AI Tech Lead

ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross; Genf; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva is seeking an AI Tech Lead to drive end-to-end design, architecture and deployment of AI/ML systems. You will translate operational challenges into production-grade solutions while upholding data protection, ethical AI use and operational resilience.

In this role you design scalable AI/ML architectures, lead tool selection, develop models for NLP, CV and LLMs, and oversee MLOps, CI/CD, monitoring and Kubernetes-based deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, including 4+ years focused on AI/ML solutions architecture.
• Proven track record of architecting and deploying machine learning or AI solutions at scale.
• SAFe certification is an asset.
• Experience in a complex and diverse international environment is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English; French is an asset.
• Strong programming skills in Python and other relevant languages.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn or Keras.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing machine learning models (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement).
• Experience with MLOps (model versioning, monitoring, lifecycle management).
• Exposure to deep learning architectures (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Knowledge of AI concepts (RAG, agentic AI, MCP).
• Expertise in containerization on Kubernetes for scalable AI deployments.
• Experience with API design and integration across heterogeneous systems.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations and ethical AI considerations.
• Experience with GraphRAG or graph databases is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable end‑to‑end AI/ML solutions aligned with business objectives and technical requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of tools, frameworks and technologies for AI/ML models and systems.
• Develop ML models and AI solutions for NLP, computer vision and LLMs across full lifecycle (data, feature engineering, training, experimentation, versioning, CD/CI).
• Lead infrastructure design for AI workloads on Kubernetes clusters, including security hardening.
• Design event‑driven API integrations connecting AI services with existing ICRC platforms.
• Collaborate with product owners, data scientists, software engineers and DevOps to scale experiments into production systems.
• Establish AI/ML best practices, CI/CD and monitoring of models in production.
• Provide technical mentorship to engineering teams on AI/ML projects.
• Stay current with AI/ML advancements and apply them to business challenges.
• Ensure AI/ML solutions comply with ethical standards, privacy laws and data security protocols.

Skills

AI/ML architecture

Python programming

Kubernetes

CI/CD

MLOps

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Transformers

API design

Data privacy

English proficiency

French asset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/DS/ML/AI

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Graph databases

REST APIs

Job description

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life‑saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people - helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non‑combatants, including from digital threats.

Purpose of the Role

The ICRC is seeking an AI Tech Lead to drive the end‑to‑end design, architecture and deployment of AI and machine learning systems that support its mandate to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The AI Tech Lead will be the technical backbone of the ICRC’s AI transformation. The role translates operational challenges into production‑grade intelligent systems and ensures every solution meets the ICRC’s stringent standards for data protection, ethical AI use and operational resilience.

The role requires a deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, open‑source platforms and best practices for building AI‑driven solutions.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable end‑to‑end AI/ML solutions that align with business objectives and technical requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of tools, frameworks and technologies for building AI/ML models and systems.
• Develop machine learning models, algorithms and AI solutions for applications such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision and large language models (LLMs). Cover the full lifecycle, from data ingestion and feature engineering to model training, experimentation, versioning and continuous delivery.
• Lead the infrastructure design for AI workloads on Kubernetes clusters, including container orchestration and security hardening.
• Design event‑driven API integrations that connect AI services with existing ICRC platforms.
  Collaborate with product owners, data scientists, software engineers and DevOps teams to turn experiments into scalable models and integrate them into production systems.
• Establish AI/ML best practices, including MLOps, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) and monitoring of models in production.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams on AI/ML projects and initiatives.
• Stay current with advancements in AI/ML technologies, trends and best practices, and apply them to real‑world business challenges.
• Ensure AI/ML solutions comply with ICRC ethical standards, privacy laws and data security protocols.

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, including 4+ years focused on AI/ML solutions architecture.
• Proven track record of architecting and deploying machine learning or AI solutions at scale.
• Certification or experience in Agile delivery. SAFe certification is an asset.
• Experience in a complex and diverse international environment is an asset.
• Excellent written and spoken English. French is an asset.
• Strong programming skills in Python and other relevant languages.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn or Keras.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing machine learning models, such as supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning.
• Experience with MLOps practices, including model versioning, monitoring and lifecycle management.
• Exposure to deep learning techniques and architectures, such as CNNs, RNNs and Transformers.
• Good knowledge of AI concepts such as retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), agentic AI and the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• Expertise in containerization on Kubernetes for scalable AI deployments.
• Proven experience in API design and integration across heterogeneous systems and partners.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations and ethical considerations in AI.
• Experience implementing GraphRAG or good knowledge of graph databases is an asset.

Additional Information

• Type of Contract: Open‑ended
• Length of Assignment: Long term assignment
• Activity Rate: 100%
• Start date: January 2027

Please note that the finalization of this recruitment is subject to the validation of the 2027 PfR.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Job Family: Communications / Information Management / Information Technologiesﾠ