Practice Lead, Artificial Intelligence

CGIAR; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

CGIAR seeks a Practice Lead of AI to drive its AI strategy and digital transformation efforts. This senior role involves leading AI initiatives, managing a global innovation platform in Abu Dhabi, and fostering partnerships to enhance CGIAR's impact in food and agriculture. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in AI leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to responsible AI practices.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits

Insurance

Retirement support

Education grant

Relocation support

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of leadership in AI initiatives with proven impact.
• Experience in building institutional AI capacity and implementing responsible AI frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and governance of CGIAR's AI strategy.
• Manage and grow the Abu Dhabi AI Hub as a global innovation platform.
• Establish and lead a CGIAR-wide Center of Excellence on AI.

Skills

Leadership

AI

Machine Learning

Data Science

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in AI

Master's or PhD in Machine Learning

Master's or PhD in Computer Science

Master's or PhD in Data Science

Job description

Reports to: Chief Digital Transformation Officer

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Grade: SO7 / CG12

Date Published: 13 May 2025

Closing Date for Applications: 4 June 2025 at 16:00 CEST

About CGIAR

CGIAR is a global research partnership dedicated to a food-secure future. Its science aims to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resources and ecosystems. It collaborates with hundreds of partners including research institutes, civil society, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

About The Position

CGIAR is advancing the responsible and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform food, land, and water systems for a resilient and equitable future. The Practice Lead of AI will be the senior AI leader within CGIAR, responsible for shaping and executing a system-wide AI strategy that fosters innovation, operational effectiveness, and global impact.

The role is based at the AI and Digital Transformation Accelerator Hub in Abu Dhabi, part of CGIAR's P25 portfolio, which is driving digital transformation across the organization. The Hub, supported by the UAE Presidential Court, will provide AI, ML, data, and cybersecurity capacities, and develop agriculture-specific LLMs and phenotyping approaches in collaboration with global tech partners.

The Practice Lead will work closely with ATRC's TII, AI71, and other CGIAR hubs, and lead the development of a CGIAR Center of Excellence on AI to support best practices and responsible AI adoption across CGIAR's network.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• Lead the design, implementation, and governance of CGIAR's AI strategy, integrating it into science, innovation, and operational priorities.
• Promote AI integration into CGIAR research, focusing on predictive analytics, generative AI, NLP, remote sensing, etc.
• Mobilize funding and partnerships to expand AI capabilities and support the AI strategy and Center of Excellence.
• Identify and mitigate AI-related risks in line with CGIAR's risk management framework.

Engagement

• Manage and grow the Abu Dhabi AI Hub as a global innovation platform and CGIAR's anchor in digital transformation.
• Lead ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI governance, including safeguards and capacity building.
• Support CGIAR Centers and programs in adopting AI solutions across various domains.
• Engage with global and regional partners to strengthen CGIAR's role in AI for development.

Delivery

• Establish and lead a CGIAR-wide Center of Excellence on AI for knowledge sharing, standards, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Develop workplans and budgets for the Center of Excellence.
• Drive AI adoption in operational functions like MELIA, People & Culture, Finance, and Strategic Planning.
• Build and lead a high-performing AI team aligned with CGIAR's digital transformation goals.
• Ensure timely implementation of the AI strategy across CGIAR.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Master's or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
• At least 10 years of leadership in AI initiatives with proven impact.
• Experience in building institutional AI capacity and implementing responsible AI frameworks.
• Experience establishing collaborative platforms or centers of excellence, preferably in international or public-good contexts.
• Knowledge of equity, access, and capacity challenges in digital transformation in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Competencies

• Systems leadership connecting AI innovation to science and development challenges.
• Deep technical knowledge of current and emerging AI technologies.
• Strategic thinking with strong organizational and partnership skills.
• Proven leadership of multicultural, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, translating AI concepts into strategies and narratives.
• Commitment to responsible, inclusive AI innovation.

Language

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic, French, or other UN languages is desirable.

Benefits

Employed by the CGIAR System Organization, offering competitive salary, benefits, insurance, retirement, education grant, and relocation support. Contracts are typically for three years, with renewal possible based on performance and funding.

Submitting Your Application

Apply online via the provided link. For assistance, email [HIDDEN TEXT]. Ensure your resume and cover letter are in English and exclude personal details like marital status, age, or photo. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

CGIAR is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. For accommodations due to disability, email your request with 'Diversity and Inclusion Accommodation' in the subject line. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. We look forward to your application.