Fresh Jobs at Development Alternatives Incorporated (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.

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Background

• The overall objective of implementing EU SDGN II is to foster a functioning, pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria.
• These Terms of Reference (ToR) relate to and contribute to the specific purpose, under the direction of the EU Delegation, to support Output 5: Technology innovations are smoothly incorporated, publicly accepted and owned

Assignment Objective

• The systems were tested, and staff were trained; however, it is evident that there still are issues which, if not solved, will jeopardise the future deployment of these applications (for the elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, FCT and the GE 2027).
• An external party (besides INEC and the developers) is required to review the documentation, the test protocols, the level of staff capacity and the quality of training and monitor further testing and the deployment in elections.
• In case the project initiates more ICT-related activities, the expertise of a senior ICT/Software Specialist will be required to assist in the preparation of ToR, the project budget, the evaluation of bids and the monitoring of the project implementation.

Services Required

• DAI is seeking a senior ICT/Software Expert (SNKE) to provide expertise to and assist the EU SDGN II project in undertaking its programme of work during the period specified.
• The SNKE will contribute to the implementation of: Output 5: Technology Innovations are Smoothly Incorporated, Publicly Accepted and Owned. 
• Output 5 is a key part of the project, especially for INEC, and the output where the EU has invested significant resources.

To improve election administration and make it more efficient, DAI has assisted INEC with the bespoke development, migration, training, and testing of the election administration applications listed below:

• The Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS).
• The Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS).
• Election Results Management System (ERMS).
• The INEC Operations Management and Information System (OMIS).
• The election facility locator and PU decongestion tool (EF_LOC).
• The Election Monitoring and Support System (EMSC).
• The Virtual Election Training System (VETS).
• The Media Monitoring System (Media Trends).

Deliverables

• Terms of reference for topic experts and/or ICT projects (if required)
• Membership on evaluation panels (if required)
• Budgets for ICT projects (if required)
• Reports on the review of the documentation, test protocols, level of staff capacity, institutional buy-in and quality of training of developed applications, functionality of the applications
• Monitoring reports of mock tests, pilot tests and election deployment together with recommendations for improvement

Scope of Work (Tasks)

• In cooperation with KE1 and KE2, draft Terms of Reference for ICT projects
• Prepare project budgets
• Serve on evaluation panels
• Review the documentation, test protocols, staff capacity, institutional buy-in, and the quality of training of developed applications, and provide recommendations to complete all processes to have the applications ready for the elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, FCT and the GE 2027
• Monitor further testing of applications and the deployment in elections.
• Advise INEC Directors and the PMU

Expertise Required

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, testing, monitoring, and training
• Proven experience in software development and deployment
• Proven track record with election technology, civic tech, or large-scale government ICT systems.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian electoral context and INEC’s operations

Location and Support:

• The SNKE will be provided with offices in Abuja, Nigeria and any other assistance as may be reasonably required to undertake the duties identified in this ToR.
• The SNKE must be able to participate in project activities during business hours, as well as non-business hours, on a regular basis, as the consultancy demands.
• Travel will be required for the purpose of site visits, client and stakeholder meetings, and off-site personnel/ management.

Coordination and Reporting:

• The ICT/Software Specialist will report to KE1/Team Leader and will be required to submit monthly activity updates.

Commencement Date and Period of Execution:

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