Head of Artificial Intelligence Office

General Information

Type of contract Fixed-term contract which may be converted into a permanent contract after five years subject to individual performance and organisational needs

Who can apply? EU nationals

Salary J (bracket 1 - step 1) full time monthly net salary: €9,657 plus benefits, for further information see what we offer .

Role specialisation Leadership

Working time Full time

Place of work Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Closing date 27.04.2026

Your team

You will report directly to the ECB’s Chief Services Officer. As part of its digital transformation strategy, the ECB has launched an ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) action plan. Its main objective is to drive internal and external innovation and foster AI adoption across three key levels: strategy, coordination and execution. This will be achieved through a unified approach that works closely with business areas across the ECB, aligns with stakeholder needs and integrates advanced technology effectively.

In your role as Head of the Artificial Intelligence Office, you will manage and coordinate a team of experts with whom you will work closely. You will be responsible for setting the ECB’s AI strategy, managing the action plan and ensuring projects are appropriately governed and assessed. You will work with senior leaders and partners across the institution to encourage collaboration and help establish the ECB as a reputable authority in AI.

The ECB is an inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We encourage you to apply irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other characteristics.

Your role

As Head of the Artificial Intelligence Office, you will:

• set the strategic direction for AI adoption across the ECB, ensuring all initiatives align with institutional priorities and deliver measurable value;
• oversee the design and implementation of governance structures, policies and frameworks for AI, ensuring compliance with regulatory, ethical and organisational standards;
• secure and allocate resources to enable the successful delivery of AI initiatives and support organisational transformation;
• establish and maintain high-level partnerships with external stakeholders, including technology providers, academic institutions and international organisations, to advance the ECB’s AI capabilities and influence;
• monitor and evaluate the overall impact of AI initiatives, using key performance indicators and organisational feedback to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making;
• act as the ultimate point of accountability for AI-related risks, ensuring that robust risk management frameworks are in place and effective across all AI activities;
• foster a culture of ethical, responsible and innovative AI use, championing continuous learning and knowledge sharing throughout the organisation;
• represent the ECB in external fora, industry groups and regulatory discussions, cementing the institution’s reputation in the field of AI.

The position offers you excellent opportunities to play a key role in integrating AI technologies, driving innovation and maintaining high standards of governance and compliance within the ECB. You will be part of a multicultural team that strives for continuous innovation to make a positive impact on the lives of European citizens.

Qualifications, Experience And Skills

Essential:

• a master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, statistics, mathematics, engineering or another relevant field (see How you can join us for details on degree equivalences);
• in addition to the above, a minimum of eight years’ professional experience in shaping and implementing innovation or digital transformation strategies;
• experience in driving and overseeing innovation within a large, dynamic, multicultural and international organisation;
• proven experience in setting up and implementing AI or digital strategies in complex organisations and a deep understanding of AI concepts, architectures, technologies and emerging trends, as well as strong knowledge of data analytics;
• experience in managing or coordinating a team focusing on innovation;
• the proven ability to shape governance structures, policies or frameworks for AI and to ensure alignment with organisational priorities;
• a solid understanding of AI or other digital regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations and compliance requirements;
• the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with technology;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to explain AI concepts to specialist and general audiences;
• an advanced (C1) command of English and an intermediate (B1) command of at least one other official language of the EU, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages .

Desired:

• experience in designing and applying key performance indicators or objectives and key results to measure AI adoption and impact;
• experience in cost control and budget management.

You engage collaboratively with others. You pursue team goals and can draw on the strengths of a diverse team to get the best results. You support the efforts of team members to develop their abilities and are able to build up high-performing teams. You facilitate change and can articulate strategic priorities and scenarios for your team.

You are motivated to contribute to the ECB’s mission, to serve the citizens of the EU as a member of a public institution and to work with colleagues from all over Europe.

You are aware of your strengths and areas for development and know what motivates you to perform at your highest level.

Working modalities

We would be happy to discuss a part-time arrangement for this role.

Further information

The formal title for this position will be Senior Adviser.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process for this position will be conducted in part onsite. It will include a written exercise, a presentation and interviews.

If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list (see step 4 of How we hire ), from which you might be considered for similar positions within the ECB.

Find out how to apply for a position at the ECB.