AI Manager at Code for Africa (CfA)

About the Role:

The successful candidate will join CfA’s Technology team. The Tech team is distributed across East/West Africa and benchmarks itself on similar civic technology initiatives elsewhere in the world that build digital democracy solutions.

As an AI Manager, you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing CfA’s AI strategy to drive positive social change. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will lead and collaborate with a diverse team of technologists, designers, and product managers in designing and deploying AI-driven solutions that align with CfA’s goals. You will also work closely with stakeholders to build trust, mitigate risks and increase accountability around the applications of AI.

Some of the products that you may work with us on include: 

1. Our machine learning and natural language processing analysis platforms (such as CivicSignal and connectedAFRICA) 
2. Our bots and widgets (such as DebunkBot, BiscuitIndex and TaxClock)
3. Our public-facing web platforms and tools (such as PesaYetu, HURUmap, Afrileaks, and FeedShield)

Responsibilities: Your daily tasks will include:

• Develop the vision and roadmap for impactful AI/Gen AI initiatives spanning areas such as civic engagement, public policy, journalism, and social impact.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of AI professionals capable of implementing this vision, fostering their professional growth, expertise, and collaboration.
• Uphold best practices across the AI lifecycle – unbiased data, transparent modelling, and ethical deployment.
• Collaborate across teams to identify high-impact, socially beneficial AI use cases and ensure seamless integration.
• Build trust by engaging all stakeholders, communities, government, and industry to align AI efforts.
• Spearhead robust governance for ethical AI that mitigates risks and increases accountability
• Lead AI literacy and capacity-building initiatives across stakeholder groups.
• Explore innovative practices like participatory AI for increased representation and inclusion.
• Represent the organisation’s AI thought leadership and build strategic AI partnerships.

Required: minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related technical field
• 3+ years driving successful AI/ML applications in engineering, research or product roles.
• Expertise in modern AI techniques such as NLP, Multimodal LLMs (such as Meta’s LLaMA), and Python.
• Proven ability to build and manage high-performing AI teams that deliver cost-effective AI/ML solutions.
• Understanding of socio-cultural contexts related to AI use cases across Africa.
• Passion for applying ethical, human-centred AI design to create a positive societal impact.
• Exceptional communication skills to build trust and AI understanding across stakeholders.

Preferred: candidates can demonstrate the following will have an advantage:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science or a related technical field.
• Experience with civic tech tools and platforms, particularly election and media monitoring, transparency and accountability, or data platforms.
• Experience working with government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs) or community-based organisations (CBOs) in Africa.
• Experience with data analysis, visualisation, or storytelling to communicate complex AI/ML concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of grant management processes and experience in working with international donors is a plus.

Language and Location Requirements:

• Location: This position offers full remote flexibility, so we welcome applications from talented individuals throughout Africa.
• Languages: English
• Preferred but not required: Arabic, French, KiSwahili or any other major language spoken in Africa.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary, subject to experience, with opportunities for performance-based growth, both in terms of career path and public stature.
• Medical insurance cover, underwritten by a remote-first provider to ensure cover wherever you are
• A dynamic workplace, with a transnational team, occasional international travel, and generous vacation benefits.
• Ongoing opportunities to learn new cutting-edge skills and techniques/technologies to future-proof yourself in a rapidly evolving industry.
• A chance to shine on a global stage, writing for international audiences and interacting with colleagues around the world.