Associate Director - AI & Policy

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Associate Director – AI & Policy to lead work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public policy, technology, and large-scale public systems. The role will involve working closely with senior government stakeholders, technology and implementation partners, researchers, and other ecosystem stakeholders to identify opportunities where technology and AI can strengthen public programmes and improve outcomes. The individual will be responsible for shaping strategic initiatives, developing partnerships, supporting policy and implementation efforts, and translating complex technology and product concepts into practical solutions for government and development contexts. This is a high-ownership role suited to someone who can combine strategic thinking, technology and product understanding, policy expertise, and strong stakeholder management . Key Responsibilities 1. Strategy & Leadership Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives at the intersection of AI, technology and public policy. Identify emerging opportunities where technology can address large-scale public-sector and social challenges. Develop strategic frameworks, implementation roadmaps and operating models for complex initiatives. Drive multiple workstreams and ensure alignment across internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to broader organisational strategy and cross-functional initiatives. 2. Government & Policy Engagement Build and maintain relationships with senior government officials and policymakers. Engage with government stakeholders to understand priorities, challenges and opportunities for technology adoption. Provide strategic inputs on technology-enabled programmes, policy approaches and implementation models. Translate complex technical and product concepts into clear and actionable recommendations for policymakers. Support long-term partnerships with central and state government stakeholders. 3. AI & Product Strategy Identify and assess opportunities for AI and digital products to address real-world public-sector challenges. Work with product, technology and implementation teams to translate user and institutional needs into scalable solutions. Provide strategic oversight across problem definition, product design, implementation, adoption and scale. Evaluate the feasibility, relevance and potential impact of technology and AI interventions. Ensure that technology solutions are aligned with user needs, implementation realities and measurable outcomes. 4. Partnerships & Ecosystem Development Develop partnerships with technology companies, startups, research institutions, nonprofits, funders and other relevant stakeholders. Build collaborations around strategic technology and public-sector initiatives. Represent the organisation in relevant external forums, conferences and stakeholder discussions. Develop strong relationships across government, technology,…