Head of AI and Machine Learning

This is a remote position.

We represent a technology player whose digital banking platform is transforming financial services in emerging markets, making a real impact by embedding credit and savings products into the digital channels people use every day. Their data-driven technology powers MNOs, fintechs, and banks, enabling them to scale fast and drive financial inclusion for millions. For those looking to work on cutting-edge financial tech, with real-world impact, this is the opportunity for you. With rapid growth, industry recognition, and a team that thrives on innovation, this is a chance to shape the future of finance in high-growth markets across Africa. 

Job Description: 

The Head of AI & Machine Learning will lead and scale AI and machine learning initiatives across all the Company’s products and global markets. This role is pivotal in driving AI-driven decision-making, automation, and personalisation across their financial services ecosystem and measurably improving performance and customer experience and satisfaction. The Head of AI & Machine Learning will oversee the development, integration, and optimisation of machine learning models and AI strategies, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive landscape. 

 Your daily adventures include: 

• Evaluate, scope and support in building their AI/ML strategy which would include understanding and mapping potential applications and initiatives, planning for resourcing, and putting in place a timeline for approval by Senior Management.
  
• Lead the development, maintenance and optimisation of all AI/ML applications which would cover but not be limited to: automated underwriting models, alternative credit scoring methodologies, AI-powered customer engagement tools, recommendation engines, fraud prediction, early-warning models, and others. 
  
• Improve AI model performance through continuous monitoring, retraining, and refinement. 
  
• Work with engineering and data teams to ensure AI/ML infrastructure is scalable, secure, and efficient. 
  
• Build, train and develop capabilities within the data science and AI/ML teams 
  
• Define best practices for data collection, storage, and pipeline automation to enable AI-driven insights. 
  
• Collaborate with data governance teams to ensure compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, POPIA, local banking regulations). 
  
• Implement ML Ops frameworks for seamless model lifecycle management. 
  
• Ensure AI-driven models adhere to local regulatory requirements and ethical AI principles. 
  
• Deploy real-time AI anomaly detection to mitigate fraud risks in digital financial transactions. 
  
• Partner with compliance teams to enhance AI-driven regulatory reporting and automated risk alerts 
  
• Develop AI models for hyper-personalised financial services based on behavioural analysis. 
  
• Implement AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and intelligent customer service automation to improve engagement. 
  
• Enhance AI-powered marketing segmentation and next-best-action recommendations. 
  
• Represent the Company at global fintech and AI summits, shaping industry conversations on AI in financial services. 
  
• Partner with leading AI research institutions, universities, and fintech accelerators to drive innovation. 
  
• Publish AI-related insights and research to establish the Company as a thought leader in AI-driven finance.
  
  

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in AI/ML, data science, or applied machine learning, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
  
• Strong expertise in AI-driven credit scoring, fraud detection, and risk assessment. 
  
• Deep understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP). 
  
• Hands-on experience with AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, etc.). 
  
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary AI/ML teams across geographies. 
  
• Strong knowledge of data governance, AI ethics, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, financial regulations, etc.). 
  
• Ability to translate complex AI concepts into business-driven AI strategies. 
  
• Track record of securing AI partnerships and influencing AI innovation in financial services. 
  
• Preference for a PhD or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field. 
  
• Proven ability to scale AI-powered fintech products in emerging markets. 
  
• Experience with AI-driven applications in the financial services space