Junior AI Developer (Open to National Offices) at BDO South Africa

Primary Purpose of the Job

• The Junior AI Developer will support the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and decision-making across the organisation. This role is ideal for an early-career professional with a strong interest in artificial intelligence, data, and automation, who is eager to learn and grow under the guidance of senior technical staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, building, and implementing agent-based workflows and autonomous or semi-autonomous AI agents (e.g. Microsoft Copilot Agents) under supervision. 
• Design, develop, and deploy AI and machine learning solutions, including NLP, predictive analytics, classification, and generative AI. 
• Develop and maintain AI-driven automations, chatbots, integrations, and supporting scripts. 
• Integrate AI solutions with enterprise systems, APIs, databases, and reporting platforms. 
• Work with structured and unstructured data to support model training, inference, validation, and performance analysis. 
• Support the implementation of AI use cases using platforms such as Azure AI, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Platform, or similar tools. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including developers, data analysts, business users, and compliance teams. 
• Contribute to technical documentation, specifications, and user guides. 
• Adhere to data governance, security, and responsible AI/ethics guidelines. 
• Work within and contribute to all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). 
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies, tools, and best practices

Requirements
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or Equivalent Practical Experience

Work Experience

• 0-3 years’ relevant experience 

Knowledge

• Core AI/ML concepts (including generative AI and NLP), data structures, data quality, and validation principles.
• Foundational knowledge of Python, SQL, relational databases, APIs, and system integration concepts.
• Familiarity with enterprise AI and automation platforms (e.g. Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, Copilot Studio, Power Automate) and basic SDLC concepts
• Understanding of responsible AI principles, data privacy, security, ethics, auditability, and controlled deployments

Competencies: Technical & Behavioural

Technical Competencies

• Assist in building AI-powered features, designing and testing prompts, and contributing to chatbots, agents, or automation solutions
• Prepare and validate data, write basic Python and SQL, consume APIs, and integrate AI outputs into systems and workflows.
• Use AI platforms with guidance, follow development standards, apply version control, and adhere to deployment processes.
• Test AI outputs, follow governance and compliance guidelines, document solutions clearly, and translate business requirements into technical outcomes

Behavioural & Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Curious, eager to learn, and proactive in upskilling. 
• Good communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts simply. 
• Ability to work well in a team and take direction from senior staff. 
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality