What You’ll Do
At DAKOTA, you will assume leadership of the AI Operations team from the outset, driving delivery, expanding the function’s capabilities, and demonstrating its impact. Your team will develop automation solutions and intelligent agents for internal processes while serving as internal consultants, guiding Engineering in integrating AI into customer-facing offerings. We invite you to contribute to an initiative that merges innovative AI technologies with mission-driven work, advancing digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
Your primary duties will include undertaking a range of critical tasks essential to the role’s success, with a focus on delivering measurable results and contributing to overarching organizational objectives. Key responsibilities involve executing strategic initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices while maintaining high standards of performance. Additionally, you will be tasked with analyzing complex data to inform decision-making, optimizing processes for efficiency, and mentoring junior staff to enhance overall productivity and professional growth within the team.
Oversee a team of two AI Ops Engineers, taking full ownership of their project delivery, technical development, and daily operational tasks.
Efficiently prioritize tasks by adeptly handling competing requests from various teams, utilizing a well-defined prioritization framework that you will both develop and enhance.
Develop and deploy automation solutions and intelligent agents designed to deliver tangible enhancements in operational efficiency for both internal teams and customer-facing personnel.
Maintain the integrity and performance of the AI tooling infrastructure as its adoption expands to serve over 2,500 employees.
To remain informed about the latest advancements in AI tools and technologies, discerning between fleeting trends and practical solutions is essential.
Assist in enhancing AI training initiatives across the broader organization, specifically collaborating with Engineering teams.
The technical environment encompasses a diverse range of systems, tools, and platforms integral to the organization’s operations. It includes hardware infrastructure, software applications, databases, and network configurations, all of which must be maintained, updated, and secured to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Additionally, the environment supports various development, testing, and production stages, facilitating seamless collaboration among teams. Proficiency in these technologies, along with adherence to best practices in cybersecurity and compliance, is essential for maintaining a robust and efficient technical ecosystem.
Proficient knowledge of AI and agentic frameworks is essential, including expertise with Claude, Claude Code, Anthropic tooling, Lang Chain, MCP, Google ADK, or comparable agentic solutions.
Automation & Prototyping: Develop and implement scripting solutions, workflow optimization tools, and AI-assisted development methodologies. Additionally, facilitate rapid prototyping using platforms like Tercel and Railway to enhance efficiency and innovation in project execution.
Enterprise tooling involves managing identity automation through Microsoft Entra, developing and maintaining internal platforms, and integrating systems with Notion and HiBob to enhance operational efficiency and collaboration across the organization.
Twelve months have already passed since the deployment of automated processes leveraging Claude, Notion, HiBob, and Entry within our production environment.
Our Approach
This role is not merely advisory; instead, it is an active, hands-on position where you will develop and deploy fully functional automations and agents.
Deliver measurable value initially, subsequently scaling the initiative. Begin with a team of two engineers, establishing tangible impact, and thereafter expand the scope progressively.
A product-oriented mindset is essential, requiring the treatment of internal teams as valued customers and the development of effective tools to meet their needs.
Evaluate emerging AI tools based on their tangible benefits rather than their promotional appeal.
What You Need
We seek a technically adept professional with a product-centric mindset. While data science model development falls outside this role’s purview—handled by dedicated Data Science teams—your focus will be on creating intelligent agents, deploying automations, and spearheading a team dedicated to optimizing DAKOTA’s operational efficiency and speed.
Required Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a similar role, with a strong background in project management, strategic planning, or business analysis. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is essential. Experience with industry-specific software or tools is preferred. Excellent organizational and communication skills are necessary to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders. A degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or a related field is required, with additional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) highly valued.
Proven expertise in creating automation solutions, including scripting, workflow optimization tools, or AI-assisted development frameworks.
Proven expertise in developing agents with agentic frameworks such as Lang Chain, MCP, Google ADK, or comparable technologies is required.
Background in enterprise tooling, including rapid prototyping solutions such as Tercel or Railway, identity automation platforms like Entry, or internal platform development, is required.
You possess demonstrated leadership in guiding and mentoring engineering teams, with a proven ability to drive team performance, ensure timely project delivery, and foster professional growth.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
