Investing in human jobs will determine who captures AI’s gains

AI is rapidly entering countries without effective governance structures or responsible deployment mechanisms.
The absence of a ‘human layer’—comprised of expertise, accountability, and institutional capacity—is the primary obstacle to responsible AI diffusion in many developing nations.
While people in developing countries are eager to adopt AI, the necessary human resources and institutional frameworks are lacking.
The most significant job creation opportunity in the next decade lies in building this human layer through local expertise and institutional capacity.
Key roles such as AI auditors, assurance engineers, and risk profilers (human layer) are critical to ensure AI systems are trustworthy, safe, and effective in local contexts.
Developing the human layer domestically can help countries move up the AI value chain by creating local expertise in AI safety, performance, and accountability.
Building local market capabilities for AI-specific human roles is essential for ensuring responsible AI deployment and avoiding pitfalls like trust breakdowns and biased harms.
The UNDP 2025 Human Development Report highlights emerging professional roles at the human-AI interface and stresses that the necessary human expertise and institutional capacity must be developed locally.
The creation of this human layer involves certifications, training, and institutional capacity building, which will enable countries to maximize the benefits of AI while managing its risks.

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