Unit Head – Data Science (AVP / VP) - TJ / 1913678

National Bank of Pakistan, one of the country’s largest and most reputable financial institutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional for the position of Unit Head – Data Science (AVP / VP) based in Karachi. The Bank is committed to supporting the nation’s financial well-being and driving sustainable growth through its extensive local and international network. This role is integral to advancing the Bank’s digital banking strategy by leading data science initiatives that foster innovation and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive data science frameworks aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives.
- Oversee and manage the data science portfolio to ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment with business goals.
- Collaborate closely with business, IT, and analytics teams to design and deploy actionable AI/ML models and solutions.
- Lead data governance efforts and monitor model performance to support informed decision-making.
- Conduct workshops and participate in steering committees to maintain transparency and alignment across departments.
- Evaluate and implement advanced analytics tools such as Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau to enhance data capabilities.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing data science team, fostering both technical expertise and strategic thinking.
- Define KPIs, monitor relevant metrics, and assess the business impact of data science initiatives.
- Spearhead the evaluation and enterprise-wide adoption of Generative AI and Agentic AI use cases, from proof-of-concept to rollout.
- Establish governance and risk frameworks specific to Generative AI, including data privacy, prompt security, and model access controls, while collaborating with IT Security to mitigate LLM-related risks such as prompt injection and data exfiltration.
- Perform additional assignments as directed by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum graduation in Business Administration, Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent from a university or institute recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
- At least six years of professional experience in Banking, Telecom, Fintech, Capital Markets, Financial Institutions, or Technology Services, with a minimum of three years focused on Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, or AI solution development.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive data science initiatives and translate complex data challenges into actionable business strategies.
- Strong technical proficiency in data science methodologies, including machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics tools such as Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau.
- Working knowledge of Generative AI and Agentic AI concepts, including prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector databases/embeddings, and agent orchestration frameworks like LangChain or equivalents.
- Familiarity with LLMOps practices, including model evaluation, hallucination monitoring, cost and latency management, and Responsible AI/AI governance principles applicable to regulated environments.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Engineering, Information Technology, or relevant professional certifications in Data Science or Data Analytics will be an advantage.
- Experience with Data Science Frameworks, Data Governance, Machine Learning Operations, and performance monitoring is highly desirable.
- Hands-on experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and foundation-model deployment will be preferred.
- Employment will be on a contractual basis for three years, with the possibility of renewal at the management’s discretion. The compensation package and benefits will be offered as per the Bank’s policies.
- National Bank of Pakistan is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, religion, or disability.

The position is based in Karachi. Only shortlisted candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be invited for panel interviews. No travel allowance or daily allowance will be provided for the interview process. Applications must be submitted within 10 working days from the date of the job posting. Late applications will not be considered.