Lead - Public Policy

Karya’s mission is to leverage the AI revolution to create dignified earning and learning opportunities for low-income communities across the world. In India, our smartphone-based digital work platform has enabled over 120,000 people to build language datasets and evaluate AI models while earning fair wages. With pilots in Kenya and Ethiopia and partnerships with leading AI labs, we are advancing language technologies for underrepresented communities. By combining dignified digital work with frontier AI innovation, Karya hopes to build a new AI economy that is equitable, inclusive, and community driven. As Karya's engagement with governments and the broader policy ecosystem grows, we are looking for a Lead – Public Policy to support and drive our work across government engagement, policy research, strategic partnerships and programme execution. About the Role The Lead – Public Policy will work closely with the Head of Public Policy & Government Engagement to advance Karya's engagement with Central and State Governments, policymakers, public institutions, think tanks and other ecosystem stakeholders. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys moving between research and execution. The person should be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, independently driving workstreams, and bringing structure and follow-through to multiple parallel priorities. Key Responsibilities Government & Stakeholder Engagement Manage and strengthen relationships with relevant stakeholders across Central and State Governments, government institutions and the broader policy ecosystem. Support the development and execution of stakeholder engagement strategies across Karya's priority areas. Prepare for government meetings, including stakeholder research, briefing notes, talking points, presentations and meeting agendas. Maintain systematic follow-up on government engagements and identify opportunities to deepen existing relationships and build new ones. Track relevant government priorities, programmes, consultations and institutional developments that may create opportunities or implications for Karya. Policy Research, Analysis & Writing Conduct high-quality research across public policy, economics, technology and legal/regulatory issues, particularly at the intersections of these areas. Monitor and analyse developments in AI and emerging technology policy, digital public infrastructure, data, inclusion and other areas relevant to Karya's work. Translate complex policy and technical issues into clear, concise and decision-useful analysis. Draft policy positions, consultation responses, briefing notes, concept notes, proposals, presentations and other materials for government and external stakeholders. Develop evidence-backed recommendations on issues relevant to Karya and communicate them effectively to senior stakeholders. Government Partnerships & Project Management Support government partnerships from initial…