Head of AI Engineering

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. With a mission to respond to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. The organization focuses on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC is recognized as one of the largest humanitarian organizations globally, dedicated to helping millions of people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities. The IRC is committed to innovative solutions, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance its humanitarian efforts and reach those in need more effectively.

Job Overview:
The Head of AI Engineering is a senior technical leadership role aimed at advancing the application of AI in humanitarian contexts. This position involves leading a team of engineers and AI specialists to design and implement AI-powered solutions that address the unique challenges faced in low-resource and high-stakes environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining the technical strategy and direction for IRC's AI portfolio, translating organizational ambitions into a clear technical roadmap, and making critical decisions regarding system architecture and partnerships. The role emphasizes collaboration with program leaders to co-design solutions that are practical and effective in the field, ensuring that the technology developed meets the needs of those it aims to serve. The Head of AI Engineering will also play a crucial role in fostering a high-performing engineering team and establishing a culture that attracts top technical talent to the mission-driven work of the IRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of AI Engineering will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• AI Strategic Leadership: Translating IRC's AI strategy into a prioritized technical roadmap, staying updated on AI/ML advances, and championing responsible AI deployment in sensitive humanitarian contexts.
• Team Leadership and Management: Managing and developing a team of engineers and AI specialists, establishing engineering quality standards, and maintaining a prioritized backlog of program innovations.
• Cross-functional Partnership: Collaborating with program leaders to co-design effective solutions and ensuring smooth integration of innovations for enterprise-wide scale-up.
• Flagship AI Partnerships: Serving as the technical lead on strategic partnerships with AI organizations, leveraging these relationships for program impact.
• Solution Design and Engineering: Leading the design and development of AI-driven technology solutions, interfacing with stakeholders to gather requirements and recommend technical approaches.
• DevOps and Engineering Operations: Overseeing deployment pipelines, ensuring application performance, and maintaining technical documentation for all assets managed by the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of AI Engineering position should possess a strong background in AI and engineering, with hands-on experience in building and deploying production AI systems. A solid foundation in full-stack development, particularly with Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, is essential. Familiarity with cloud architecture, particularly Azure, and knowledge of data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security practices for sensitive information are also required. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of leadership in software engineering or technical product development, with experience in managing engineering teams and engaging with non-technical leaders. A genuine motivation for humanitarian impact and a mindset of humility and respect for those affected by crises are crucial attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Head of AI Engineering position should have a relevant educational background in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or Ph.D. in AI, machine learning, or a related discipline are highly desirable, as they provide a deeper understanding of the technical challenges and innovations in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have 7-10+ years of experience in software engineering or technical product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing engineers or technical teams. Experience in building strong engineering teams and fostering a culture of excellence is essential. Familiarity with humanitarian, development, or global health organizations is a plus, as it provides context for the challenges faced in these sectors.

Languages:
While English is mandatory for this position, proficiency in additional languages such as French or Arabic is considered a valuable asset. These language skills can enhance communication and collaboration in diverse humanitarian contexts, making the candidate more effective in their role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers a hybrid/remote working environment. Some travel may be required for partner meetings, field engagement, and sector conferences. The compensation for this role varies based on location, with a US pay rate ranging from $160,000 to $175,000 and a UK pay rate between £80,000 and £93,00

• The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical insurance, retirement savings plans, and support for mental health and crisis counseling.