Senior Non-key Expert, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) at DAI

Background

• With the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in governance, election management bodies must leverage AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in electoral processes. INEC has established an AI Division under its ICT Department and requires support –for AI adoption in voter registration, election logistics management, results management, and public communications.
• For this purpose, DAI, under the EU-SDGN project, is recruiting a senior AI and machine learning expert who will work with INEC on the objectives listed below.

Objectives

• Provide strategic guidance on AI and ML integration in election management, specifically voter registration, election logistics management, results management, and communications.
• Assess AI use cases for improving voter registration, election logistics monitoring, results management, and communications.
• Offer recommendations for AI governance, ethics, and risk management in electoral processes.
• Ensure compliance with national and international AI policies, and regulations.
• Advise on AI capacity-building initiatives for INEC staff.

Scope of Work
The AI and ML Advisor will:

• Conduct AI readiness assessmentswithin INEC operations, particularly focusing on voter registration, election logistics management, results management, and public communications.
• Advise on AI-driven toolsfor electoral data analysis and predictive modelling.
• Develop a frameworkfor training and capacity building on the deployment of AI in INEC.
• Support AI-based security enhancementsto detect cyber threats, disinformation, and electoral fraud.
• Develop guidelines for ethical AI usein Nigerian elections.
• Monitor AI risksand suggest mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders(policymakers, electoral officials, and tech experts) to ensure AI-driven innovations align with democratic principles.

Key Deliverables

• An AI readiness assessment report and recommendations for the AI unit
• Strategic reports on AI integration in election management.
• AI governance framework for election integrity.
• Ethical AI guidelines tailored for EMB operations.
• A comprehensive AI and ML capacity building plan for INEC.

Line Management and reporting:

• The SNKE will report to the TL and work in partnership with KE2, the Director of the INEC ICT department and the Technical Team of the INEC Chairman.

Required expertise
The expert must possess and demonstrate the following:

• At least a master’s degree in ICT-related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in election administration with an election technology focus and excellent knowledge of ICT-supported election operations
• Experienced in undertaking reviews, studies, and research in the field of elections and election technology
• Substantial working knowledge of elections in Nigeria
• Prior experience working on AI and ML with an EMB is an advantage

Technical expertise required:

• Programming Skills: Proficiency in languages like Python, R, and Java is essential for building and deploying AI models.
• Machine Learning Frameworks: Familiarity with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and other tools helps in developing AI models.
• Deep Learning & Neural Networks: Knowledge of neural architectures like CNNs, RNNs, and transformers is highly valuable.
• Cloud Computing & Deployment: Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure for deploying AI models at scale.
• Ethics & AI Governance: Understanding responsible AI, bias mitigation, and regulations around AI applications.
• Proficiency in AI algorithms, data modelling, and predictive analytics.
• Expertise in machine learning techniques, including natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision.
• Experience in developing AI-driven fraud detection systems.
• Ability to design automation tools for voter registration, election logistics management, results management, and communications.
• Thorough understanding of electoral systems, voting technologies, election operations, logistics, voter registration, communications, and media.
• Knowledge of legal frameworks governing AI use in elections.
• Ability to advise on ethical AI practices to uphold election integrity and transparency.
• Ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with AI deployment in elections.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations, such as GDPR for international compliance.
• AI Policy & Ethical Considerations.
• Familiarity with global AI policies, including responsible AI governance.
• Ability to create guidelines for ethical AI use in election processes.
• Understanding of bias mitigation in AI models to ensure fair electoral practices.
• Strategic Advisory & Capacity Building.
• Experience in advising government agencies on AI implementation.
• Ability to design capacity-building programmes for EMB officials.

Location and support:

• The Expert will be provided with an office space in Abuja, Nigeria, and any other assistance as may be reasonably required to undertake the duties identified in these ToR. From time to time, the expert might be required to travel outside of Abuja, therefore, the incumbent must be willing to travel and work both in and out of Abuja in pursuit of the duties identified in these ToR.
• Any work during weekends or bank holidays must be pre-approved by EUD in writing to be eligible for payment.
• Any trip outside Abuja will need to be pre-approved by EUD for the cost to be eligible for reimbursement.

Commencement Date and Period of Execution:

• The SNKE must be prepared to commence the assignment no later than 14/10/2025.