Program Manager – AI Project Implementation

AI Strategy Consulting Team

Job Title

Program Manager – AI Project Implementation

Location

New Delhi (with travel to client locations as required)

Engagement Context

The Program Manager will provide program support to ministries and departments in implementation of AI projects working closely with WGDT’s core team and designated teams from ministries/departments. Each Program Manager will typically support two AI projects in parallel, selected jointly by WGDT and the client from the approved AI Strategy Roadmap. The role is advisory and delivery-assurance oriented; implementation remains with the Ministry/Department and its appointed partners.

Role Objective

To ensure disciplined execution, coordination, and outcome tracking of priority AI initiative(s) identified under the AI Strategy Roadmap, by providing programme management support to client ministry/State Department and acting as the single point of coordination across stakeholders.

The role does not involve software development or vendor delivery but focuses on programme and advisory support.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI Project Programme Management

• Own end-to-end programme management for assigned AI projects, from post-roadmap initiation through PoC/pilot and scale-up phases.
  
• Translate high-level roadmap recommendation and solution document into actionable project plans, including milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
  
• Work with WGDT’s AI Strategic Consulting team to develop Scope of Work, SLAs and RFP. 
  
• Track progress against agreed timelines, scope, and outcomes, and flag risks and bottlenecks early.
  
• Ensure projects remain aligned with the original policy and service delivery objectives, not just technical milestones.
  

2. Stakeholder Coordination and PoC/Pilot Support

• Act as the primary coordination interface between:
  
• WGDT AT strategic consulting team
  
• Client Ministry/Department leadership, AI Champions, and working teams
  
• Implementation agency (SI, Startup, NIC, State IT/AI Agency or empanelled vendor, as applicable).
  

• Track agreed KPIs and outcome metrics, ensuring consistent reporting and evidence-based decision-making.
  
• Facilitate regular review meetings, working sessions, and decision forums.
  
• Documenting pilot learnings
  
• Identifying institutional, process, and technology gaps
  

Desired Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Management, Public Policy, or a related field
  
• Post-graduate qualification (MBA, MPP, MPA, etc.) preferred
  

Experience

• 5–8 years of experience in:
  
• Programme / project management
  
• Digital transformation initiatives
  
• Preference will be given to those with experience of working in government or regulated sectors
  
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholders
  
• Prior exposure to AI, data, or digital platforms is highly desirable (hands-on technical expertise not required)
  

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong programme and project management skills
  
• Ability to operate in complex environments with multiple stakeholders like government
  
• Structured thinking and problem-solving ability
  
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with senior-stakeholder presence
  
• Ability to balance strategic intent with operational execution
  
• High degree of ownership, maturity, and comfort with ambiguity
  

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• AI projects move from roadmap to execution without loss of momentum
  
• Client teams are clear on roles, timelines, and outcomes
  
• Risks and bottlenecks are anticipated and addressed proactively
  
• PoCs/Pilots are executed with discipline and translated into scale-ready initiatives