🤖 Ignite Head of AI Job 2026 — Grade-V (A) leadership role for national AI infrastructure and ecosystem programmes | Apply online by 30 July 2026.
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Application deadline: 30 July 2026
Ignite Head of AI Job 2026 Overview
Ignite – National Technology Fund has announced one contract-based vacancy for Head of AI in Grade-V (A). The selected professional will lead the implementation, coordination and operational management of the National AI Innovation Hub and other AI initiatives undertaken by Ignite.
The role requires at least twelve years of progressive experience in large-scale digital systems, national technology platforms, AI infrastructure, programme governance, procurement and senior stakeholder coordination.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Ignite – National Technology Fund, Government of Pakistan |
| Position | Head of AI |
| Grade | Grade-V (A) |
| Employment Type | Contract |
| Vacancies | One |
| Minimum Experience | Twelve years of progressive relevant experience |
| Maximum Age | 50 years |
| Minimum Education | Master’s degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related discipline |
| Application Method | Online through the National Job Portal |
| Closing Date | 30 July 2026 |
About the Role
The Head of AI will report to the GM Projects and serve as Ignite’s lead position for AI programmes. The incumbent will oversee programme execution, stakeholder coordination, project governance, operator performance and achievement of approved objectives related to AI ecosystem development.
The role also requires technical and strategic guidance on AI infrastructure, platforms, data repositories, governance frameworks, emerging technologies and future expansion opportunities while ensuring compliance, sustainability and alignment with national priorities.
About Ignite – National Technology Fund
Ignite – National Technology Fund supports technology innovation, entrepreneurship, research, digital skills and ecosystem-development initiatives under the Government of Pakistan.
This position will contribute to national AI infrastructure and programmes, including sovereign AI capabilities, foundation models, Urdu and regional-language technologies and AI-as-a-Service initiatives.
Required Education
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution.
Relevant postgraduate areas include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems, Networks, Data Analytics, Information Technology and related disciplines.
Required Experience
- Large-scale systems: Minimum twelve years of progressive experience in designing, procuring or implementing major digital platforms.
- National programmes: Demonstrated leadership of national-scale platforms or programmes with accountability for delivery outcomes.
- AI infrastructure: Experience advising on programme design and procurement for AI, high-performance computing or data platforms.
- Managed services: Experience governing vendors and operators against contractual service levels and performance targets.
- Programme delivery: Strong record of coordinating implementation, monitoring performance and resolving complex risks.
- Executive advisory: Ability to advise senior management, ministries and committees on technology strategy and programme decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme leadership: Lead implementation and operational management of the National AI Innovation Hub and related initiatives.
- Strategic direction: Provide technical leadership for AI infrastructure and ecosystem-development programmes.
- Sovereign AI: Align programme activities with national priorities and Ignite’s strategic mandate.
- Vendor governance: Monitor operators, vendors, consultants and partners against contracts, SLAs and performance targets.
- Technical oversight: Oversee AI compute infrastructure, platforms, data repositories and supporting services.
- Architecture review: Evaluate technical architectures, solution designs, enhancements and major change requests.
- AI capabilities: Support foundation models, Urdu and regional-language AI and AI-as-a-Service offerings.
- Governance: Develop responsible-AI frameworks, data standards, security controls and compliance mechanisms.
- Stakeholder coordination: Work with MoITT, government entities, academia, industry and development partners.
- Executive reporting: Prepare progress reports, technical briefings, risk assessments and recommendations.
- Procurement support: Contribute to RFPs, TORs, bid evaluations, contracts and proposal assessments.
- Team leadership: Mentor and develop the AI programme team to strengthen delivery capability.
Knowledge and Skills
| Competency | Expected Knowledge |
|---|---|
| Sovereign AI Infrastructure | AI compute, cloud and hybrid environments, data platforms and integration architectures. |
| AI Governance | Responsible-AI principles, governance frameworks and national data-protection requirements. |
| Procurement | RFP and TOR drafting, bid evaluation, performance-based contracts and SLA frameworks. |
| Cybersecurity | Identity and access management, zero-trust principles and security specifications. |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Ministry-level advisory presence and cross-sector coordination. |
| Strategic Judgement | Balancing innovation, security, delivery and long-term fiscal sustainability. |
Documents to Prepare
- Executive CV: Highlight national programmes, AI infrastructure, procurement leadership and measurable delivery outcomes.
- Academic documents: Prepare the required master’s degree, transcripts and related qualification records.
- Experience letters: Provide verifiable evidence covering at least twelve years of relevant experience.
- Programme portfolio: Include major digital systems, AI platforms, HPC, cloud or managed-services programmes.
- Leadership evidence: Mention team size, budgets, stakeholders and delivery responsibilities.
- CNIC: Keep a valid computerized national identity card ready for the online application.
- Certifications: Add relevant AI, cloud, cybersecurity, architecture, project-management or procurement credentials.
How to Apply
- Open the National Job Portal: Visit the official vacancy page through the application button below.
- Sign in or register: Use an active NJP account with accurate personal and professional information.
- Review eligibility: Confirm the grade, degree, experience and age requirements.
- Update your profile: Add complete education, employment history, skills and contact details.
- Upload documents: Attach the CV, degrees, experience letters and requested records.
- Tailor the application: Emphasize AI infrastructure, national programmes, vendor governance and stakeholder leadership.
- Submit online: Complete the NJP application by 30 July 2026.
- Save confirmation: Retain the application ID or confirmation screenshot.
Selection Process
- Eligibility screening: Applications will be checked against degree, experience, age and role requirements.
- Executive shortlisting: National-scale programme leadership and AI-infrastructure experience may receive strong consideration.
- Technical assessment: Candidates may be evaluated on AI architecture, governance, procurement and cybersecurity.
- Leadership interview: Shortlisted applicants may discuss strategy, stakeholder management and vendor governance.
- Document verification: Original qualifications and experience records may be checked before appointment.
Practical Application Tips
- Show national impact: Quantify users, infrastructure scale, budgets, geographic reach and outcomes.
- Highlight AI relevance: Explain experience with compute infrastructure, data platforms, models or AI services.
- Demonstrate procurement expertise: Include RFP drafting, bid evaluation, SLAs and contract governance.
- Show ministry engagement: Mention work with government departments, regulators, academia and industry.
- Emphasize governance: Include responsible AI, cybersecurity, compliance and risk-management examples.
- Use an executive format: Focus the CV on leadership achievements and measurable delivery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Technical-only CV: The role also requires programme leadership, procurement and stakeholder-management evidence.
- Ignoring scale: Clearly state the size and national importance of programmes previously managed.
- Weak vendor evidence: Include experience monitoring managed-service providers and SLAs.
- Duties without outcomes: Show delivery performance, cost control, risk reduction and ecosystem impact.
- Incomplete NJP profile: Ensure education and experience fields match supporting records.
- Late submission: Apply no later than 30 July 2026.
Applicant Safety Guidance
- Use the official NJP page: Submit the application through the National Job Portal vacancy link.
- Protect credentials: Never share NJP passwords, OTPs or identity information.
- Keep evidence: Save the submitted form and application reference number.
- Avoid unofficial agents: Do not pay anyone claiming to guarantee appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which position is available?
Ignite is recruiting one Head of AI in Grade-V (A).
What is the job type?
The position is offered on a contract basis.
How much experience is required?
Applicants need at least twelve years of progressive relevant experience.
What is the maximum age?
The maximum age limit is 50 years.
What education is required?
A master’s degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related field is required.
What is the main responsibility?
The selected professional will lead the National AI Innovation Hub and other AI initiatives undertaken by Ignite.
Is procurement experience relevant?
Yes. The role includes RFPs, bid evaluation, contracts and vendor governance.
How can candidates apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the National Job Portal.
What is the deadline?
The last date to apply is 30 July 2026.
How many vacancies are available?
One vacancy is available.
Final Guidance
The Ignite Head of AI role is intended for senior technology leaders with extensive experience in national digital platforms, AI infrastructure, procurement, governance and multi-stakeholder programme delivery.
Prepare an executive-level application focused on measurable programme outcomes and submit it through the National Job Portal by 30 July 2026.
🤖 Ignite Head of AI Job 2026 | Grade-V (A) Contract Position | Apply by 30 July 2026.
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