Call for Pro Bono AI Strategy Experts

TechnoServe Tierney Fellow - Amplify AI Strategy 

Location: Remote, with possibility of 2-3 week travel to one of our TechnoServe country offices in Africa 

Timing: July 2026 for 3-6 months, 10-20 hours per week (unpaid)

Languages:  English (written and spoken)

Fellowship:  This is a fellowship and is pro bono.  Travel-related expenses will be covered such as flights, housing, and per diem.  

About TechnoServe

At TechnoServe, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life. For over 50 years, we have given smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs the skills, connections, and confidence to lift themselves out of poverty. We leverage the power of markets and the private sector to create sustainable economic growth to benefit people and the planet. Our unique mix of business solutions, deep knowledge of local contexts, and data-driven insights is helping to fight poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Project and Purpose

TechnoServe is seeking a Tierney Fellow to join our Amplify Initiative. This is a high-impact pro bono opportunity for an innovative thinker to dedicate 10–20 hours per week to help us redefine the scale of international development through Artificial Intelligence.

We are looking for visionaries to work with TechnoServe’s Senior Executive Leadership, Global Operational Teams, and Technical Experts to design fundamental shifts in how we deliver value to the world’s most hardworking entrepreneurs and farmers.

Tierney Fellow’s Role

As a Tierney Fellow, you will work with TechnoServe staff to spearhead a breakthrough AI initiative focused on Field Impact Innovation, designing AI systems that help dramatically scale our work with farmers and small business owners.

Additional details on the specific scope of work will be shared once the full team is in place.

Skills and Requirements

• AI Fluency: You are a regular user of AI tools and understand the intersection of technical possibility and operational reality.
• Operational Architect: You can navigate diverse stakeholder environments and turn a bold concept into a functional pilot.
• Commitment: You can dedicate 10–20 hours per week for 3-6 months starting July 2026, to a high-priority, pro bono (i.e. unpaid) global initiative.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year program

Help us build the future of impact. Help us Amplify.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  To apply, you will complete the general TechnoServe Tierney Fellows Program application.  If we determine that your experience and availability match this particular project, we will alert you of that.  If not, you may be placed in the general pool of Tierney Fellow candidates and considered for other projects.  Please see below for details on the general TechnoServe Tierney Fellows Program application.

TechnoServe Tierney Fellows Program

The TechnoServe Tierney Fellows Program is a highly competitive fellowship where business professionals have the unique opportunity to contribute their skills to help change the lives of those living in poverty. They experience the field of international development firsthand while building new skills and challenging themselves in a cross-cultural and entrepreneurial environment.

TechnoServe Tierney Fellows form a global alumni community representing top-tier consulting, industry, and nonprofit organizations and graduate schools.

Review our detailed sample project descriptions to understand the skills and capabilities often required for other types of TechnoServe fellowship projects. View our Fellows FAQ page for more information.

This application is designed to give you the opportunity to tell us about your experience, skills, interests, and motivation to become a Tierney Fellow. We will use the information you provide to determine if a potential project match exists. Please complete the questions as accurately as possible to give yourself the best chance for consideration.

To be eligible for the Tierney Fellows Program, you must:

• Have successfully completed your undergraduate studies at an accredited four-year program.
• Have at least two to three years of professional, full-time work experience.
• Be available to volunteer for a minimum of ten weeks on the ground. 

When completing the application, please keep in mind:

• You cannot change your responses once your application has been submitted. Please send an email to 

  fellows@tns.org

   if your dates of availability or other required information changes.
• You must attach a PDF document containing the responses to two essay questions before submitting your application. The essay questions will be provided within the application.

Please send questions about the TechnoServe Tierney Fellows Program or the application form to fellows@tns.org.