AI Governance & Data Protection Expert
Overview:
SoCha LLC is applying to serve as the prime contractor for the Provision of Digital and AI Enabled Services in Support of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Special Initiatives and Change Management (MSC) Unit for the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa. The project aims to modernize analytical and learning capabilities through the deployment of AI and ML-enabled solutions--including advanced predictive analytics, natural language processing (NLP) for document intelligence, and interactive decision-support dashboards--to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making across a decentralized and rapidly evolving operational context. The engagement will focus on enhancing performance governance and organizational learning, ensuring that all digital tools are practical, interoperable, and user-oriented, with a rigorous emphasis on the ethical use of AI, data protection, and confidentiality in line with international health standards.
The AI Governance & Data Protection Expert will lead the design and implementation of the "Responsible AI" framework, ensuring that all technical outputs maintain the highest levels of security, transparency, and ethical compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
* Establish the Responsible AI Framework: Design and implement the overarching governance protocols, ethical guidelines, and "human-in-the-loop" safeguards required for the MSC Unit's AI/ML models.
* Ensure Data Privacy & Security Compliance: Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and ensure all data pipelines and storage solutions adhere to WHO standards, GDPR, and relevant regional data sovereignty regulations.
* Model Auditing & Bias Mitigation: Develop and execute regular testing protocols to detect and mitigate algorithmic bias, ensuring that AI-driven insights are equitable and do not reinforce systemic health disparities.
* Interoperability Governance: Collaborate with technical architects to ensure that data integration from multiple sources maintains strict data lineage, confidentiality, and secure access controls across decentralized platforms.
* Policy & Regulatory Alignment: Serve as the lead advisor on emerging AI regulations (such as the EU AI Act or WHO's guidance on AI for Health) to ensure the LTA's outputs remain "future-proof" and compliant over the 2-to-6-year contract period.
* Ethical Capacity Building: Design and deliver training modules for WHO staff (Deliverable 8) focused on AI literacy, ethical data use, and the responsible interpretation of AI-generated insights.
Required Qualifications:
* Master's degree or higher in a relevant field and at least 6 years of relevant professional experience; or Bachelor's degree and at least 9 years of relevant professional experience.
* Minimum 5 years of experience in the relevant sector.
* Prior experience working on at least one MCC assignment, such as a DQR, evaluation, M&E assignment, compact/threshold program, or related technical assignment with a period of performance of 6 months or longer.
* Demonstrated experience with sector performance indicators, data systems, reporting standards, monitoring systems, and institutional arrangements.
* Experience supporting donor-funded programs, public-sector institutions, implementing partners, utilities, regulators, or sector ministries.
* Strong ability to assess data quality risks and translate sector knowledge into practical findings and recommendations.
* Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strong writing and analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Advanced Expertise in AI Ethics & Governance: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience specifically focused on AI policy, digital ethics, or data privacy within a complex, data-driven environment.
* Specialized Education & Certification: Master's degree in Law, Data Science, Ethics, or a related field, coupled with recognized certifications such as CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional) or CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist).
* International/Public Health Experience: Proven track record of advising UN agencies, International NGOs, or National Health Ministries on data protection and digital health governance.
* Technical Proficiency in AI/ML Lifecycles: Demonstrable understanding of the AI development lifecycle, including the ability to translate legal and ethical requirements into technical specifications for developers.
* Bilingual Proficiency: Full professional working proficiency in English and French (or Portuguese) to facilitate communication and documentation across the WHO Africa region.
* Strategic Risk Management: Strong experience in developing risk mitigation plans for large-scale digital transformation projects, specifically addressing data breaches, model drift, and misinformation.
Location:
Worldwide; remote support with possible short-term travel to WHO's Regional Office for Africa.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SoCha is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. SoCha is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
How to apply:
To submit your application, kindly upload your CV via the following link:
https://jobs.socha.net/jobs/socha_llc/-ai-governance-&-data-protection-expert