About the role
The Global Technical Lead (GTL) will spearhead the delivery of expert technical support for an international initiative aimed at strengthening digital competencies and career prospects for young individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the role will advocate for enhanced workplace and labor market inclusion for people with disabilities across seven nations in East, West, and Southern Africa.
The GTL will ensure the program’s design and implementation align with Sight savers’ thematic and program strategies, playing a pivotal role in developing innovative, inclusive methodologies that foster systemic transformation and sustainable outcomes.
This position requires full-time, on-site attendance at the Sight savers office, with the successful candidate working five days weekly from one of our locations in Abuja, Accra, Lusaka, or Nairobi.
Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to company policies, while managing a team of professionals to achieve organizational goals. Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to enhance productivity and maintain high standards of quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align departmental objectives with broader company initiatives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Monitor performance metrics, identify areas for enhancement, and implement corrective actions as needed to drive operational excellence. Additionally, oversee budget management, resource allocation, and risk assessment to optimize financial and operational outcomes. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while promoting a safe and inclusive work environment.
Demonstrate strategic technical leadership in a multi-country initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and employment opportunities for young individuals with disabilities, simultaneously driving forward disability inclusion in workplaces and labor markets throughout East, West, and Southern Africa.
Work in close partnership with Global Technical Leads and implementing partners to guarantee the cohesive and high-impact execution of program objectives.
Spearhead innovative efforts by developing and implementing new strategic initiatives aimed at elevating the quality, impact, and long-term sustainability of Sight savers’ mission-driven work.
Collaborate on interdepartmental initiatives spanning research, innovation, policy development, advocacy, and communications, partnering closely with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to drive collective impact.
At a senior level, represent Sight savers as a recognized authority on digital inclusion and the digital economy, engaging with national, regional, and international networks, conferences, and sector platforms to drive strategic influence and collaboration.
The position requires up to 12 weeks of travel annually.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record of relevant abilities and hands-on expertise, demonstrated through measurable achievements and industry experience. Ideal applicants will possess a combination of technical proficiencies, problem-solving capabilities, and a minimum of [X] years in a related field. Familiarity with [specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks] is essential, along with strong analytical and communication skills to collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment. Prior success in [specific tasks or projects] is highly valued, ensuring alignment with the role’s core objectives and performance expectations.
The GTL will demonstrate extensive knowledge of employment and labor market dynamics within Africa’s digital and IT sectors, with a particular focus on skills’ development, training, and employment transitions. They will exhibit a deep commitment to inclusive growth and will prioritize the advancement of rights for individuals with disabilities through forward-thinking, high-impact initiatives.
As a strategic collaborator, you will work seamlessly with cross-functional teams across various regions and cultures. This role requires extensive international travel, totaling up to 12 weeks annually, to drive program execution and foster key stakeholder relationships.
The ideal candidate must meet the following qualifications and possess the necessary skills to excel in this role. A relevant degree or equivalent experience in the field is required, along with a minimum of [X] years of professional experience in a comparable position. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential, as is proficiency in [specific software/tools]. The successful applicant should demonstrate leadership qualities, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Additional requirements include the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively within a team environment. Familiarity with [industry-specific regulations or standards] is advantageous.
Essential:
A master’s degree (or higher, with a PhD preferred) in digital economy, digital policy, digital or economic sociology, political economy, development studies, global labor studies, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience—is required.
Requires a solid grasp of contemporary discussions and challenges in AI and digital technologies, along with their broader consequences for skills development, employment, fair work, and labor markets, particularly within African and Global South settings.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in designing, leading, and scaling initiatives focused on digital literacy, vocational training, and workforce integration—particularly in regions of the Global South—will find this opportunity compelling.
Professional experience in non-governmental or non-profit organizations, with a focus on overseeing donor-funded program initiatives.
Demonstrates a strong track record of collaborating effectively with diverse labor market stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on engaging the private sector to enhance employment opportunities and promote decent work standards.
Demonstrates a deep comprehension of emerging trends in AI and digital technologies, alongside their transformative effects on employment and labor markets across African and Global South contexts.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential, enabling the preparation of comprehensive reports and the delivery of impactful presentations.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities, enabling the development of comprehensive plans from both programmatic and organizational standpoints.
Proven expertise in leadership, networking, and stakeholder engagement, coupled with a high degree of diplomacy and tact, is essential.
Experience working on TVET systems.
Extensive experience collaborating with key tripartite labor market stakeholders, particularly private sector entities, with a focus on digital industries, to enhance employment opportunities and promote decent work conditions.
Demonstrated aptitude for cross-functional collaboration and seamless integration within varied team environments.
Developing and refining technical guidance documents and programming utilities constitutes a key aspect of this role.
Demonstrates a firm dedication to fostering disability inclusion, promoting equality, and advancing justice within digital and employment environments.
Capable of and willing to undertake international travel, with a potential duration of up to 12 weeks annually.
Desirable:
Advocacy experience focused on marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on disability inclusion, is essential.
Fluent command of the French language is essential.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
