Ignite - National Technology Fund Head of AI Jobs 2026 in Islamabad

Job Overview

Ignite – National Technology Fund, under the Government of Pakistan, has advertised one contract position of Head of AI at Grade-V (A). The Head of AI reports to the GM Projects and is responsible for programme execution, stakeholder coordination, project governance and the achievement of approved objectives related to AI ecosystem development.

Head of AI is currently open at Ignite – National Technology Fund.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in the design, procurement or implementation of large-scale digital systems.
• Experience advising on programme design and procurement specifications for national digital infrastructure, ideally including AI, HPC or data platform initiatives.
• Experience of managed-services or vendor-delivered programmes, including governance of third-party operators against SLAs.
• Maximum age limit of 55 years.
• Accepted qualifications include Master of Engineering, Master of Technology (MTech), MSc Computer Science, MS Artificial Intelligence, MS Data Science, MS Cybersecurity, MS Information Technology, MS Robotics & AI Engineering, MS Computer Networks, MS Computational Sciences & Engineering, MS Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Master in Science Technology and Innovation Management and Policy, among other listed master's degrees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, coordination and operational management of the National AI Innovation Hub (NAIIH) and related AI initiatives undertaken by Ignite, keeping delivery aligned with the approved programme objectives.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the planning, execution, monitoring and continuous improvement of AI infrastructure and ecosystem development programmes.
• Support the development and implementation of Pakistan's sovereign AI ecosystem by ensuring alignment of programme activities with approved objectives, national priorities and Ignite's strategic mandate.
• Oversee programme delivery and monitor the performance of operators, vendors, consultants and implementation partners to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service levels and performance targets.
• Provide technical oversight of AI compute infrastructure, AI platforms, data repositories and related services delivered under the NAIIH programme.
• Review and provide recommendations on technical architectures, solution designs, infrastructure enhancements and major change requests related to AI programmes.
• Support the development of foundation models, Urdu and regional language AI capabilities, AI-as-a-Service offerings and other initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan's AI ecosystem.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of governance frameworks, security controls, data management standards and compliance requirements applicable to AI programmes.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), government entities, development partners, academia, industry stakeholders and ecosystem participants to facilitate programme implementation and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical and strategic inputs to senior management on AI infrastructure, ecosystem development, emerging technologies, programme risks and future expansion opportunities.
• Support procurement activities, contract management processes and evaluation of proposals relating to AI infrastructure, platforms, services and ecosystem initiatives.
• Prepare and present programme progress reports, technical briefings, risk assessments and recommendations for management, committees and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop the AI programme team to strengthen technical capability, knowledge management and programme delivery effectiveness.
• Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of national AI programmes while working closely with government stakeholders, industry partners, academia, development partners and technology ecosystem participants.

Employment Terms & Important Notes

• The position is offered on a contract basis.
• The post is placed at Grade-V (A).