AI and Digital Innovation Manager, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

Hanson Search; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanson Search is seeking an AI and Digital Innovation Manager to spearhead AI-enabled platforms and data tools for a global sustainability initiative. You will drive cross-functional delivery across submissions, judging, and impact measurement, while ensuring responsible AI and data residency compliance.

The role is based in the UAE with relocation to Abu Dhabi. You will translate technical possibilities into practical solutions, manage external vendors, and lead governance around AI, privacy

Qualifications

• Experience delivering AI-enabled platforms or data-driven digital products.
• Strong knowledge of AI and ML/NLP including LLMs and APIs.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and external vendors.
• Understanding of governance, privacy and cybersecurity for AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of AI-enabled submissions and judging platform.
• Introduce AI tools for due diligence, eligibility screening and analysis.
• Develop internal AI chatbot for historical research and insight.
• Create automated impact dashboards and searchable directories.
• Build a central data platform covering applicants, finalists and outcomes.
• Oversee technology vendors and ensure on-time delivery.
• Lead requirements gathering, testing and rollout of platforms.
• Ensure tools comply with responsible AI and UAE data residency.
• Help colleagues adopt AI-enabled tools and monitor adoption.
• Identify emerging technologies to improve efficiency and stakeholder experience.

Skills

AI platforms

ML/NLP

Vendor management

Stakeholder communication

Tools

APIs

Vector databases

Data pipelines

Job description

A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking an AI and Digital Innovation Manager to lead the development of its next generation of AI-enabled platforms, data systems and digital tools.

This is a newly created role within an ambitious organisation entering a major phase of growth. It offers the opportunity to build something from the ground up and use AI to transform how a globally recognised initiative identifies, evaluates and supports sustainability innovators around the world.

About the AI and Digital Innovation Manager Role

The AI and Digital Innovation Manager will lead the integration of AI across the organisation’s full programme lifecycle, from applications and assessment through to impact measurement and engagement with previous winners.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of an AI-enabled submissions and judging platform.
• Introducing AI tools for due diligence, eligibility screening and analysis.
• Developing an internal AI chatbot for historical research, comparisons and organisational insight.
• Creating automated impact dashboards, visualisation tools and searchable digital directories.
• Building a centralised data platform covering applicants, finalists, winners, judging outcomes and impact information.
• Managing technology vendors and ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the required standard.
• Leading requirements gathering, user testing and the rollout of new platforms.
• Ensuring AI tools comply with responsible AI, data privacy, cybersecurity and UAE data residency requirements.
• Helping colleagues understand, adopt and make effective use of AI-enabled tools.
• Identifying emerging technologies that can improve efficiency, decision-making and stakeholder experience.

The role will work closely with teams across research, evaluation, technology, data security and compliance. It requires someone who can translate technical possibilities into practical solutions that create genuine organisational value.

The Ideal AI and Digital Innovation Manager Candidate

You will bring substantial experience leading AI, digital transformation, data or enterprise technology initiatives.

You should have:

• Experience delivering AI-enabled platforms or data-driven digital products.
• Strong knowledge of AI and machine learning, including LLMs, NLP, APIs, data pipelines and vector databases.
• Experience managing external technology vendors and complex cross-functional projects.
• An understanding of AI governance, responsible AI, privacy and cybersecurity.
• The ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, project management and problem-solving skills.
• An entrepreneurial and hands-on approach to innovation.
• This position is designated for a UAE National
• Relocation to Abu Dhabi is required

Experience within sustainability, innovation, research, government, a global foundation, prize or other mission-led organisation would be particularly valuable.

Why Apply for This AI Innovation Role?

This is not a traditional IT role. It is an opportunity to shape how AI is used across a high-profile global initiative and build platforms that could transform its international reach, operational effectiveness and long-term impact.

The organisation is growing rapidly and is looking for people who are proactive, resilient and excited by the opportunity to build new capabilities within a small, ambitious team.

The role is based in Abu Dhabi, and relocation is required.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.