The Programme
The Digital Access Programme (DAP) will widen access to the internet, enabling millions of people in low and middle income countries to access digital services for the first time. The programme will utilise expertise from the UK tech-market, to reduce market barriers in the five target countries. It will take systemic approach to build an ecosystem of service providers, through a combination of financing mechanisms, strengthening in-country cyber security and improving the business environment. This will be combined with creating partnerships between local entrepreneurs and UK based tech-firms and hubs. The objective of the programme is to harness the potential of internet access to catalyst economic development and growth, create jobs and increasing trade opportunities.
Specifically this will be done through
- Promoting Connectivity: Provide early-stage funding for innovative solutions to expand internet access in partner countries. Funding for early stage businesses will help de-risk innovation to leverage significant private sector investment.
- Enabling Access to Digital Services: Engage with partner countries to improve affordability, governance and inclusion through market access reform, regulation, policies to promote better governance of the internet. This includes initiatives address skills and cultural barriers to access the internet, particularly for women and girls.
The Position
As our Country Lead you will oversee all programme activity across one of the five countries, acting as the focal contact with local stakeholders and grantees. The ideal candidate will possess strong persuasive skills along with the ability to facilitate partnerships between the public and private sector actors. You must be able to quickly build rapport with key government institutions, non-state actors and private sector organisations, to influence effective digital access models and support an enabling policy reform agenda. You will already possess a deep knowledge of the digital landscape within your specific country and already contributed to the development of digital access for all within the country.
The Person
Essential
- An advanced university degree (or equivalent) in the fields of economics, business administration, IT, Computer Science or other relevant
- Extensive experience in managing programmes in the field of ICT4D or technology and/or business incubation and growth
- Strong networks/relationships in the digital access ecosystem, including in the private sector, government, and other donor programmes
- Knowledge of ICT4D trends, applications, and technologies
- Experience in one of the five participating companies (Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) working with marginalized communities in social impact programmes
- Track record of facilitating relationships and partnerships between public and private sector actors
- Demonstrated ability to identify and leverage private sector finance to invest in viable businesses
- Ability to identify technology partners and solutions of interest for partnering both globally and in particular country or regional contexts
Desirable
- Knowledge of managing innovation fund grantees / business incubators / accelerators or similar competitive business facilities;
- Demonstrated track record of effectively coordinating activities with government priorities and other donor programmes;
- Adaptable, self-motivated, inquisitive and a team player who is interested in being part of a fast-paced, growing and diverse team with a start-up atmosphere
- Ability to Identify and engage with innovative technology firms and solutions of interest, for partnering with on a global, regional or local context
- Experience assessing the landscape for potential applied technology interventions, analysing and recommending appropriate solutions.
Applications close: 20th October 2017
More Information
- Job City Abuja