AI Solution Architect

Job Description:

Institution: Rwanda AI Agency Ltd (RAIA)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Contract Type: Full-Time Individual Consultancy

Duration: 13 Months (1 December 2026 – 31 December 2027)


1.About Rwanda AI Agency (RAIA)

Rwanda AI Agency (RAIA) advances responsible and inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to assist Rwanda's national development priorities. RAIA implements the World Bank-financed project preparation programme, AI for Economic Transformation in Rwanda.

2. The Opportunity

RAIA seeks an experienced AI Solution Architect to guide technical architecture for AI investments and ensure secure, scalable, interoperable and production-ready AI systems while strengthening internal capabilities in data, computing infrastructure and applied AI engineering.


3. Scope of the role - Key Responsibilities

• AI Architecture and Standards: create reference architectures and standards for AI, data, cloud and integration.
• GPU Infrastructure: Oversee platform onboarding, installation, acceptance testing and operational readiness.
• Technical Assurance: evaluate technical designs, consultant deliverables, specifications and investment options.
• Applied AI Engineering: Guide solution development, model adaptation, testing, deployment and responsible AI.
• Data and Security: Set standards for APIs, interoperability, cybersecurity, MLOps and LLMOps.
• Capacity Building: Mentor technical teams and strengthen RAIA's AI engineering capabilities.
  

4. Qualification and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field.
• At least 10 years' experience in enterprise architecture, data platforms, cloud infrastructure, distributed systems or related fields.
• Proven delivery of large-scale production systems.
• Practical expertise in AI/ML architectures, cloud, data systems, APIs and cybersecurity.
• Ability to translate technical architecture into investment and implementation decisions.
• Strong stakeholder communication and proficiency in English.

Desirable Experience

• GPU/high-performance computing, MLOps/LLMOps, hybrid or sovereign cloud.
• Technical due diligence, architecture reviews and vendor-neutral specifications.
• Leading technical teams, capacity building, responsible AI and model adaptation to local data.
• Emerging markets, public sector or East African technology ecosystem experience.
  

5. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Evaluation Criterion

• Education and relevant certifications (Points 10)
• Enterprise architecture, data platforms, cloud or distributed systems experience (Points 20)
• Large-scale production systems, including AI/ML and GPU/high-performance compute (Points 40)
• Technical evaluate, due diligence and vendor-neutral specifications (Points 20)
• Leadership, capacity building, communication and emerging-market/public-sector experience (Points 10)

TOTAL 100

Minimum qualifying score: 70/100. The three highest-scoring eligible candidates reaching this threshold will be shortlisted for video interviews; if fewer than three qualify, all qualifying candidates may be shortlisted.


6. Deliverables and Reporting Schedules

Deliverable 

• D1. Inception report and AI compute/data needs assessment Dec 2026 (Month 1)
• D2. GPU hosting onboarding note and acceptance test plan Feb 2027 (Month 3); before equipment delivery
• D3. Target technical reference architecture Mar 2027 (Month 4)
• D4. Architecture evaluate, production readiness and workload classification Apr 2027 (Month 5)
• D5. GPU platform acceptance report At operational acceptance; indicatively Q2 2027
• D6. Build/adapt/procure and total cost assessments, testing and handover requirements Jun 2027 (Month 7)
• D7. Technical capability plan: skills, roles and sequencing Jul 2027 (Month 8)
• D8. Technical evaluate notes on consultant deliverables Throughout, as submitted
• D9. Follow-on technical design/cost inputs, compute forecast and data readiness Oct 2027 (Month 11)
• D10. Handover and knowledge transfer report Dec 2027 (Month 13)

All deliverables require written acceptance by RAIA. Indicative dates may be adjusted by written agreement without extending the contract beyond 31 December 2027 or increasing the budget ceiling.


7. Consultancy Engagement and Remuneration

• Time-based, full-time individual consultancy; duty station Kigali, with travel within Rwanda as required.
• Salary will be negotiated based on documented remuneration history.
• Where relocation is required; eligible relocation expenses reimbursable up to USD 5,000 within the overall ceiling.
• Reports to RAIA's Managing Director, with day-to-day coordination through the PIU Project Director.
• Potential extension depends on satisfactory performance, project needs, financing and applicable approvals.
• The World Bank's standard form of contract for Individual Consultants (time-based) will be used, adapted to this assignment.
• Applicable taxes will be withheld under Rwandan law.

8. How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of academic degrees and professional certificates, and contact details for three professional referees.

Application title: REOI — AI Solution Architect, Project Implementation Unit

Deadline: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)


9. Detailed Terms of Reference (TOR)

evaluate the complete ToR for full scope, deliverables, evaluation criteria and contract conditions: REOI_Package8_PIU_AI_Solution_Architect_RAIA.pdf

All related Inquiries should be submitted to :procurement@raia.rw

NB:

1. Open to eligible individual consultants of all nationalities; firms are not eligible
2. Selection follows the World Bank Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants procedure.