Lead AI Software Engineer

The Lead AI Software Engineer is responsible for leading the technical development of a series of AI solutions for MSF within the 3-year AI Accelerator Programme., The Lead AI Software Engineer is responsible for leading the technical development of a series of AI solutions for MSF within the 3-year AI Accelerator Programme. You will be supported by the Programme Manager, a Product Manager and Business Analyst, and lead a small, virtual/hybrid team of developers to develop high-value AI tools for the organization. This role combines technical expertise with leadership and strategic thinking. You will guide a team in designing and implementing scalable AI solutions whilst playing a critical role in shaping the future of MSF's AI platform, toolbox and technical strategy. The role can be based in any location, but close to UTC timezone is preferred (i.e. CET, WAT, CAT).

Main Responsibilities

· Lead and mentor a team of AI Engineers/Developers, fostering growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.

· Work closely and collaboratively with existing technical staff and developers across MSF, fostering supportive and collaborative ways of working.

· Design and build scalable AI software solutions, with a focus on APIs, RAG architectures, and agentic frameworks.

· Integrate AI solutions into existing environments and workflows, ensuring seamless operation and optimal performance. Ensuring these solutions are effectively monitored within the MSF AI environment.

· Create frameworks and robust processes to test, monitor and deploy solutions that meet business needs.

· Ensure appropriate solution documentation (including code and platform architecture) as well as security and privacy compliance is produced and maintained.

· Manage and participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and consistency.

· Support the Programme Manager in driving and enabling AI adoption across the organization as a recognized technical expert and thought leader.

We're looking for someone who brings both the required capabilities and the motivation to contribute meaningfully to our work

Required:

· Good technical understanding of front-end web technologies, operating systems and platforms.

· Proven ability to deploy and scale RAG systems and AI agents in a production environment.

· Experience in managing a small, virtual and hybrid team of software engineers/developers.

· Good understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) including fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and hands-on expertise with different models.

· Experience in humanitarian, development, or non-profit contexts is an advantage.

· Awareness of data governance, data quality, and ethical implications of AI technology.

· Excellent problem-solving skills for improving programs and resolving bugs.

Preferred:

· Experience with humanitarian, international, or non-profit work environments.

A Dutch employment contract starting asap based on 40 hours per week. This is a 1 year contract with optional renewal of 2x 1 year over the course of the 3 year programme.

A gross monthly salary, ranging from €4,875 to €6,711 depending on relevant experience (based on full-time employment in the Netherlands). If remotely - final salary / benefits are dependant on country/location and the MSF contracting office.

Other benefits for employment in the Netherlands:

· 30 days of paid leave (based on full-time contract)

· A premium-free pension plan - MSF covers 100% of contributions

· 8% holiday allowance, paid in May

· Commuting allowance (terms apply) & work-from-home allowance

· Hybrid working options available upon agreement

· Learning & Development support, including access to internal and external trainings

· A diverse, inclusive, and international work environment

· Discounted daily office lunch

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. As a non-profit, self-governed movement of over 63,000 dedicated professionals, we provide life-saving medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and exclusion from healthcare. Our work is guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. We act based on need, and when we witness injustice, we speak out. Our commitment to professionalism and humanity can mean the difference between life and death. People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnic background, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect together.