Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Machine Learning/Data Engineer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Temporary (6 months)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Not specified
• Category/Department: Data Science and Evaluation (DSE)
• Reporting To: Not specified
• Application Deadline: July 4, 2025
• Reference Number: APHRC/MLDE/2025

Introduction

The data scientist jobs in kenya opportunity as a Machine Learning/Data Engineer in Nairobi presents an exciting career opportunity for professionals passionate about leveraging AI to drive impactful research in Africa. This temporary 6-month position is designed for a skilled individual to develop and optimize AI-powered applications, ensuring seamless integration of machine learning models and Large Language Model (LLM) APIs. Based in Nairobi, this role offers a chance to contribute to transformative projects in health, education, and urbanization, aligning with Kenya’s growing demand for data-driven solutions. Ideal for those with expertise in AI model deployment and cloud-native DevOps, this position is a gateway to making a tangible difference in sub-Saharan Africa’s research ecosystem.

About African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier African-led, non-profit research-to-policy institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Operating across sub-Saharan Africa, APHRC focuses on generating high-quality, evidence-based research to inform policy and promote sustainable development in areas such as population health, education, and urbanization. With a presence in over 30 African countries, APHRC is recognized for its commitment to strengthening research capacity and fostering evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). The organization champions the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles of data management, ensuring secure and user-friendly data access. APHRC’s innovative approach has earned it accolades as a leader in Africa’s research and development ecosystem, making it an ideal workplace for professionals dedicated to social impact.

Key Responsibilities

The Machine Learning/Data Engineer will drive the development and deployment of AI solutions, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. Key responsibilities include:

• Integrate machine learning models (TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, PyTorch) into mobile and web applications to enable real-time AI functionalities.
• Develop and optimize Large Language Model (LLM) APIs, such as OpenAI, DeepSeek, Claude, and Llama, using advanced prompt engineering techniques.
• Build Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and fine-tune models to enhance AI performance for research applications.
• Design Dockerized AI services to ensure portability and scalability across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Manage container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes—EKS, GKE, AKS) to deploy and maintain AI workloads efficiently.
• Automate CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, ArgoCD, or Jenkins to streamline updates and deployments.
• Monitor API latency to ensure real-time responsiveness of AI services, leveraging tools like Prometheus and Grafana.
• Optimize cloud resource costs (AWS, GCP, Azure, or OpenStack) to maintain cost-effective infrastructure.
• Implement comprehensive disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity for critical AI services.
• Maintain secure API interactions with AI models, adhering to data privacy and security best practices.
• Document AI workflows, data pipelines, and deployment processes to support cross-team collaboration.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and policy experts to align AI solutions with research objectives.
• Troubleshoot deployment bottlenecks and optimize system performance to ensure high availability.
• Support technical training and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the Data Science and Evaluation team.

Qualifications and Skills

To succeed in this data scientist jobs in kenya role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and demonstrate the listed skills:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field with a specialization in AI/ML.
• Two years’ experience in DevOps or cloud roles, including at least one year dedicated to AI model deployment.
• Hands-on experience integrating machine learning models (TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, PyTorch) into mobile applications.
• Proficiency with Large Language Model (LLM) APIs (e.g., OpenAI, DeepSeek, Claude, Llama), including advanced prompt engineering.
• Experience building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, fine-tuning models, and developing agent-based systems.
• Strong familiarity with AI orchestration frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen.
• Knowledge of vector databases (FAISS, Chroma, Pinecone, Weaviate) for efficient data retrieval.
• Proficiency in Python data transformation tools, including pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, and pyCaret.
• Expertise in ML model deployment tools like MLflow or Seldon Core.
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker) and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes—EKS, GKE, AKS).
• Mastery of cloud services on AWS, GCP, Azure, or on-premises equivalents like OpenStack.
• Strong experience in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Pulumi.
• Proficiency in setting up CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, ArgoCD, or Jenkins.
• Familiarity with monitoring and logging solutions such as Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack.
• Knowledge of model quantization and edge AI for efficient on-device inference.
• Experience with model serving platforms like TensorFlow Serving or Triton Inference Server.
• Competency in database scaling and management (PostgreSQL/MySQL) for AI workloads.

Preferred Skills

• Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve deployment bottlenecks.
• Cost optimization expertise for managing cloud and on-premises infrastructure expenses.
• Security-focused mindset to ensure robust, secure AI application deployments.
• Scalable architecture design capabilities to build efficient AI systems.
• Excellent documentation skills to produce clear, comprehensive records of AI workflows.
• Teamwork and communication abilities to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field are an advantage but not mandatory.

Company Culture and Values

APHRC fosters a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment that empowers employees to drive meaningful change. The organization is committed to:

• Accountability and Transparency: Ensuring all processes align with ethical research and data management standards.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated.
• Continuous Learning: Providing opportunities for professional growth through collaboration with leading African researchers.
• Social Impact: Promoting evidence-informed decision-making to address Africa’s health and development challenges.
• Innovation: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to advance research outcomes.

Employees are encouraged to take initiative, work in cross-functional teams, and contribute to APHRC’s mission of transforming lives through research and policy advocacy.

How to Apply

Apply now for the data scientist jobs in kenya position as a Machine Learning/Data Engineer at APHRC. Interested candidates should submit the following documents via the official recruitment portal at ats.flexi-personnel.com by July 4, 2025:

• A detailed CV including contact details of three professional referees.
• A cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation for the role.
• Copies of academic certificates and other relevant credentials.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate at a later stage of the recruitment process. APHRC is an equal-opportunity employer and does not require applicants to make any payments at any stage of the recruitment process. For more details, visit: APHRC Careers.

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Tags

data scientist jobs in kenya, machine learning engineer, AI jobs in Nairobi, DevOps roles in Kenya, temporary jobs in Kenya

Detailed Role Overview

The data scientist jobs in kenya opportunity as a Machine Learning/Data Engineer is a pivotal role within APHRC’s Data Science and Evaluation (DSE) Theme. This position focuses on developing scalable, secure, and efficient AI solutions to support APHRC’s mission of generating evidence for policy action. The successful candidate will work on integrating machine learning models and LLMs into mobile and web applications, ensuring high performance and accessibility for researchers and stakeholders across sub-Saharan Africa.

Why This Role Matters

In Kenya’s rapidly evolving data ecosystem, the demand for skilled professionals in data scientist jobs in kenya is growing. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI innovation, addressing critical challenges in health, education, and urbanization. By leveraging advanced AI tools and frameworks, the Machine Learning/Data Engineer will contribute to projects that have a direct impact on policy-making and community development in Kenya and beyond.

Working at APHRC

APHRC’s Nairobi headquarters is located in a vibrant hub of innovation, offering access to cutting-edge research facilities and a collaborative work environment. The organization’s commitment to FAIR data principles ensures that all AI solutions prioritize data accessibility, security, and privacy. As a Machine Learning/Data Engineer, you will have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with leading African researchers and data scientists.
• Work on projects that influence policy decisions across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools like LangChain, FAISS, and Kubernetes.
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on sustainable development.

Career Growth Opportunities

This temporary role provides a platform to build a robust portfolio of AI projects, positioning you as a leader in data scientist jobs in kenya. You’ll gain expertise in:

• Deploying AI models in real-world applications.
• Optimizing cloud infrastructure for cost and performance.
• Building scalable AI architectures for research purposes.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful solutions.

Nairobi: A Hub for Innovation

Nairobi is a dynamic city known for its role as a center for technology and research in Africa. Working in Nairobi offers access to a thriving ecosystem of startups, NGOs, and research institutions. The city’s cultural diversity and vibrant professional community make it an ideal location for professionals seeking to advance their careers in data scientist jobs in kenya.

Technical Environment

The Machine Learning/Data Engineer will work with a range of advanced tools and platforms, including:

• AI Frameworks: TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, PyTorch, LangChain, LlamaIndex.
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, GCP, Azure, OpenStack.
• Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes (EKS, GKE, AKS).
• CI/CD Tools: GitHub Actions, ArgoCD, Jenkins.
• Monitoring Solutions: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack.
• Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, FAISS, Pinecone.

This technical environment ensures that you’ll stay at the cutting edge of AI and data science, enhancing your skills in data scientist jobs in kenya.

Commitment to FAIR Data Principles

APHRC’s adherence to FAIR data principles ensures that all AI solutions developed in this role will prioritize accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. This commitment aligns with global best practices in data management and positions APHRC as a leader in ethical AI deployment.

Application Tips

To stand out in your application for this data scientist jobs in kenya role:

• Highlight your experience with AI model deployment and cloud-native DevOps.
• Provide specific examples of projects involving LLMs, RAG pipelines, or vector databases.
• Emphasize your ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and document technical processes.
• Ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the role’s technical and mission-driven requirements.

Additional Information

• No Recruitment Fees: APHRC does not charge any fees or require payments from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. Report any suspicious activity to APHRC’s official channels.
• Equal Opportunity: APHRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive.
• Contact: For inquiries, reach out to APHRC at their Nairobi office: APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Conclusion

The data scientist jobs in kenya role as a Machine Learning/Data Engineer at APHRC is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative AI projects in Africa’s research ecosystem. With a focus on scalability, security, and innovation, this position is ideal for professionals eager to make a difference through data-driven solutions. Apply today to join a mission-driven organization and advance your career in data scientist jobs in kenya.