Apply to Gates Foundation AI Fellows Programme
JOB OPPORTUNITY: AI FELLOW – AFRICA REGIONAL OFFICES
Organisation: Gates Foundation
Locations: Abuja, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time
Duration: 12 Months Limited-Term Employment
Job Requisition ID: B021830
Application Deadline: 11 November 2026
ABOUT THE GATES FOUNDATION
The Gates Foundation is a global nonprofit organisation working to fight poverty, disease, and inequality. Its mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, has the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives.
ABOUT THE AI FELLOWS PROGRAMME
The Gates Foundation is recruiting AI Fellows for its first Africa-based cohort under its AI Fellows Programme.
The programme aims to accelerate the responsible and impactful use of Artificial Intelligence in global health, development, and education.
Selected fellows will work alongside the Foundation’s Africa team, partners, and government counterparts to develop AI-powered tools and solutions that address critical challenges across African countries.
Fellows will be assigned one or two high-priority projects and may contribute to multiple projects during the 12-month fellowship.
SAMPLE PROJECT AREAS
Develop AI-powered decision-support tools to improve financing systems and identify bottlenecks across African countries.
Design solutions to reduce stockouts of essential medicines at district and health facility levels.
Strengthen health planning and supply chain systems through AI-powered tools that prioritise interventions, forecast stockout risks, and identify opportunities for redistribution before products expire.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify real-world challenges and scope appropriate AI solutions in collaboration with project teams and partners.
Build prototypes using modern large language models and other AI tools to test solutions and generate insights.
Design and develop AI and Machine Learning models for global health and development challenges.
Prepare, manage, and integrate datasets and data pipelines while ensuring data integrity, security, and ethical use.
Evaluate AI models to ensure accuracy, fairness, reliability, and practical application.
Develop decision-support tools and integrate AI solutions into existing systems and workflows.
Support AI literacy by developing training materials, workshops, and practical guides.
Mentor team members and promote responsible AI adoption.
Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams across different sectors and countries.
Promote ethical AI practices, including data privacy, transparency, fairness, and bias mitigation.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should possess:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a relevant field.
At least 2 years of experience applying AI solutions, preferably in health or agricultural systems.
Strong understanding of modern AI and Machine Learning, including modelling and model evaluation.
Hands-on experience with Large Language Models and modern AI tools.
Software engineering and data skills required to develop end-to-end applied solutions.
Demonstrated interest in applying AI to areas such as health systems, public financial management, supply chains, and logistics.
Experience building prototypes using open-source tools or API-based AI platforms.
Strong teamwork, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to communicate technical concepts and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
A strong interest in using AI responsibly to support public good, equitable development, and global health.
Candidates should also be willing to teach, mentor, share knowledge, and support others in adopting AI tools.
WHY JOIN THE GATES AI FELLOWS PROGRAMME?
Work on important challenges in global health, development, and education.
Apply AI solutions to real-world problems across low- and middle-income countries.
Collaborate with NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies, and international organisations.
Gain exposure to senior leadership and a global professional network.
Lead high-priority projects and develop practical AI solutions.
Receive mentorship from experts in AI, health, development, and policy.
Build a portfolio of impactful projects and accelerate your professional growth.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
This is a 12-month limited-term employment position. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the country where the position is based without visa sponsorship.
Relocation support will not be provided.
Employment is subject to successful completion of a background check.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official Gates Foundation recruitment portal.
Application Deadline: 11 November 2026
