Netherlands job

Happyfolks is a next-generation AI transformation partner for governments and multilaterals across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. We combine cutting-edge AI products with deep advisory capabilities to unlock billion-dollar opportunities in health, education, and agriculture. 

Role Overview

This role sits at the intersection of AI, product, and public health systems. You will lead the design, deployment, and scale-up of AI-driven health solutions while also contributing to partnerships, funding, and portfolio expansion across the Global South. 

• Define the vision, roadmap, and success metrics for one or more AI-powered products

• Translate ambiguous problem statements into clear product strategies and priorities

• Ensure alignment between product goals and broader program or institutional objectives

• Continuously refine product direction based on feedback, data, and evolving needs

• Lead the full product lifecycle from discovery and design to deployment and iteration

• Work closely with engineering and machine learning teams to build high-quality solutions

• Drive structured execution through sprint planning, backlog management, and release cycles

• Maintain a strong focus on usability, reliability, and real-world applicability

• Anchor deployment of AI solutions within government workflows and systems

• Adapt products to local contexts including infrastructure, user behavior, and policy environments

• Ensure integration with existing digital platforms and data systems

• Identify and resolve bottlenecks that affect successful implementation

• Engage with government officials, program managers, and field staff to drive adoption

• Translate technical concepts into clear and actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with partners and collaborators

• Incorporate field feedback into continuous product improvement

• Identify and build relationships with new stakeholders across Africa including governments, multilaterals, foundations, and implementation partners

• Support the development of strategic partnerships that enable program scale and long-term engagement

• Contribute to shaping WAIG’s presence in priority countries and sectors

• Work with leadership to convert early conversations into structured opportunities

• Support the development of grant proposals, concept notes, and funding applications

• Translate product and program ideas into compelling, fundable narratives

• Collaborate with partnerships and leadership teams to align proposals with donor priorities

• Ensure that proposed solutions are grounded in practical execution plans

• Identify the right mix of products, pilots, and scaled programs within a country or sector

• Balance innovation with scalability and long-term sustainability

• Contribute to decisions on where to invest, expand, or consolidate efforts

• Help build a coherent portfolio of AI interventions aligned with regional priorities

• Collaborate with program teams, domain experts, engineers, and data scientists

• Act as the bridge between technical teams and stakeholders on the ground

• Ensure that product decisions are informed by both data and operational realities

• Drive alignment across teams working toward shared outcomes

What You Will Own

You will lead the design and scale-up of AI-driven health initiatives across the Global South, taking ownership from early problem definition through to large-scale, system-level deployment while expanding happyfolks portfolio through new partnerships, strategic opportunities, and funded programs. This includes driving program strategy, solution design, execution quality, and stakeholder alignment across governments, donors, and implementation partners, and translating opportunities into scalable, well-structured initiatives. Success in this role means embedding AI solutions within public health systems that are widely adopted, operationally sustainable, and capable of delivering measurable, long-term impact.

• 7 to 10 years of experience in product management, digital health, AI or ML products, or technology-driven programs, with a strong track record of building and scaling solutions from early stages to maturity

• Ability to work across cross-functional teams including engineering and data science, while effectively engaging with external stakeholders such as governments, donors, and institutions

• Experience or exposure to partnerships, business development, or grant writing, with the ability to translate opportunities into structured, fundable programs

• Strong problem-solving and structured thinking, with the ability to operate in ambiguous and evolving environments

• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 40%) and work closely with on-ground teams across project countries in Africa or Southeast Asia, based on program needs