AI Mission Director

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.