Are you a recent graduate or final-year master’s student with a passion for data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and the potential of technology to drive transformative change across Africa? The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) invites you to join its Graduate Trainee Programme — a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful science-based initiatives, and develop skills that will elevate your career.
At SFA Foundation, we believe that Africa’s future lies in its ability to harness science, technology, and innovation to address some of the most pressing developmental challenges on the continent. Through this vision, we are building an ecosystem where science not only thrives but leads to sustainable development and prosperity.
As part of our holistic approach to nurturing science in Africa, we invest in the next generation of scientists and technologists — individuals who are committed to advancing knowledge, strengthening institutions, and driving impactful change. Our Graduate Trainee Programme offers an ideal learning platform for young professionals to gain real-world experience, contribute to mission-driven projects, and sharpen their technical and interpersonal skills in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
If you’re ready to launch your career with purpose, apply for the position of Graduate Trainee – Data and AI at the Science for Africa Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.
About the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation)
The SFA Foundation is a non-profit, public charity organisation dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and promoting science and innovation throughout the African continent. Our goal is to generate scientific knowledge that informs policy, solves local problems, and fosters collaboration among African researchers.
Our strategic pillars include:
- Funding and enabling world-class research and innovation.
- Building ecosystems and institutions conducive for scientists to thrive.
- Strengthening the entire value chain from early discovery to translation science.
- Promoting intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our various programmes, grant-making schemes, and our focus on nurturing young professionals in the fields of science, data, and innovation.
SFA Foundation Graduate Trainee Programme
The SFA Foundation’s Graduate Trainee Programme is a structured, one-year fixed-term opportunity for passionate, analytical, and motivated individuals who are eager to grow their skills in a professional setting. The program is designed to provide mentorship, real-time learning, and practical exposure to the inner workings of Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.
While the programme does not guarantee employment at the SFA Foundation after the traineeship ends, it offers invaluable professional experience that positions you strongly for future roles in data science, AI, and science-based policy development.
Position: Graduate Trainee – Data and AI
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Programmes
Reporting To: Data Officer
Contract Type: One-year Fixed Term
Job Purpose
This position offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for a graduate trainee to contribute directly to the work of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and the wider Programmes Department. The role is ideal for someone passionate about using data science and AI to advance science-driven development across Africa.
You will be part of a team working to:
- Enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration across the continent.
- Support evidence-based decision-making processes.
- Build institutional knowledge and organisational learning capacity.
This position provides real-world exposure to AI and data science projects, making it perfect for individuals interested in the practical application of emerging technologies to real development challenges.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
As a Graduate Trainee – Data and AI, you will:
- Assist in gathering, cleaning, and organising data from various sources to ensure readiness for analysis and AI modelling.
- Perform basic data analysis and generate visualisations such as charts and dashboards to present insights clearly to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, test, and refine AI-based tools for knowledge organisation, retrieval, and recommendation systems.
- Support the population and management of a digital knowledge repository, ensuring ease of use and accessibility.
- Conduct research on best practices in AI and data science for knowledge management and document key processes, learnings, and recommendations.
- Offer technical support to team members and programme stakeholders to meet their data needs.
- Undertake any other duties that may be assigned to support the team’s objectives.
Person Specifications
Academic Qualifications
- Currently in the final year of or have recently completed a master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
Experience
- No prior work experience is required, making this opportunity ideal for fresh graduates.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- Familiarity with techniques and frameworks for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.
- Experience in data visualisation and data storytelling.
- Knowledge of machine learning frameworks is an added advantage.
- Skilled in programming languages, preferably Python and R.
- Excellent research and documentation abilities.
- Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate within a team environment.
- Effective communication skills for engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Why Join the SFA Foundation Graduate Trainee Programme?
- Real-World Experience: Contribute to projects that have a direct impact on Africa’s scientific and developmental landscape.
- Mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals and leaders in data science, AI, and science innovation.
- Professional Growth: Enhance your technical, research, and communication skills while working in a supportive environment.
- Networking: Connect with a pan-African network of researchers, policymakers, and innovation partners.
How to Apply
If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate who is passionate about AI, data science, and applying technology for good, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
To apply:
- Submit a cover letter (no more than two pages) explaining your interest in this role and how your background aligns with the job requirements.
- Include a current CV (not exceeding five pages) with contact information for three professional referees.
- Save and label your documents in MS Word or PDF format using this format:
FirstName-LastName-DocumentName-mmYY
(e.g., Deus-Wan-CV-092022-SFA Foundation or Deus-Wan-CoverLetter-092022-SFA Foundation)
Send your application to:
recruitment@scienceforafrica.foundation
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application Deadline:
Tuesday, 29 April 2025