Posted by The World Health Organization is offering an opportunity for an experienced AI and software engineering professional to take a leadership role in advancing artificial intelligence solutions across its European operations. The AI Software Engineer Lead (P4) position is based in Istanbul, Türkiye, and is aimed at professionals who can combine strong software architecture skills with hands-on experience deploying AI and machine learning solutions in cloud environments.
The successful candidate will help shape AI/ML initiatives within WHO/Europe, lead the development of internal and external applications, manage complex data and AI pipelines, and guide technical teams in turning emerging AI technologies into reliable, scalable solutions. The role is particularly suited to senior engineers with expertise in Python, cloud-native development, Azure AI, generative AI, DevOps, data engineering and modern application architecture.
AI Software Engineer Lead Job Overview
- Job Title: AI Software Engineer Lead
- Reference: 2603449
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Grade: P4
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
- Contract: Fixed-term appointment
- Initial Duration: 1 year
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Posted: August 14, 2026
- Closing Date: September 6, 2026
- Division: EU/BOS Division of Business Operations
- Unit: Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
The appointment may be extended depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
What the AI Software Engineer Lead Will Do
This is a senior technical leadership position focused on the practical implementation and advancement of AI and machine learning initiatives within WHO/Europe.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Leading the definition and implementation of AI/ML initiatives.
- Setting project priorities, technical direction and work plans.
- Designing and implementing AI prototypes and pilot projects.
- Taking AI projects through the full development lifecycle, from data acquisition and modelling to deployment and monitoring.
- Developing internal and external applications using modern software engineering frameworks and technologies.
- Building cloud-based solutions for AI/ML workloads while optimizing performance and costs.
- Leading and mentoring AI and software engineering professionals.
- Managing large datasets used for training and testing AI models.
- Monitoring deployed AI models and continuously improving their performance.
- Establishing quality assurance processes for AI systems.
- Developing automated data and analytical pipelines.
- Supporting near real-time data ingestion, processing, dashboards and visualizations.
- Promoting ethical AI practices, including data privacy, transparency and fairness.
- Working with technical and non-technical stakeholders to translate complex AI concepts into practical solutions.
- Identifying and mitigating technical, security, compliance and data-related risks.
- Managing project resources, budgets and technology tools.
- Working with WHO headquarters to ensure compliance with relevant technology policies and standards.
Required Qualifications
WHO is looking for a highly experienced technology professional with a strong combination of software engineering, cloud computing and AI expertise.
Education
Candidates should have:
- An advanced university degree in software engineering, computer science or another relevant discipline.
- Certifications in areas such as DevOps, React or Python are desirable.
Professional Experience
Applicants are expected to have at least seven years of relevant and progressively responsible experience.
This should include experience with:
- Software engineering and architecture.
- Cloud-native applications for internal and external users.
- Deploying AI models in cloud environments.
- Integrating generative AI solutions.
- Automated analytical pipelines.
- Institutionalizing AI/ML solutions within organizations.
- Managing complex application and service portfolios.
- Front-end technologies including HTML5, CSS/SASS and JavaScript.
- SQL and NoSQL databases.
Technical Skills
The role requires strong practical knowledge across several areas of modern technology.
Key technical requirements include:
- AI and machine learning frameworks and methodologies.
- Production deployment and monitoring of AI/ML models.
- Python, Java or JavaScript/Node.
- AI-related libraries and APIs.
- Microsoft Azure AI solutions.
- Azure AI Search, including indexes, indexers and skillsets.
- Development of custom skillsets for enhanced search capabilities.
- Generative AI integration.
- DevOps principles and CI/CD.
- Docker and Kubernetes.
- Data engineering and large-scale datasets.
- Data cleaning, analysis and feature engineering.
- Algorithms, data structures and computational complexity.
- System design and software architecture.
Leadership and Collaboration
Beyond technical expertise, the position requires someone capable of leading people and communicating effectively across different parts of a large international organization.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Lead and mentor AI and software professionals.
- Encourage innovation and continuous learning.
- Work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Translate complex technical requirements into actionable designs and solutions.
- Promote teamwork, efficiency and critical thinking.
- Create an empowering and motivating working environment.
- Communicate complex AI concepts in an accessible manner.
WHO also identifies teamwork, communication, producing results, respect for cultural differences and adaptability among the competencies required for the position.
Language Requirements
- English: Expert knowledge required.
- French: Intermediate knowledge desirable.
- Russian: Intermediate knowledge desirable.
- German: Intermediate knowledge desirable.
Salary and Benefits
The position comes with an international professional remuneration package.
The advertised remuneration includes:
- Annual base salary starting at USD 86,027
- Post adjustment currently amounting to USD 3,369 per month for the Istanbul duty station
- 30 days of annual leave
- Allowances for dependent family members
- Home leave
- Education grant for dependent children
- Parental leave
- Flexible work arrangements
- Other WHO staff benefits
The base salary is subject to mandatory deductions such as pension contributions and health insurance, where applicable.
Who Should Consider This Opportunity?
This position is particularly relevant to senior technology professionals who have progressed beyond simply developing AI models and can lead the entire process of turning AI concepts into production-ready systems.
Strong candidates are likely to have experience combining:
AI/ML + Software Engineering + Cloud + Data Engineering + DevOps + Technical Leadership
Professionals with substantial experience in Azure AI, generative AI, cloud-native application development and production AI systems may find the role especially relevant.
A Senior AI Role With International Impact
The position offers more than a conventional software engineering leadership role. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of technology solutions supporting WHO’s work across the European Region.
With AI increasingly becoming part of how international organizations process information, automate workflows and deliver digital services, the role places a strong emphasis on building systems that are not only technically capable but also secure, scalable, transparent and responsibly deployed.
For experienced AI and software engineering professionals seeking an international career opportunity, the WHO’s AI Software Engineer Lead position provides an opportunity to apply advanced technology skills within a global public-health organization while helping shape its evolving digital and AI capabilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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