SUMMARY

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Engagement Lead to spearhead our interactions with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and other key stakeholders within the government, donor organizations, and ecosystem partners. This pivotal role will involve providing strategic direction and thought leadership at the nexus of artificial intelligence (AI) and the social sector, with a focus on shaping policies, architecting national data management initiatives, and driving AI-related activities for MeitY.

ABOUT US

Wadhwani AI is a nonprofit institute building and deploying applied AI solutions to solve critical public health, agriculture, education, and urban development issues in underserved communities in the global south. We collaborate with governments, social sector organizations, academic and research institutions, and domain experts to identify real-world problems and develop practical AI solutions to tackle these issues to make a substantial positive impact.

We have over 30+ AI projects supported by leading philanthropies such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID and Google.org. With a team of over 200 professionals, our expertise encompasses AI/ML research and innovation, software engineering, domain knowledge, design and user research.

In the Press:

• Our Founder Donors are among the Top 100 AI Influencers
• G20 India’s Presidency: AI Healthcare, Agriculture, & Education Solutions Showcased Globally. 
• Unlocking the potentials of AI in Public Health
• Wadhwani AI Takes an Impact-First Approach to Applying Artificial Intelligence - data.org
• Winner of the H&M Foundation Global Change Award 2022
• Sole Indian Winners of the 2019 Google AI Impact Challenge, and the first in the Asia Pacific to host Google Fellows

Cultures page of Wadhwani AI - https://www.wadhwaniai.org/culture/

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at MeitY, including senior officials, policymakers, and technical experts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for MeitY and other relevant government bodies, donor agencies, and ecosystem partners, ensuring alignment of objectives and priorities.
• Provide thought leadership on the application of AI in the social sector, identifying opportunities for innovation and impact.
• Lead strategic discussions and initiatives aimed at shaping policy frameworks related to AI adoption and governance in India.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to architect the establishment of a national data management office, including defining its scope, structure, and functions.
• Develop and implement comprehensive engagement strategies to promote awareness and understanding of AI opportunities and challenges among relevant stakeholders.
• Drive the planning and execution of AI-related activities, including workshops, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives, in collaboration with MeitY and other partners.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of AI initiatives, providing regular updates and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of developments in AI technologies, regulations, and best practices, and incorporate relevant insights into engagement strategies and activities. Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and working groups, advocating for the responsible and ethical use of AI for social good.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's / Master's degree in Computer Science, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field. Specialization in one or more of these disciplines is highly desirable.
• Previous working experience with government departments or ministries is preferred, particularly in roles involving policy development, program management, or strategic engagement.
• Proven track record of leading national data and digital platforms or similar large-scale initiatives in designing, implementing, and managing complex digital systems or infrastructure projects is an advantage.
• Minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in engaging with government agencies, preferably in the technology or social sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI technologies, applications, and policy considerations, with a track record of thought leadership in the field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and private sector partners. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and articulate clear recommendations.
• Good communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience in project management and program coordination, with a focus on driving results in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the Indian regulatory landscape and policy-making processes related to technology and innovation is highly desirable.

We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourage qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity, and disability. If you have any questions, please email us at careers@wadhwaniai.org.