AI Mission Director

National Institute for Smart Government (NISG); Khordha; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute for Smart Government (NISG) seeks an AI Mission Director to lead the Odisha AI Mission with strategic direction and programme oversight. You will shape roadmaps, align AI initiatives with state priorities, and advise senior government leadership on AI strategy and policy priorities.

You will oversee compute infrastructure, datasets, AI applications, skilling, research, startups, and ecosystem development, while driving cross-department adoption and governance across government

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field as listed.
• Master's degree in AI, CS, Data Science, or Public Policy is preferred.
• Public administration or technology policy qualifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Odisha AI Mission with strategic direction and programme oversight.
• Develop and update the Mission roadmap, annual action plans, and long-term vision.
• Advise senior government leadership on AI strategy and policy priorities.
• Ensure alignment with state priorities, national AI initiatives, and global best practices.
• Oversee programmes including compute infrastructure, datasets, AI applications, skilling, and ecosystem development.
• Drive cross-departmental AI adoption and monitor outcomes across government.
• Establish governance frameworks, monitoring mechanisms, and success indicators.
• Lead formulation and implementation of AI-related policies, standards, and procurement governance.
• Represent Odisha Mission in national/international policy forums and partnerships.
• Mentor the AI Cell team and build capability through training and knowledge-sharing.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Management, or related discipline

Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Public Policy, Technology Management or related fields

Public administration, digital transformation, or technology policy qualifications (advantage)

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Experience in strategic leadership of large tech/digital/AI programmes

Job description

AI MISSION DIRECTOR

Role & responsibilities

• Lead the overall implementation of the Odisha AI Mission by providing strategic direction, institutional leadership, and programme oversight across all Mission pillars.
• Develop and periodically update the Mission roadmap, implementation strategy, annual action plans, and long-term vision for AI adoption across the Government of Odisha.
• Advise senior government leadership on AI strategy, emerging technologies, policy priorities, and opportunities for AI-led governance transformation.
• Ensure alignment of Mission activities with state development priorities, national AI initiatives, and global best practices
• Oversee implementation of all programmes under the Odisha AI Mission, including compute infrastructure, datasets, AI applications, skilling, research, innovation, startups, and ecosystem development.
• Drive cross-departmental AI adoption by identifying high-impact use cases, supporting implementation, and monitoring outcomes across government departments.
• Establish programme governance frameworks, monitoring mechanisms, and performance indicators to ensure timely delivery of Mission objectives.
• Lead periodic reviews of Mission progress and provide strategic recommendations for course correction and programme optimisation.
• Lead the formulation and implementation of AI-related policies, standards, operational frameworks, and institutional guidelines for responsible AI adoption across the State.
• Develop governance mechanisms for AI procurement, evaluation, deployment, data sharing, responsible AI, and lifecycle management.
• Support departments in developing AI strategies, implementation roadmaps, and sector-specific adoption frameworks.
• Represent the Government of Odisha in national policy consultations, inter-governmental forums, and strategic AI initiatives.
• Build and strengthen Odisha's AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration between Government, industry, academia, startups, research institutions, investors, and civil society.
• Lead strategic partnerships with technology companies, academic institutions, international organisations, multilateral agencies, and ecosystem partners to accelerate AI adoption.
• Promote AI innovation through challenge programmes, innovation grants, hackathons, research collaborations, startup engagements, and accelerator programmes.
• Position Odisha as a preferred destination for AI investments, research, talent development, and emerging technology initiatives.
• Promote adoption of interoperable, secure, scalable, and reusable AI infrastructure across departments.
• Lead Mission budgeting, financial planning, procurement oversight, utilisation monitoring, and resource allocation in accordance with Government financial rules.
• Oversee procurement of AI technologies, consulting engagements, system integrators, and implementation partners.
• Ensure effective contract management, vendor governance, risk mitigation, and programme compliance.
• Monitor programme outcomes through robust evaluation frameworks and evidence-based impact assessment.
• Build AI awareness and institutional capacity across Government through leadership engagement, training programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Support departments in strengthening their AI implementation capabilities through technical guidance and advisory support.
• Promote adoption of responsible AI practices, data literacy, and AI readiness across government institutions.
• Build strong relationships with senior government leadership, Secretaries, Heads of Departments, district administrations, public sector organisations, academic institutions, industry leaders, and development partners.
• Represent the Odisha AI Mission at national and international conferences, policy forums, investment summits, and strategic engagements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the AI Cell team by fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and innovation-driven organisational culture.
• Establish effective performance management systems, capability development initiatives, and succession planning for the AI Cell.

Preferred candidate profile

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Public Policy, Economics, Statistics, Management, or a related discipline.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration, Public Policy, Technology Management, or related fields.
• Additional qualifications in public administration, digital transformation, or technology policy will be an advantage.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• 15+ years of professional experience, including at least 8 years in senior leadership roles managing large-scale technology, digital transformation, AI, or innovation programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives involving Government, industry, academia, and development partners.
• Strong understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, data governance, digital public infrastructure, cloud computing, and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience in strategy formulation, programme management, institutional development, and execution of large public-sector initiatives.
• Experience working with Central or State Governments, multilateral organisations, public policy institutions, or large technology organisations.
• Strong understanding of government procurement, programme governance, financial management, and public-sector implementation frameworks.
• Experience in developing strategic partnerships, investment facilitation, and ecosystem building.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills with the ability to engage Ministers, senior bureaucrats, CEOs, investors, and international partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams in high-visibility, fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities with a track record of translating strategy into measurable outcomes.