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The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is inviting applications for its AI Fellows Programme in Africa, a 12-month, full-time employment opportunity for talented professionals interested in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address critical challenges in global health, development and education.

Selected fellows will join the Foundation’s first Africa-based AI Fellows cohort, working alongside the Africa team, government counterparts and partner organisations to develop responsible, practical and impactful AI solutions.

The programme offers an opportunity to work on high-priority projects, gain exposure to senior leadership, collaborate with international partners and contribute to technology-driven solutions that improve health and development outcomes across Africa.

Key Responsibilities / Programme Activities

Selected AI Fellows will be expected to:

1. Problem Identification and Scoping

• Work with the Africa team and project sponsors to identify challenges that can be addressed through AI.
• Assess user needs, local realities, data requirements and operational considerations.
• Identify suitable AI, software and analytical solutions.

2. Prototyping and Experimentation

• Develop prototypes using modern Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI tools.
• Test the feasibility of proposed solutions and develop practical demonstrations.
• Document findings and provide recommendations for further development and implementation.

3. Design and Delivery of AI Solutions

• Design and prototype AI and Machine Learning (ML) models.
• Develop decision-support tools for health and development challenges.
• Prepare, integrate and manage datasets and data pipelines.
• Conduct model evaluation and validation, ensuring accuracy, fairness and practical applicability.
• Apply software engineering practices, including clean code, version control and testing.

4. Teaching and Capacity Building

• Develop AI learning materials, workshops, guides and practical resources.
• Support AI literacy within the Foundation’s Africa team.
• Mentor colleagues on the responsible use of AI tools.

5. Collaboration and Responsible AI

• Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams across different sectors and countries.
• Support interdisciplinary problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
• Promote ethical AI practices, data privacy, fairness, transparency and accountability.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a relevant field.
• Have at least two years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in health or agricultural systems.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of modern AI and Machine Learning, including AI modelling and model evaluation.
• Have practical experience using Large Language Models and modern AI tools.
• Demonstrate software engineering, data management and analytical skills.
• Show interest in applying AI to health systems, public financial management, supply chains and logistics.
• Have strong teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
• Be able to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate commitment to responsible AI, equitable development and public good.

Relevant experience may come from professional employment, internships, research or applied coursework.

Important Employment Requirements:

• This is a 12-month limited-term, full-time employment position.
• Candidates must be legally authorised to work in the country where the position is based without visa sponsorship.
• Relocation support will not be provided.
• Successful employment is subject to a background check.

Benefits and Support

Selected fellows will benefit from:

• A 12-month full-time professional opportunity with the Gates Foundation.
• Practical experience developing AI solutions for global health, development and education.
• Opportunities to lead high-priority projects and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Mentorship and professional development from experts in AI, health, development and policy.
• Collaboration with government institutions, NGOs, academic institutions and international partners.
• Exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Opportunities to contribute to digital public goods and responsible AI innovation.
• Access to the Foundation’s international professional network.

The Foundation also advertises an employee benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage without premiums, paid leave, family leave, retirement contributions and regional holidays.

Sample Project Areas

Fellows may work on projects such as:

• Developing AI-powered decision-support tools to improve financial planning and track funding flows across African countries.
• Designing solutions to reduce stockouts of essential medicines at district and healthcare facility levels.
• Strengthening health planning and supply chain systems through predictive analytics.
• Developing tools to forecast medicine stockout risks and identify redistribution opportunities before products expire.
• Supporting better resource allocation and evidence-based decision-making in health systems.

Application Process

Interested applicants should:

1. Review the eligibility and employment requirements.
2. Prepare an updated CV and relevant academic and professional information.
3. Visit the official Gates Foundation recruitment portal.
4. Search for the position titled AI Fellow – Africa Regional Offices, requisition ID B021830.
5. Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.

Position: AI Fellow – Africa Regional Offices

Organisation: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Employment Type: Full-Time

Contract Duration: 12 Months (Limited-Term Employment)

Application Deadline: 11 November 2026

Application Link: https://gatesfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Gates/job/Nairobi-Kenya/AI-Fellow—Africa-Regional-Offices_B021830-1/apply