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, research and development ecosystems.

5. Research, Evidence & Learning

• Identify opportunities to generate and apply evidence to strengthen technology-enabled programmes.
• Work with research and implementation partners to incorporate measurement and learning into initiatives.
• Contribute to frameworks, knowledge products and thought leadership around technology, AI and public policy.
• Support the translation of insights and evidence into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

6. Team & Programme Management

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams working across strategy, policy, technology and implementation.
• Manage multiple projects and stakeholders while maintaining high standards of delivery.
• Build team capabilities in strategic problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and programme management.
• Establish effective systems for planning, monitoring, knowledge sharing and decision-making.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience across strategy consulting, public-sector transformation, technology, AI, product strategy, public policy, development or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working with government stakeholders, preferably central or state governments in India.
• Experience leading large-scale transformation, digital or technology-enabled programmes.
• Strong understanding of AI and emerging technologies and their potential applications in public systems.
• Experience in product strategy, digital transformation or technology-led programme design.
• Demonstrated experience developing operating models, strategic frameworks or implementation roadmaps.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience engaging senior decision-makers.
• Ability to work across technical, policy and implementation teams.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Public Policy, Economics, Management, Technology, Engineering, Development Studies or a related discipline.
• Prior experience working with government ministries or public-sector institutions.
• Exposure to AI, digital public infrastructure, GovTech or technology-enabled social-impact programmes.
• Experience working with research, evidence or evaluation-oriented organisations.
• Experience in building strategic partnerships across government, technology and development ecosystems.

Key Competencies

Strategic Thinking | AI & Technology Understanding | Product Strategy | Public Policy | Government Engagement | Stakeholder Management | Programme Leadership | Operating Model Design | Partnerships | Research & Evidence | Executive Communication | Team Leadership