Unit Head (AI and Frontier Technologies)

The Unit Head leads the AI and Frontier Technologies Unit within the Department of Digital, Data and AI, providing technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support to advance the integration of AI and digital health solutions into health systems globally. The role involves managing a team, developing technical health policies, supporting WHO's normative and programmatic functions, and representing the program area at various meetings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, coordination and managerial support within the Department/Programme in the Unit of AI and Frontier Technologies (AIF).
• Develop and propose technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Regional and Country Offices.
• Provide advice in developing further the AIF for strengthening and improving technical capacity of target clienteles.
• Oversee a unit of technical teams specialized in various domains within their area of expertise and facilitate efficient flow of team synergies.
• Manage the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficient management of a small team of technical staff, financial resources and effective work planning.
• Lead and conduct research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building.
• Manage monitoring and evaluation and reporting of key performance indicators and reporting requirements to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.
• Serve as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
• Liaise with and utilize partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions in the area of AIF to position the technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies.
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for AIF.
• Support technical departments in identifying, designing, and evaluating AI-enabled tools and models to strengthen WHO's normative and programmatic functions.
• Advance the development and responsible use of demand-side, citizen-facing digital technologies that improve access to trusted health information and services.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Digital Health, Health Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or other related fields with focus on strategy, policy development and implementation.
• A PhD in public health, global health, clinical medicine, or a related health discipline is desirable.
• Formal grounding in epidemiology, health systems, or clinical practice that strengthens the application of AI to real-world health contexts is an asset.
• Additional interdisciplinary training bridging health and digital/analytical domains would be advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in Digital Health, Health Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics, Computer Sciences, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including experience in strategy, policy development, and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.
• Experience supporting countries in integrating AI into national health strategies is desirable.
• Experience contributing to global AI governance or normative initiatives is desirable.
• Experience leading multi-partner projects or research on AI in health is desirable.
• Experience mobilizing resources for digital or AI-enabled health programs is desirable.
• Experience working in LMIC contexts and engaging in high-level policy or technical dialogues is an asset.
• Recognized global leader in Artificial Intelligence for Health with advanced training and formal certification in health informatics and specialization in AI and machine learning.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in design, benchmarking, costing, and large-scale implementation of AI systems including large language models, agentic AI, and multi-modal technologies applied to strengthening national health systems.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and internationally regarded for thought leadership at the intersection of AI, digital health governance, and health systems innovation.
• Proven track record of guiding national and global digital health strategies, including policy development and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record of securing and managing multi-partner funding portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams, engage diplomatically across sectors, and drive resource mobilization.
• Expert knowledge of English is essential.
• Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable.

Skills

• Digital Health
• Health Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Health Informatics
• Computer Science
• Information and Communications Technology
• Strategy Development
• Policy Development
• Policy Implementation
• Epidemiology
• Health Systems
• Clinical Medical Practice
• Human Resources Management
• Financial Resource Management
• International Experience
• AI Integration in Healthcare
• Global AI Governance
• Multi-partner Project Leadership
• Resource Mobilization
• Health Informatics Certification
• AI System Design
• AI Benchmarking
• Costing of AI Systems
• Large-scale AI Implementation
• Large Language Models
• Agentic AI Modeling
• Multi-modal Technologies
• Health Systems Innovation
• Digital Health Governance
• Regulatory Frameworks
• Multi-partner Funding Management
• Engineering Team Leadership

Languages

English, French