MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence

DescriptionMEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-ResidenceLocation: Accra, Ghana (in-person position)Reporting to: AI Startup Program DirectorTeam: AI Startup Program TeamExperience Level: 2 - 4+ years in software development and AI/MLContract: One-yearStart Date: January 2026End Date: December 2026About MEST AfricaLaunched in 2008 by Meltwater Founder & CEO Jorn Lyseggen, MEST is a Pan-African training program, seed fund, incubator, and hub for technology entrepreneurs across Africa. We provide critical skills training in software development, business, and communications, with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, and funding from the Meltwater Foundation — the non-profit arm of Meltwater, a global leader in media intelligence.MEST AI Startup Program OverviewThe MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.The seven-month startup program is a hands-on, activity-based experience where participants:Explore and refine AI business ideasDevelop and deploy an AI MVPGain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentalsEngage with world-class AI practitioners from institutions like Google, Meta, and OpenAIThe five-month incubation program supports selected ventures to scale AI products, secure customers, and prepare for investment, culminating in deployable AI products, an established user base, and a roadmap for funding and growth.Technical Fellow In-Residence Role OverviewThe AI Technical Fellow In-Residence is the technical backbone of the MEST AI Startup Program each year. During this one-year contract, you will work directly with entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) to ensure they can apply the technical concepts taught in the curriculum — from AI model development to deployment. This is a highly hands-on, highly interactive role that includes regular meetings with EITs, experts, partners, facilitators, and program staff to collaborate, troubleshoot, and accelerate learning.You should have deep technical expertise, a passion for AI, and an excitement for learning alongside entrepreneurs. This is a role for a doer — someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and is ready to dig in.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Training & SupportDeliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI/ML, software engineering, and MLOps topics from the curriculum (e.g., Python, APIs, LLMs, RAG, LangChain, vector databases, multi-agent systems, Docker, CI/CD)Provide 1:1 and group technical coaching, ensuring entrepreneurs can implement concepts in their MVPsConduct code reviews and guide participants in adopting best practicesCurriculum IntegrationWork with expert facilitators to align technical sessions with business and product milestonesAdapt and create technical content based on evolving AI tools and participant needsProblem-Solving & MentorshipSupport entrepreneurs in debugging and overcoming technical challengesLearn and experiment with new AI tools alongside participants, sharing insights rapidlyPromote responsible AI use, including bias mitigation, privacy by design, and ethical considerationsCollaboration & Program SupportPartner with program staff to ensure participants have the technical resources they needContribute to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative learning environmentActively engage in scheduled check-ins, collaborative planning meetings, and review sessions with EITs and program stakeholdersRequired Qualifications & SkillsTechnical ExpertiseAdvanced proficiency in Python, Git/GitHub, and API developmentHands-on experience with:LLMs, prompt engineering, and fine-tuningRAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, LangChainMulti-agent systems (e.g., CrewAI) and memory managementMLOps, CI/CD, Docker, cloud deployment, and API securityStrong grasp of software engineering fundamentals: testing, EDA, model evaluationExperience2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI/ML product developmentTrack record of taking AI products from concept to deploymentExperience in startup or fast-paced, project-based environmentsSoft Skills & MindsetExcellent communicator and collaborator, with cross-cultural sensitivityProactive problem solver with a hands-on “doer” mentalityAdaptable, curious, and eager to learn alongside entrepreneursPassionate about excellence, creativity, and innovationTo ApplySubmit your resume/CV to emily@meltwater.org with “Technical Fellow In-Residence” in the subject line for initial reviewInitial Phone Interview — discuss your background, experience, and career goalsInteractive Assessment — shortlisted candidates complete a technical taskFinal Interview — meet with key decision-makers for an in-depth discussionJob Offer & Next Steps — successful candidates receive offer details and onboarding planDue to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within one month of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.