Want to lead Whitehall's AI strategy? AI experience is not essential

The UK government is seeking a leader to guide its AI strategy for civil servants, but AI experience is not a prerequisite for the role. The Cabinet Office is offering a position as Head of Strategy and Engagement within its Digital, Data, Innovation and AI team, or DDI & AI, with a salary up to £83,355 ($113,000). The chosen individual will play a crucial role in designing and delivering a long-term, impactful vision for the team, shaping its strategy, keeping track of industry developments, and collaborating with experts across government, industry, and academia.

Their key responsibilities will also involve developing policy positions, ministerial submissions, and building productive collaborative relationships.

Essential qualifications for the role focus on leadership, strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to establish trustful working relationships. Notably, there is no strict requirement for previous AI, digital, data, or innovation experience, although it is listed as a desirable criterion. The DDI & AI team's responsibilities primarily involve enhancing the skills of non-digital specialists across the government, with the vacancy stressing strategy, planning, and engagement over technical work.

The Cabinet Office clarified that the role is not primarily technical, and the team already comprises individuals with AI expertise, working alongside specialists from across government, academia, and the tech industry.

Interestingly, the government previously sought an AI and Innovation Director, who would have been tasked with fostering an AI-first culture in the Civil Service. For that position, a deep understanding of the AI landscape was considered essential. In recent months, the Cabinet Office has been seeking a person to help improve AI and digital skills across hundreds of thousands of civil servants.

Despite the emphasis on AI in various aspects, the new Head of Strategy and Engagement can demonstrate their qualifications through their own experiences, rather than relying on AI-generated material, as failure to do so could result in the application being withdrawn.