AI & Smart Government Programme Director

CONFIDENTIAL Scovai, a pioneering force in the Talent Acquisition & Recruiting sector, is seeking an exceptional AI & Smart Government Programme Director to join its Digital Transformation department on a hybrid basis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This senior leadership role is central to delivering AI-driven government transformation programmes at a national scale, working at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and public sector innovation. The successful candidate will spearhead smart city and e‑government initiatives, shaping the digital future of public services in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030's ambitious national agenda.

As Programme Director, you will lead end-to-end delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder digital transformation programmes, overseeing the design and implementation of e‑government platforms, data governance frameworks, and smart city solutions. You will engage directly with senior public sector leaders and government bodies, translating national digital strategy into actionable, measurable programmes. Your remit will include managing cross-functional teams, governing programme budgets and timelines, and ensuring that AI deployments remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with regulatory frameworks.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious national transformation agendas, contributing to landmark initiatives that will redefine how citizens interact with government services. If you are a visionary leader with a proven track record in public sector digital transformation and a passion for responsible AI, this role offers unparalleled impact and career-defining scope.

Established network and prior delivery experience within Saudi government bodies with demonstrable alignment to Vision 2030 initiatives Fluency in Arabic and proven cross-cultural stakeholder management experience across GCC public sector environments Track record structuring and negotiating public‑private partnerships (PPPs), large-scale government procurement and vendor contracting Specialist knowledge of AI governance, ethics, data privacy and compliance frameworks relevant to government deployments (e.g., OECD principles, ISO standards, regional regulations) Hands‑on technical understanding of cloud‑native architectures, IoT/geospatial platforms and systems integration patterns for smart city implementations

Nice to have

• Direct experience with Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM, or comparable smart city mega-projects
• Familiarity with SDAIA, ZATCA, or other Saudi digital regulatory frameworks
• Arabic language proficiency (spoken and/or written)
• Prior engagement with GCC government ministries or national digital agencies
• Experience deploying responsible and auditable AI solutions in regulated public sector environments