Role Overview
Reporting in to the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Mobile for Development Director – Africa plays an important role in the regional senior management team and leads a department of Mobile for Development professionals based in the region.
The M4D Director will be tasked with identifying opportunities for social, economic and environmental impact to stimulate the development of scalable, life-enhancing mobile services in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
The Director and his/her team will implement the GSMA’s Mobile for Development programmes and strategy regionally across eight global initiatives to deliver innovations in financial services, health, agriculture, digital identity, energy, water, sanitation, disaster resilience and gender equality.
Role Specification
Together with the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, build GSMA and M4D’s work across the region and identify opportunities for new engagement and for broadening M4D engagement
Build strong relationships with key partner organisations operating in region and work closely with mobile operators to ensure strong support for M4D activities
Work closely with M4D Programme Leads in our London HQ to ensure programme strategy is fit for purpose in region
Responsible for leading regional Mobile for Development (M4D) activities, accountable for programme delivery in region against HQ KPIs and member expectations
Foster the necessary consultation, communications and good relations within the wider organisation, including staff of member organisations
Person Specification
You will likely come from a background in international development, having gained significant experience in one or more of the following fields:
– NGO, foundation, trade/aid organisation
– Development projects within a mobile network operator, OTT organisation or other ICT player
– Governmental body focussed on development
You will therefore be able to demonstrate a very strong understanding of both development and the ICT/telecoms industry in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the purpose and work of the GSMA
You will be used to the structure of a matrixed, international organisation and will have a track record of performing collaboratively across departments and geographies.
You are able to work co-operatively and flexibly with stakeholders and facilitate collaborative approach
You will be a proven strategic thinker who is able to generate new ideas, insights and approaches. You will be able to reconcile strategic imperatives with operational deliverables.
You will have outstanding leadership & managerial skills and demonstrate maturity, humility and cultural awareness
You have excellent written and oral communication skills, experience writing and delivering impactful presentations to senior stakeholders and are able to communicate at all levels
You benefit from solid financial management experience with a proven track record of managing and large budgets
You must have the right to work in Kenya to be considered for this position.
