AI Ecosystem and Partnerships Lead at Athena Infonomics

Job Title: AI Ecosystem and Partnerships Lead at Athena Infonomics

Date Posted: 18th November, 2025.

Expiry Date: 1st December 2025

About the Job

The role will anchor the Athena Infonomics–Wadhwani AI Global (WAIG) partnership’s presence in Nigeria, working closely with Athena’s Director of AI + DPI Services (ADS) and WAIG’s Head of Growth to identify and shape strategic opportunities in the national AI ecosystem.

Your Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Ecosystem Mapping & Intelligence

Map and continuously track the evolving Nigerian AI ecosystem—covering government initiatives, research institutions, private-sector innovation, and donor programs.
Analyze policy, regulatory, and institutional frameworks shaping AI adoption in public health and education/skilling sectors.
Identify key actors, networks, and platforms driving AI capacity-building and responsible AI discourse.

Partnership Building & Network Access

Cultivate relationships with national and state-level government agencies, local AI start-ups, universities, and innovation hubs.
Facilitate introductions and partnership conversations for Athena and WAIG with relevant stakeholders.
Represent the partnership in relevant AI, tech, and policy convenings in Nigeria.

Opportunity Identification & Concept Development

Identify high-potential AI use cases aligned with public sector priorities and donor interests.
Collaborate with Athena and WAIG teams to co-design concept notes and proposals for pilot or scale projects.
Support stakeholder consultations, data collection, and contextual research to validate opportunity areas.

Coordination & Representation

Serve as the primary Nigeria-based liaison for the joint partnership, coordinating activities, meetings, and information flow.
Support documentation, reporting, and communication of insights to global and regional teams.
Ensure alignment of local activities with broader partnership goals around responsible and inclusive AI innovation.

The Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

12+ years of experience working with increasingly senior level officials in Government, Foundations, Private Sector, etc.
5+ years of experience in AI, digital innovation, or related ecosystem-building roles, ideally with exposure to public health or education/skilling domains.
Strong familiarity with Nigeria’s digital and AI policy landscape and networks.
Demonstrated experience engaging with government, donor, or private-sector partners.
Excellent communication, coordination, and analytical skills.
Background in public policy, data science, technology management, or related fields preferred.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference check and employment verification.
The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.
Only candidates who have Nigeria work authorization will be considered.