Unit Head (AI And Frontier Technologies)

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization's Digital Health, AI, Health Metrics, Data and Analytics programme aims to enhance global health systems using cutting-edge technologies. The Department of Digital, Data and AI (DDA) leads efforts to modernize health systems through governance, standards, and capacities for data and AI adoption. This role is within the AI and Frontier Technologies (AIF) unit.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical leadership and managerial support for the AI and Frontier Technologies (AIF) unit within WHO's Digital Health, AI, Health Metrics, Data and Analytics programme. The purpose is to ensure efficient and effective activities in AI for health, developing and proposing technical health policies and strategies. The role will advise on advancing AIF to strengthen technical capacities globally, supporting the design and implementation of AI-enabled tools and citizen-facing digital technologies to improve health outcomes and optimize healthcare delivery. It contributes to WHO's core functions of setting norms and standards, and driving evidence-based decision-making across health systems, ultimately accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support for the AI and Frontier Technologies (AIF) unit, ensuring efficient and effective operations. Develop and propose technical health policies and strategies for AIF implementation in collaboration with regional and country offices. Oversee technical teams, manage programme objectives, financial resources, and work planning to optimize deliverables. Lead research on best practices and disseminate information for capacity building. Manage monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of key performance indicators. Serve as a technical reference point for the AIF domain among peers, UN agencies, and stakeholders. Liaise with partners to integrate AIF into global and national policies. Represent the programme area to advocate for AIF. Support technical departments in identifying, designing, and evaluating AI-enabled tools and models. Advance the development and responsible use of digital technologies to improve access to health information and services.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in Digital Health, Health Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics, Computer Sciences, or ICT, including strategy, policy development, and implementation. Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources, and experience at the international level. Desirable: Experience supporting countries in AI integration into health strategies, contributing to global AI governance, leading multi-partner projects, and resource mobilization for AI in health programs. Experience in LMIC contexts and high-level policy dialogues is an asset.

Skills

Recognized global leader in Artificial Intelligence for Health; advanced training and formal certification in health informatics with AI/machine learning specialization; deep expertise in AI system design, benchmarking, costing, and large-scale implementation (including LLMs, agentic AI, multi-modal technologies); strong publication record and thought leadership in AI, digital health governance, and health systems innovation; proven track record in guiding digital health strategies, policy development, and regulatory frameworks; experience securing and managing multi-partner funding; ability to lead diverse technical teams; diplomatic engagement skills; resource mobilization capabilities.

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