Data Scientist, Machine Learning

About the Company

Loko is creating the operational and commerce infrastructure that powers logistics in African cities. The platform links restaurants, couriers, and customers across Zimbabwe using live dispatch, dual-currency payment support, and products designed for the mobile networks people rely on every day.

The company is still in an early stage but is expanding fast while tackling problems that do not come with off-the-shelf solutions. Every delivery that runs through Loko is supported by software developed by a compact team, and the opportunity to build something technically challenging with real impact is central to the mission.

If the idea of helping build a long-term company from Harare appeals to you, Loko encourages you to apply.

Role Overview

Loko is looking for a data scientist to take ownership of the machine learning systems that help the marketplace run efficiently. This includes work on delivery time predictions, dispatch optimization, and personalized discovery. The role is focused on shipping models into production alongside engineers, with success measured by business and marketplace performance rather than benchmark scores alone.

Key Work Areas

• Building ETA and preparation-time models that improve delivery estimates across restaurants and cities.
• Designing dispatch models that choose the best rider-order match while accounting for real operating constraints.
• Improving search, discovery, and ranking so customers can find meals they are more likely to enjoy.
• Supporting experimentation through A/B testing systems, causal analysis, and dashboards that guide decisions.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate brings hands-on machine learning experience, especially with models that have already been deployed. Strong Python and SQL skills are important, along with practical exposure to at least one of PyTorch, XGBoost, or scikit-learn. You should be able to think in terms of marketplace dynamics, two-sided metrics, and sound experiment design, and you need to communicate effectively with product, engineering, and operations teams. Loko is especially interested in people who care about improving real-world outcomes rather than only model evaluation metrics.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangement from a modern office hub.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving from another location.
• Private health coverage for both you and your family.
• Pension or retirement contributions aligned with local standards.
• Learning support for courses, books, and conferences.
• Meaningful equity in the business being built.

Equal Opportunity

Loko is an equal opportunity employer and provides fair employment consideration regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.