At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver hands-on AI/ML training and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Company: Join MEST Africa, a leading hub for tech entrepreneurs in Africa.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience in a dynamic startup environment with mentorship opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth potential and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of AI startups in Africa.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in software development and AI/ML; strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence role at Meltwater. Location: Accra, Ghana (in-person). Reporting to: AI Startup Program Director. Team: AI Startup Program Team. Experience Level: 2 - 4+ years in software development and AI/ML. Contract: One-year. Start Date: January 2026. End Date: December 2026.
About MEST Africa
MEST is a Pan-African training program, seed fund, incubator, and hub for technology entrepreneurs across Africa, launched in 2008 by Meltwater Founder & CEO Jorn Lyseggen. It provides skills training in software development, business, and communications, with funding from the Meltwater Foundation.
MEST AI Startup Program Overview
The MEST AI Startup Program is an immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups. The program includes seven months of startup activities and five months of incubation to help ventures deploy AI products, gain customers, and prepare for investment.
Technical Fellow In-Residence Role Overview
The Technical Fellow In-Residence is the technical backbone of the MEST AI Startup Program. 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, interactive role with regular meetings to collaborate, troubleshoot, and accelerate learning. The role requires deep technical expertise, a passion for AI, and a willingness to learn alongside entrepreneurs. It is a fast-paced, doer-focused position.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Training & Support – Deliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI/ML, software engineering, and MLOps topics (e.g., Python, APIs, LLMs, RAG, LangChain, vector databases, multi-agent systems, Docker, CI/CD). Provide 1:1 and group technical coaching and conduct code reviews to guide best practices.
- Curriculum Integration – Align technical sessions with business and product milestones; adapt and create technical content based on evolving AI tools and participant needs.
- Problem-Solving & Mentorship – Support entrepreneurs in debugging, experiment with new AI tools, and promote responsible AI use (bias mitigation, privacy by design, ethical considerations).
- Collaboration & Program Support – Partner with program staff to ensure technical resources and a dynamic, inclusive learning environment; participate in check-ins and planning with EITs and stakeholders.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Technical Expertise – Advanced proficiency in Python, Git/GitHub, and API development; hands-on experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, fine-tuning; RAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, LangChain; multi-agent systems and memory management; MLOps, CI/CD, Docker, cloud deployment, API security; strong software engineering fundamentals (testing, EDA, model evaluation).
- Experience – 2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI/ML product development; track record of taking AI products from concept to deployment; experience in startup or fast-paced environments.
- Soft Skills & Mindset – Excellent communication and collaboration with cross-cultural sensitivity; proactive, hands-on, adaptable, curious; passion for excellence and innovation.
To Apply
- Submit your resume/CV to emily@meltwater.org with “Technical Fellow In-Residence” in the subject line for initial review.
- Initial phone interview to discuss background, experience, and career goals.
- Interactive assessment (technical task) for shortlisted candidates.
- Final interview with key decision-makers.
- Job offer and onboarding plan for successful candidates.
Due 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.
MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence in Reading employer: Meltwater
Meltwater is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI innovation in Accra, Ghana. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the MEST AI Startup Program fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture where Technical Fellows can mentor aspiring entrepreneurs while enhancing their own skills in a dynamic environment. Employees benefit from hands-on experience, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on Africa's tech landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI and tech scene. Attend meetups, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to AI/ML. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can do beyond just a CV. Make it easy for potential employers to see your talent!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios. Mock interviews can be super helpful. Get a friend to quiz you or use online platforms to sharpen your skills. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Technical Fellow In-Residence role!
We think you need these skills to ace MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in software development and AI/ML. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for AI and how you can contribute to the MEST AI Startup Program. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of what we do.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role is all about technical expertise, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Python, Git/GitHub, and any relevant AI tools. We’re looking for hands-on experience, so include specific examples where possible!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meltwater
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python, AI/ML concepts, and MLOps. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've taken AI products from concept to deployment. This role is all about hands-on experience, so be prepared to showcase your expertise.
✨Show Your Passion for AI
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for AI shine through. Talk about the latest trends in AI and how they can impact startups. Share your thoughts on responsible AI use and ethical considerations, as this shows you're not just technically skilled but also mindful of the broader implications.
✨Prepare for Interactive Assessments
Expect to engage in technical tasks during the interview process. Practice coding challenges and be ready to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is crucial for mentoring entrepreneurs-in-training.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working in diverse teams and your ability to communicate effectively across cultures. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals in fast-paced environments.
