What You’ll Do
At DAKOTA, you will immediately take charge of the AI Operations team, spearheading its delivery, expansion, and impact validation. Your team will design and implement automation solutions and AI-driven agents for internal processes while providing expert guidance to Engineering teams on integrating AI into customer-facing products. Join us in merging innovative AI technologies with mission-driven initiatives that advance digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
You will be responsible for performing a variety of critical tasks, including overseeing key operations, managing project timelines, and ensuring adherence to established protocols. This role demands strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Additionally, you will lead initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, streamline workflows, and uphold compliance with organizational standards. Proficiency in relevant software tools, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this position.
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 managing competing demands from various teams, utilizing a structured prioritization framework that you will both develop and refine.
Develop and deploy automation solutions and AI-driven agents designed to significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of internal teams as well as customer-facing staff.
Ensure the stability and performance of the AI tooling infrastructure as its usage expands to support over 2,500 employees.
To remain apprised of advancements in AI tools and technologies, one must discern between fleeting trends and genuinely impactful innovations, ensuring informed decision-making in their application.
Assist in enhancing AI training initiatives across the broader organization, particularly for Engineering teams.
We operate within a dynamic technical environment encompassing cutting-edge software development tools, robust cloud infrastructure, and agile project methodologies. Candidates must possess expertise in at least one programming language, such as Python, Java, or C++, alongside proficiency in database management systems, including SQL or NoSQL. Additionally, familiarity with DevOps practices, containerization technologies like Docker, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is essential. Strong problem-solving aptitudes, collaborative teamwork capabilities, and a commitment to best practices in software engineering are also required. Experience with version control systems, such as Git, and a solid understanding of networking fundamentals will be advantageous.
Experienced with advanced AI and agentic frameworks, including but not limited to, Claude, Claude Code, Anthropic tooling, Lang Chain, MCP, and Google ADK or comparable agentic solutions.
Automation and Prototyping: Develop and implement scripting solutions, leverage workflow tools, utilize AI-assisted development methodologies, and facilitate rapid prototyping through platforms such as Tercel and Railway.
Enterprise Tooling encompasses the implementation and management of identity automation solutions, including Entry, alongside the development and maintenance of internal platforms, as well as the seamless integration of Notion and HiBob systems to enhance operational efficiency and collaboration.
Twelve months of operational experience have been established in production environments with automations built on Claude, Notion, HiBob, and Entry.
Our Approach
Craft functional automations and agents from the ground up rather than providing recommendations; this is a practical team focused on delivering operational solutions.
Prove the value initially, then scale the effort—beginning with a team of two engineers, establish measurable outcomes, and subsequently expand based on demonstrated results.
Maintain a product-centric approach by prioritizing the needs of internal teams as if they were customers, and develop tools designed to deliver practical, effective solutions.
Evaluate emerging AI tools based on their tangible benefits rather than promotional claims, ensuring a focus on practical utility overexaggerated marketing narratives.
What You Need
We seek a technically proficient professional with a strong product orientation to drive operational excellence at DAKOTA. While our Data Science teams focus on model development, your role will center on constructing intelligent agents, deploying automation solutions, and guiding a team to enhance the efficiency and intelligence of our internal processes.
Required Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in a related field, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial role, is necessary. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as business administration, finance, or engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and team leadership is essential. Familiarity with industry-specific software, compliance regulations, and data analysis tools is also required.
Proficiency in designing and implementing automation solutions, including scripting, workflow tools, or AI-assisted development, is required.
Hands-on experience in developing agents with agentic frameworks such as Lang Chain, MCP, Google ADK, or comparable tools is required.
Background encompassing enterprise tooling, rapid prototyping solutions such as Tercel or Railway, identity automation frameworks like Entry, or development of internal platforms is required.
You possess a proven track record in leading and guiding engineers, demonstrating the ability to take ownership of a team’s delivery and professional growth.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
