Advisor for Strengthening Open-Cource AI communities Kenya.

Project Background

You work as part of a dedicated team of the self-funded measure “Open-Source AI Communities” and provide advisory services to AI communities in Kenya, especially with regard to their sustainable building of community-based Artificial Intelligence Data, Models and Systems. This initiative strengthens collaborative networks/communities in up to three partner countries of German development cooperation. It supports these open-source AI communities to use AI in a self-determined manner and to develop and maintain AI lastingly. It builds functioning operating models to support the achievement of the SDGs. In addition, AI systems will be strengthened as global digital public goods in order to enable sustainable reusage in local ecosystems.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Advisor will be responsible for

• Advisory services for Kenyan partners (open-source AI coding/data communities, companies, universities, civil society, government) on methods and mechanisms of support for open-source AI communities in partner countries, especially related to operating models of such communities, their perennity and broad-based use of community-based AI Innovation in Kenya for the SDGs.
  

• Event Management and networking support for 6 events ro promote knowledge exchange
  

• Strategic development and management of partnerships with Kenya and international actors of the AI ecosystem, esp. the private sector, UN agencies, foundations and international donors.
  

• Development of knowledge products, concepts, reports and support products (e.g. guidelines) on long-term sustainability of open-source AI communities in Partner Countries and the innovative management of SDG-related AI Digital Public Goods and community-based AI Innovation Systems.
  

• Implementation of project-related processes according to GIZ regulations such as technical standards for procurement, reporting, project planning, monitoring and
  evaluation, and others.

Qualifications & Specialist Knowledge

• Master's degree in economics, information technology, computer science or a related field with topical focus on digital transformation/data science/AI/IT
  

• Several years of experience in advising open-source communities in Kenya (including
  companies, universities, civil society, government) and/or working on conceptual foundations of open-source AI in India.

• Several years of experience in Artificial Intelligence and AI use case development in
  international development and especially in India.

• First experience in applying AI in at least one of the three following sectors:
  Agriculture, Climate/ Energy or Public-Sector service delivery

• Proven knowledge of economics, preferably related to economics of open-source in
  development, AI innovation systems and operating models of AI communities
  & start-ups.

• Proficiency in English language and Kiswahili, other East African Languages are of
  advantage

• Experience in partnership management, event management and implementing collaborations with partners in the digital development ecosystem (esp. partners working on open-source AI support services)
  

• Ability to work independently and on your own initiative, even under pressure and strong collaborative working style with distinct analytical and communication skills, especially in intercultural contexts and remote teams.
  

Submission of Application:

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration of Assignment: 20 months

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/01/04/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

At GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.

We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.

All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.

Data Confidentiality

In accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.