Head of ECB Artificial Intelligence Office

Remote | Frankfurt

Organization: ECB - European Central Bank
Location: Remote | Frankfurt
Grade: Senior level - Senior
Occupational Groups:
- Banking and Finance
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Security and Safety
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2025-03-03

General Information

Type of contract Fixed-term contract, which may be extended subject to individual performance and organisational needs

Contract end date 31.12.2029

Who can apply? EU nationals

Salary J (bracket 1 - step 1) full time monthly net salary: €9,438 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 03.03.2025

Your team

Background

As part of its digital transformation journey, the ECB has embarked on an ambitious artificial intelligence action plan, which focuses on:

Coordinating the process of enabling new AI solutions to bring efficiency gains or solve problems, working closely with colleagues from all of the ECB’s business areas to support AI innovation across the organisation and collect functional requirements;
Promoting AI adoption and innovation: facilitating and coordinating AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with priorities; identifying stakeholders responsible for implementing AI solutions; coordinating development and deployment across different support functions;
Maximising reuse and knowledge sharing: facilitating efficient use of human, technological, and financial resources for AI projects; promoting idea and solution sharing to optimise resource use;
Strengthening governance and compliance: working with relevant internal stakeholders to develop easy-to-use frameworks, guidelines and handbooks that support and ensure the compliant use of AI across the ECB; defining and implementing internal controls to ensure risks related to AI usage are properly identified, measured and mitigated;
Building and growing strategic partnerships: collaborating with the private sector, academics and institutions like the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub, as well as the national central banks in the Eurosystem; ensuring the strategic role of the ECB is well reflected in those interactions.

The main objective of the AI action plan is to advance the ECB’s internal and external innovation and AI adoption initiatives on three levels – strategy, coordination and execution – in a harmonised manner and in close collaboration with business areas across the ECB, guided by stakeholder needs and with the aim of embracing advanced technology.

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

Reporting directly to the ECB’s Chief Services Officer, you will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the ECB’s AI action plan. You will enable business areas to pioneer innovations, adopt new technologies and transform processes to increase productivity and develop new business capabilities. You will support and coordinate innovation projects across several support functions at the ECB, while monitoring and reporting on their success. You will also communicate ideas, pilots and solutions to colleagues to further support AI innovation. To maximise understanding of risks and compliance standards, you will coordinate the development and promote the adoption of pragmatic tools and documents on risks and compliance. On a wider scale, you will establish strategic partnerships with tech providers, start-ups and academics to accelerate the ECB’s exploration and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

More specifically, you will:

coordinate the implementation of AI initiatives;
in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, develop and communicate the ECB’s AI strategy, aligning it with the ECB’s goals and ensuring strong governance and greater added value;
advocate for AI at all levels, including the executive level, and foster a culture of innovation and compliance;
stay updated on AI trends, incorporating feedback into the ECB’s AI strategy and compliance frameworks;
build AI capabilities through knowledge sharing, continuous learning and reuse;
oversee proposals for AI solutions, coordinate regular evaluations of these solutions (via metrics and key performance indicators) and their impact on business processes, as well as reporting on the outcomes and lessons learned;
build partnerships within the ECB to gather user insights and develop new opportunities;
oversee the execution of AI projects, ensure efficient resource use and report on outcomes, while enforcing compliance with ethical and legal standards;
collaborate with ECB senior management and external partners on innovation initiatives, ensuring they meet governance and compliance requirements;
develop and strengthen relationships with relevant AI providers, academic institutions, research organisations and industry experts;
help develop and implement an organisation-wide innovation framework and governance policies;
ensure that AI deployment complies with all legal, ethical and regulatory standards, and manage associated risks;
promote continuous improvement in AI effectiveness, tracking progress with key performance indicators and ensuring compliance with governance protocols.

This role requires a visionary candidate with strong technical, leadership and project management skills. You will play a key role in integrating AI technologies, driving innovation and maintaining high standards of governance and compliance within the organisation.

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 in mathematics, engineering, statistics, data science, computer science or another relevant field (see How you can join us for details on degree equivalences);
in addition to the above, a minimum of five years’ leadership experience driving innovation within a dynamic, multicultural and international organisation;
proven experience in shaping and implementing innovative or digital transformation strategies for large, complex organisations;
a deep understanding and sound knowledge of AI concepts, technologies and architecture, data analytics and emerging trends;
familiarity with AI regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations and compliance requirements, as well as the ability to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks associated with AI projects and technologies;
excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to articulate AI concepts to both specialist and general audiences;
proven leadership skills and the ability to challenge the status quo, inspire creative thinking and champion new ideas;
experience developing and implementing AI strategies, policies or frameworks within organisations;
strong interpersonal skills and experience collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives, government agencies and external partners;
experience in managing complex projects and programmes, employing project management practices and tools – such as agile methodologies – to ensure smooth delivery and impact;
a proven track record of overseeing programme budgets, allocating resources effectively and evaluating performance outcomes;
experience in facilitation and ideation methodologies like design thinking;
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:

additional certifications in AI governance, project management or leadership;
experience in developing and implementing key performance indicators or objectives and key results for measuring the success of AI initiatives;
experience in cost control and budget management;
understanding of the financial system, including financial market infrastructures and central bank digital currencies.

You facilitate change and can articulate strategic priorities and scenarios for your team. You pursue team goals and can draw on the strengths of a diverse team to get the best results. In addition, you think strategically and create an overall vision and strategy.

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 like continuous learning, are aware of your strengths and areas for development and know what motivates you to perform at your highest level.

Further information

The formal title for this position will be Senior Adviser.

The contract offered will be fixed-term until 31 December 2029.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process for this position will be conducted in part remotely. It may include an online interview in the pre-selection phase and, if you are invited to participate in the subsequent selection phase, a written exercise, a presentation and interviews.

The selection procedure will also include a separate assessment of your leadership competencies.

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.