AI Chief Specialist - AI Planning & Enablement

Job Purpose :Lead the development and management of RTA's AI and Data Science strategy, portfolio, and enablement framework in alignment with the Authority's digital transformation priorities. Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI use cases from intake, feasibility assessment, and prioritization through to deployment, benefit realization, and continuous optimization. Serve as the primary technical authority for AI planning, vendor governance, and data readiness across all RTA sectors.

Roles and Responsibilities

StrategyManage and continuously update RTA's AI and Data Science strategies to ensure full alignment with the Authority's overarching strategy, digital transformation roadmap, and relevant government priorities and directives.Develop and maintain the integrated AI and Data Science project and initiative portfolio, including roadmap formulation, priority sequencing, and resource allocation within approved Authority budgetary limits.Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies for proposed AI use cases and projects,encompassing benefit estimation, cost analysis, alternative evaluation, and total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments in coordination with relevant departments.Define and maintain the AI value and benefit measurement framework, including KPIs and metrics, to track and validate the realization of targeted benefits post-implementation across all AI solutions.Study and evaluate opportunities for scaling, reusing, and reinvesting in approved AI and data products and solutions, preparing business case studies and strategic recommendations in coordination with relevant organizational units.Develop and maintain the data readiness roadmap to ensure data sets are integrated, documented, and fitfor- purpose for AI product development, and establish a data product registry for lifecycle management.Operations:Manage the intake, review, and evaluation of AI use cases submitted by RTA sectors and stakeholders, establishing a unified mechanism for registration, assessment, and approval of all AI initiatives.Prioritize AI use cases based on approved criteria including expected value, feasibility, data availability, application readiness, risk profile, and cost, and submit prioritization recommendations to relevant departments.Prepare detailed requirements and scope of work for approved AI initiatives and projects, defining expected deliverables, success metrics, and acceptance criteria in coordination with stakeholders and concerned departments.Provide expert technical advisory to RTA sectors and departments on AI opportunities and applications, conducting technical and market studies to support solution adoption decisions.Manage vendor operations for AI solution development, including preparation of requirements, scope of work, RFIs, evaluation of technical and financial proposals, submission of recommendations, and completion of contracting procedures in coordination with relevant entities.Oversee vendor performance management, tracking contractual KPIs, delivery milestones, service levels, quality, continuity, risks, costs, and renewal/termination decisions in accordance with approved work plans and project/contract management policies.Monitor the AI portfolio performance in terms of progress, budget adherence, risks dependencies, and deliverablesprepare periodic reports and escalate stalled cases with corrective action recommendations.Product/Process ImprovementImplement awareness and capacity-building initiatives to elevate institutional knowledge of AI and Data Science capabilities across RTA, driving maturity level advancement.Continuously refine AI planning processes, evaluation frameworks, and enablement mechanisms to enhance efficiency, reduce time-to-value, and strengthen governance of AI investments.Identify and mitigate risks associated with AI systems and data initiatives, applying appropriate governance controls and ensuring compliance with UAE data privacy regulations and RTA's data maturity requirements.Apply ethical AI practices and ensure full adherence to all applicable data privacy and security regulations throughout the AI planning and enablement lifecycle.Stay current on emerging AI, machine learning, generative AI, and smart transportation technologies to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of RTA's AI strategy and portfolio.Take on additional responsibilities as assigned to support the ongoing advancement of AI and Data Science initiatives within the Authority.Physical Working Conditions:Primarily office-based work environment with standard ergonomic workstation setup.Occasional travel to RTA facilities, vendor offices, or government entities for stakeholder meetings, siteassessments, and project reviews.Extended working hours may be required during critical project milestones, portfolio reviews, or strategic planning cycles.

Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related technical field from an accredited universityExperience: 9 years of progressive professional experience in case of Master or 11 years in case of BachelorQualification:Proven expertise in AI/ML strategy development, feasibility assessment, TCO analysis, and AI project portfolio management; Strong understanding of UAE government digital transformation frameworks and data governance regulations