Ignite – National Technology Fund has announced the Head of AI Job 2026 in Islamabad for an experienced technology professional capable of leading national-level artificial intelligence programmes, infrastructure and ecosystem development. Applications are being accepted online through the Government of Pakistan’s National Jobs Portal, and the last date to apply is 25 September 2026.
This is a senior Grade-V (A) contractual position with one vacancy. The selected Head of AI will lead the implementation, coordination and operational management of the National AI Innovation Hub and other artificial intelligence initiatives undertaken by Ignite. The role requires at least 12 years of relevant professional experience, while the maximum age limit is 55 years.
About Ignite – National Technology Fund
Ignite – National Technology Fund operates under Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and supports technology innovation, entrepreneurship and digital ecosystem development.
Its initiatives include technology incubation, innovation programmes and projects involving emerging technologies across areas such as health, education, energy, agriculture, telecommunications and finance. Ignite describes its broader mandate as supporting Pakistan’s development as a technology-driven innovation economy.
Head of AI Position Overview
The Head of AI will serve as the lead position for artificial intelligence programmes within Ignite’s Projects Department.
The selected professional will report to the GM Projects and will be responsible for programme execution, stakeholder coordination, project governance and delivery of approved objectives related to Pakistan’s AI ecosystem.
The role combines technical leadership with programme management, procurement oversight, infrastructure planning, governance, stakeholder engagement and long-term AI ecosystem development.
Position: Head of AI
Organization: Ignite – National Technology Fund
Grade: Grade-V (A)
Vacancies: 1
Job Type: Contract
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Experience: Minimum 12 years
Maximum Age: 55 years
Posted Date: 9 September 2026
Last Date: 25 September 2026
Key Responsibilities
The Head of AI will lead the implementation and operational management of the National AI Innovation Hub and other AI-related programmes being developed or managed by Ignite.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead implementation, coordination and operational management of national AI initiatives.
- Provide technical and strategic leadership for AI infrastructure and ecosystem programmes.
- Support the development of Pakistan’s sovereign AI ecosystem.
- Ensure programmes remain aligned with approved objectives, national priorities and Ignite’s strategic mandate.
- Oversee programme delivery and monitor vendors, operators, consultants and implementation partners.
- Monitor contractual obligations, service levels and performance targets.
- Provide technical oversight of AI computing infrastructure, platforms, data repositories and related services.
- Review technical architectures, solution designs and proposed infrastructure enhancements.
- Review major technical change requests connected with AI programmes.
- Support initiatives involving foundation models.
- Contribute to the development of Urdu and regional-language artificial intelligence capabilities.
- Support AI-as-a-Service initiatives and other projects intended to expand Pakistan’s AI ecosystem.
- Contribute to governance frameworks, security controls, data-management standards and compliance requirements.
- Provide senior management with technical and strategic advice on emerging AI technologies.
- Identify programme risks and future expansion opportunities.
- Support AI-related procurement and contract-management processes.
- Assist in evaluating proposals for AI infrastructure, platforms and services.
- Prepare programme progress reports, technical briefings, risk assessments and management recommendations.
- Establish programme governance and performance-monitoring mechanisms.
- Lead, mentor and develop the AI programme team.
National AI Innovation Hub Responsibilities
A major part of the position involves the National AI Innovation Hub, where the Head of AI will be expected to combine technical understanding with programme delivery and institutional coordination.
The role includes oversight of AI compute infrastructure, AI platforms and data repositories, while also ensuring that implementation partners meet agreed service and performance requirements.
Candidates therefore need more than general AI knowledge. The vacancy is designed for professionals who understand how complex digital infrastructure is designed, procured, implemented, governed and operated at institutional or national scale.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.
Relevant postgraduate disciplines listed through the National Jobs Portal include areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Information Security
- Computer Networks
- Robotics and AI
- Intelligent Systems
- Data Analytics
- Computational Sciences
- Telecommunications
- Information Systems
- Other closely related technology disciplines
Candidates should ensure that their academic credentials meet the requirements stated on the official application portal.
Experience Requirement
Applicants must have at least 12 years of progressive professional experience in the design, procurement or implementation of large-scale digital systems.
The strongest candidates are expected to demonstrate experience in areas including:
- Leadership of large or national-scale digital platforms
- Major technology programmes
- AI infrastructure projects
- Digital infrastructure procurement
- High-performance computing environments
- Data platforms
- Managed-service programmes
- Vendor-delivered technology programmes
- Programme governance
- Contract and service-level management
- Senior stakeholder engagement
Experience should demonstrate responsibility for actual programme outcomes rather than purely advisory or technical participation.
Required AI and Technology Knowledge
The position requires a working understanding of modern AI infrastructure and supporting technologies.
Candidates should be familiar with:
- Sovereign AI infrastructure
- Cloud computing
- Hybrid computing environments
- AI computing infrastructure
- Data platforms
- Systems integration architecture
- AI governance
- Responsible AI principles
- Data-protection frameworks
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Identity and Access Management
- Zero-trust security principles
- Security requirements for sovereign AI infrastructure
Procurement and Contract Governance
Because Ignite works with technology vendors, operators and implementation partners, the Head of AI must also understand public-sector technology procurement and contract governance.
Relevant expertise includes:
- Preparing RFPs and Terms of Reference
- Technical bid evaluation
- Procurement specifications
- Performance-based contracting
- Service Level Agreements
- Vendor governance
- Contract monitoring
- Programme risk management
Stakeholder Coordination
The selected candidate will work with a broad range of national and institutional stakeholders.
These are expected to include:
- Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication
- Other government entities
- Technology companies
- Industry stakeholders
- Universities and academia
- Development partners
- AI ecosystem participants
- Technology vendors and operators
The role therefore requires senior-level communication skills and the ability to provide credible technical advice at management and ministry level.
Age Limit
The maximum age specified for the Head of AI position is 55 years.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility against the information entered on the National Jobs Portal before completing the application.
Employment Type
The Head of AI vacancy is advertised as a contract position under Grade-V (A). One position is currently advertised.
Location
The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ignite – National Technology Fund operates from:
3rd Floor, Telecom Foundation Complex
7 Mauve Area, G-9/4
Islamabad, Pakistan
Ignite’s official website confirms its office at the Telecom Foundation Complex in G-9/4, Islamabad.
Pakistan Post lists 44090 as the delivery postcode for Islamabad G-9/Markaz.
Deadline
The last date to apply for the Ignite Head of AI Job 2026 is 25 September 2026.
The National Jobs Portal lists the vacancy as posted on 9 September 2026, with one available position.
Candidates interested in the role should apply well before the deadline so they have sufficient time to complete their NJP profile and upload the required information.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the National Jobs Portal. The published advertisement states that applications submitted through other means will not be entertained.
Apply Online for Head of AI – National Jobs Portal
Candidates should:
- Open the official Head of AI vacancy on the National Jobs Portal.
- Sign in or create an NJP account.
- Complete the required personal, academic and professional information.
- Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Upload or provide the required credentials and supporting information.
- Submit the application before 25 September 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview, and shortlisted applicants may also be required to appear in a written test.
Candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be required to provide HEC-attested degrees or credentials attested by another relevant accredited body. Applicants holding foreign degrees may be required to provide an HEC equivalence certificate.
What Applicants Should Highlight in Their CV
This is a senior leadership position, so applicants should ensure their CV clearly demonstrates relevant outcomes rather than simply listing technologies or job responsibilities.
Relevant achievements may include successful delivery of large-scale digital platforms, national technology programmes, AI infrastructure projects, cloud or data-platform deployments, procurement leadership, vendor governance, service-level management, cybersecurity programmes and senior stakeholder coordination.
Candidates with AI experience should clearly explain the scale, business or public-sector impact and their own decision-making responsibility within each project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for the Ignite Head of AI Job 2026?
The application deadline is 25 September 2026.
How many Head of AI vacancies are available?
There is one vacancy.
Where is the Head of AI job located?
The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
What experience is required?
Applicants need a minimum of 12 years of progressive relevant professional experience, particularly involving large-scale digital systems and programmes.
What is the maximum age limit?
The maximum age limit is 55 years.
What qualification is required?
A Master’s degree in Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology or another closely related discipline from a recognised institution is required.
Is this a permanent position?
The vacancy is advertised as a contract position under Grade-V (A).
How can candidates apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Government of Pakistan’s National Jobs Portal.
