Chief Digital and AI Officer – Wadhwani Foundation

Wadhwani Foundation is a not-for-profit with the primary mission of accelerating economic development by driving job creation in India and other emerging economies through large-scale initiatives in entrepreneurship, small business growth, innovation, and skilling. Founded in 2000 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dr Romesh Wadhwani, today, the Foundation is scaling impact in multiple countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, through technology, networks and partnerships.

It equips Government of India (GoI) and State government officials with knowledge about emerging technologies. Our goal is to enable them to leverage technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, AR/VR, Blockchain etc. for improved policy formulation, implementation, service delivery, and outcome measurement. Wadhwani Foundation, through its initiative called Wadhwani Institute of Technology and Policy (WITP) shall second Chief AI and Digital Officer (CAIDO) to Ministries for developing and executing AI and Digital strategy.

We are looking for a visionary Chief AI and Digital Officer (CAIDO) to lead AI and digital transformation initiatives of the key ministries focusing on modernizing the Ministry’s technology infrastructure, improving its online presence, increasing adoption of new and emerging technologies and enhancing the user experience. CAIDO will provide technical leadership and help create and own Digital Transformation Roadmap including technology architecture for the Ministry concerned. S/he shall be responsible for driving Ministry’s digital transformation efforts and shall lead the digital and artificial intelligence initiatives of the concerned Ministry as a whole.

Functional Area Top Management

Industry Government & Public Sector

Key Responsibilities:

a. Provide advice to the Minister and Secretary of the Ministry concerned on digital transformation and thereby assist in development and execution of policies and strategies related to data and technology. Help Minister/Secretary of the Ministry to prioritize programs and government spend in technology and lending a direction to digital transformation.

b. Provide professional leadership and support to the ministry concerned and departments under it to present an integrated view of citizen service delivery and help drive intra and inter-ministerial coordination and synergy in matters related to technology.

c. Devise a common framework, standards, data model and overarching technology and enterprise architecture for ministry and support the development and enforcement of technical standards for efficient delivery.

d. Monitor emerging trends and best practices in digital and AI technologies and identify opportunities for the Ministry/department to adopt new tools and approaches. Understand, evaluate, and recommend new age technologies to help keep Government abreast of latest technology advancements, identify and engage new technologies for improved governance.

e. Provide leadership and guidance to teams responsible for implementing technology projects related to or having AI as a component. Help departments use AI and other emerging technologies to deliver against their commitments by coordinating with CTO/CIO /data officers of the ministries/departments as well as NIC and other implementation agencies. This is a strategic role and implementation of software projects will not form part of it. Agencies like NIC or vendors selected by the ministry will continue to implement projects. However, the decision on technologies and digital strategy will be the responsibility of the CAIDO.

f. Serve as the Ministry’s primary point of contact on all AI and related technology issues and represent the Ministry in meetings and collaborations with other government entities, industry partners, and other stakeholders in this regard.

g. Collaborate with other departments and agencies to identify opportunities for shared digital services, and to ensure interoperability and compatibility of digital systems.

h. Oversee the development and implementation of the department’s data strategy, ensuring that data is collected, managed, and used effectively and securely.

Desired Skills/ Competencies

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
• Deep experience in ideating, developing and implementing major digital transformation projects for industry and/or government
• Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, specially AI
• Experience in working for consulting and SI companies providing project management and DT services with respect to projects done for Govt of India and State Govts.
• Passionate about driving change in Government through AI powered Digital Transformation platforms and programs at India scale, through relevant ministries.
• High energy, high sense of urgency
• Have an overall experience of 15 years out of which at least 10 years of experience is required in leading digital transformation and/or AI initiatives, with a track record of successful delivery of complex projects as per timelines and budget
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of security protocols for digital and AI systems to ensure data privacy and integrity, resulting in a 100% compliance rate with industry best practices and standards.