stipend paid directly by NetHope, outside the consultant's fee. Fellows are named authors of their research products, and NetHope keeps publication rights.

How to apply

Proposals include an overview of experience and approach, a work plan or methodology, a schedule covering deliverables and recruitment, the hourly rate, two to three references and a CV or profile. Selected consultants must follow NetHope's AI Policy and complete an AI Disclosure Form.

Key dates

Proposals are due August 17, 2026, reviewed from August 18 to 24, with the decision on August 26 and the start on August 31. Research runs from about November 2026, final research products are due February 12, 2027 and the reflections document February 26, 2027. NetHope may select a consultant before the closing date.