Deputy Director, Digital & AI, DHAI

Deputy Director, Digital & AI, DHAI

Gates Foundation

August 8, 2025September 22, 2025New DelhiIndia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Digital & AI, DHAI will play a crucial role in leading strategic planning, managing portfolios, and engaging partnerships to enhance India's health innovation agenda. This position is pivotal in shaping and overseeing initiatives that contribute to global health research and development, particularly for diseases affecting impoverished communities. A significant aspect of this role involves collaborating with the Government of India to achieve strategic objectives in AI adoption, ensuring that AI solutions are scalable and applicable across various priority regions. The Deputy Director will manage a high-performing team of experts in digital development, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, working from the foundation's India Country Office in New Delhi and reporting to the Director of Health R&D, Digital Innovation, and AI.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Shape and lead the execution of the India Digital & AI strategy in alignment with ICO and global priorities, focusing on health, gender, and economic outcomes.
  • Support and advise on Digital/AI initiatives in education, health, agriculture, and digital public infrastructure across the foundation's geographies.
  • Manage a high-impact portfolio of investments in Digital & AI.
  • Collaborate with ICO and global program strategy teams to co-develop and adapt strategy execution and assessment plans.
  • Lead India’s AI for social good workstream and collaborate with Seattle PSTs.
  • Scale up AI initiatives to demonstrate positive social impact.
  • Manage a team of investment officers and cross-functional project teams.
  • Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with government agencies, academia, and the private sector.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on India-specific product development and innovation strategies. 1
  • Monitor AI project effectiveness and ensure alignment with responsible AI principles. 1
  • Represent the foundation in national forums and policy dialogues related to Digital & AI. 1
  • Prepare reviews and communication for annual reporting and leadership visits. 1
  • Track performance indicators and enable timely course corrections. 1
  • Lead budgeting and investment planning processes across the DHAI cluster. 1
  • Act as a strategic thought partner to the Director, identifying emerging opportunities for impact. 1
  • Foster a positive team culture and mentor team members for future challenges.

Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or Master’s) in Public Health, Life Sciences, Engineering, Data Sciences, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
  • At least 12 years of leadership experience in public or private sectors in India.
  • Strong understanding of strategic planning, performance management, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Proven track record in designing and implementing large-scale portfolios in technology, digital, or AI transformation across sectors.
  • Expertise in digital systems in the public sector and familiarity with India’s AI/digital ecosystem.
  • Knowledge of India’s digital regulatory ecosystem and product innovation processes.
  • Experience in global health product development and regulatory processes preferred.
  • Ability to work in matrixed environments and manage changing priorities.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills. 1
  • Proven ability to influence across teams and build cross-sectoral partnerships.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Life Sciences, Engineering, Data Sciences, or Computer Science. This educational background is essential to ensure a strong foundation in the technical and strategic aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of experience in leadership roles within either the public or private sector in India. Candidates should have a strong understanding of strategic planning, performance management, and cross-functional coordination. Experience in designing and implementing large-scale portfolios that cover technology, digital, or AI transformation programs across various sectors is crucial. Familiarity with India’s digital regulatory ecosystem and product innovation processes is also necessary, along with experience in global health product development and regulatory processes being preferred.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication within the organization and with international partners. Knowledge of Hindi or other regional languages may be beneficial for local engagement and stakeholder management.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi and requires the ability to legally work in India without visa sponsorship. The role may involve regional travel up to 30% to engage with stakeholders and oversee projects. The application deadline is set for 18 August 202
  • The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.
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