The position involves delivering strategic leadership and operational oversight to manage and enhance organizational performance. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing high-impact policies, overseeing financial planning and budget allocation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the role requires fostering cross-functional collaboration, driving innovation, and cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence. Applicants must possess a minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, a proven track record in financial management, and strong interpersonal skills to engage stakeholders at all levels. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is required, while an advanced degree or professional certification is highly preferred.
The Global Technical Lead will spearhead the delivery of top-tier technical support for an expansive, multi-country initiative aimed at strengthening digital competencies and employment prospects among young individuals with disabilities. This critical position will also advocate for enhanced workplace and labor market inclusion for people with disabilities across seven nations spanning East, West, and Southern Africa.
The Global Technical Lead (GTL) will spearhead the design and execution of the program to ensure full alignment with Sight savers’ thematic and program strategies, while also championing the development of forward-thinking, inclusive methodologies that foster systemic transformation and deliver lasting, sustainable outcomes.
This is a full-time, on-site position requiring the successful candidate to work from the Sight savers office in either Abuja, Accra, Lusaka, or Nairobi, Monday through Friday.
Oversee and execute key tasks to ensure operational excellence, including managing daily workflows, coordinating team efforts, and maintaining high standards of efficiency. Implement and monitor processes to optimize productivity, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive continuous enhancements across departments. Collaborate closely with leadership to align objectives, foster a culture of accountability, and ensure seamless communication between teams. Perform regular evaluations of performance metrics to assess progress, address challenges proactively, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Offer strategic technical guidance to a cross-regional initiative aimed at enhancing digital competencies and employment opportunities for young individuals with disabilities, while further embedding disability inclusion principles within workplaces and labor markets throughout East, West, and Southern Africa.
Work collaboratively with Global Technical Leads and implementing partners to deliver program objectives cohesively and with high impact.
Spearhead strategic initiatives to foster innovation, ensuring the quality, relevance, and sustainability of Sight savers’ initiatives are enhanced through pilot programs and forward-thinking approaches.
You will collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on cross-organizational initiatives spanning research, innovation, policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring cohesive and strategic partnerships.
As a senior subject-matter expert in digital inclusion and the digital economy, you will serve as a key representative of Sight savers, engaging with national, regional, and international networks, conferences, and sector platforms to advance our mission.
The position requires approximately 12 weeks of travel annually.
Seeking a candidate with a strong background in relevant technical or industry-specific competencies, including proficiency in key software, tools, or methodologies essential to the role. The ideal applicant will possess prior experience in similar positions, demonstrating a track record of success in comparable responsibilities. Familiarity with project management principles, data analysis techniques, or operational workflows may be required, depending on the specific demands of the position. Additionally, strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are highly valued.
The GTL will demonstrate extensive proficiency in the employment and labor market dynamics of Africa’s digital and IT industries, encompassing skills’ development, training initiatives, and employment transitions. They will exhibit a fervent dedication to inclusive growth and uphold a steadfast commitment to promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities through pioneering and results-driven programs.
This position requires a strategic collaborator capable of thriving in cross-functional teams and multicultural environments. Up to 12 weeks of international travel annually will be necessary to advance program execution and foster meaningful stakeholder relationships.
*Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the field, alongside a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is preferred, and the ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines is necessary. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is also expected to stay current with evolving trends and best practices.
Essential:
A master’s degree or higher—ideally a PhD—in digital economy, digital policy, digital or economic sociology, political economy, development studies, global labor studies, or a closely related field is required. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
Shows a strong grasp of contemporary discussions and challenges in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including their broader impact on skill demands, employment opportunities, fair work standards, and labor market dynamics across African and Global South regions.
Proficiency in designing, implementing, and scaling programs focused on digital skills, professional training, and employment transition, with a particular emphasis on regions in the Global South, is essential.
Professional experience in non-governmental or non-profit organizations, particularly with projects funded by donors, is required.
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.
Profound knowledge of emerging trends in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, alongside their impact on employment and labor markets across African and Global South settings, is essential.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English, demonstrated through the creation of comprehensive reports and the delivery of compelling presentations.
Individuals must possess robust analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, enabling the development of plans from both programmatic and organizational viewpoints.
Proven ability to lead teams effectively, cultivate strong professional relationships, and engage stakeholders with diplomacy and tactful communication.
Experience working on TVET systems.
Extensive involvement with tripartite labor market stakeholders—particularly private sector entities in digital industries—is required, with a focus on enhancing employment prospects and fostering decent work conditions.
Demonstrates a strong track record of cross-functional collaboration and thrives in team settings with diverse perspectives.
Developing and adapting technical guidance and programming tools represents a core area of expertise, requiring the ability to craft and refine instructional materials and software solutions to meet evolving technological demands.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to fostering disability inclusion, equity, and social justice across digital and employment environments.
Capable of traveling internationally for a period of up to 12 weeks annually, demonstrating both flexibility and availability.
Desirable:
Proven track record in advocating for and advancing the rights of marginalized communities, with a strong focus on disability inclusion.
Fluent command of the French language is a prerequisite.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
