Lead - AI Strategy, Governance & Digital Transformation
Location: Central Africa
Role Overview: This is a new strategic role created to guide Group-wide AI adoption in a safe, practical, and future-ready manner. You will lead the AI Champion Program, enabling business decisions to be supported by AI insights while establishing strong governance and data security.
Primary Responsibilities
Define AI strategy, evaluate market trends, and select enterprise AI tools.
Establish a governance framework, data-security guardrails, and acceptable-use policies.
Create an approved and safe AI environment to promote responsible AI adoption across the Group.
Assess and address data quality in core systems (Microsoft 365, ERP, HRMS, BI) to prevent AI hallucinations.
Build awareness among senior management and users so AI is used as a decision-support and productivity tool, not a replacement for critical thinking.
Create and coordinate an AI Ambassador network across key departments; approve training materials and train the Ambassadors.
Note: This role is explicitly NOT responsible for pure AI development, custom application building, pilot-building (Ambassadors handle this), or managing day-to-day operational support.
Reporting Structure
Reports directly to the Board Member responsible for IT / AI Strategy.
Coordinates with IT, Data/BI, Cybersecurity, ERP/HRMS, and the AI Ambassador network.
Key Objectives
First 30 Days: Understand business priorities, assess current data quality, propose initial guidelines for public AI tool usage, and draft the first version of the AI Acceptable Use Policy.
First 90 Days: Submit a 12-24 month AI Strategy and Roadmap, recommend authorized AI tools, finalize the governance framework, define user access levels, and train AI Ambassadors.
First 6 Months: Establish a Group AI Governance Committee, approve/monitor proof-of-value use cases, and create management-level metrics covering adoption, productivity benefits, and risk reduction.
1 Year: Ensure a clear AI strategy, approved tool landscape, and data-security control framework are fully embedded in the business productivity culture.
Required Expertise & Competencies
Core Skills: Strong understanding of enterprise AI strategy, GenAI/LLM landscape, and AI adoption models. Hands-on experience evaluating AI platforms (Copilot, Azure OpenAI, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Power Platform, ERP/HRMS AI).
Governance: Deep knowledge of AI governance, data privacy, data classification, access control, cybersecurity, and vendor risk. Experience defining policies, guardrails, and approval workflows.
Data & Analytics: Strong understanding of data governance and data quality; recognizing that AI output depends on input data quality.
Leadership: Proven track record implementing AI governance or digital transformation frameworks. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change-management skills.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Background: Experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, technology consulting, enterprise architecture, AI governance, or business process transformation.
Industry Experience: Exposure to diversified conglomerates, manufacturing, mining, FMCG, logistics, trading, or consulting firms serving these industries.
Education: BE/B.Tech, MCA, MBA, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or related discipline.
Certifications (Preferred): AI Governance, Responsible AI, Generative AI/LLM certifications, Cybersecurity, Data Governance, or Enterprise Architecture.
DNA: Strategic thinker with practical execution discipline; governance-first mindset focused on data security; framework builder who enables teams rather than creating dependency.
