About the role
The Global Technical Lead will spearhead the delivery of exceptional technical support for a transformative multi-country initiative aimed at bolstering digital competencies and employment prospects for young individuals with disabilities. In addition, this key position will advocate for and advance disability inclusion in workplaces and labor markets across seven nations spanning East, West, and Southern Africa.
The GTL will design and implement the program in full alignment with Sight savers’ thematic and program strategies, spearheading the development of innovative, inclusive methodologies to catalyze systemic transformation and foster sustainable impact.
This is a full-time, on-site position requiring the successful candidate to work from the Sight savers office in Abuja, Accra, Lusaka, or Nairobi, five days per week.
Responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing workflows, and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive project execution, optimize efficiency, and maintain high standards of quality. Monitors key performance indicators to identify trends, address inefficiencies, and implement corrective actions. Facilitates communication between departments to align goals and resolve operational challenges. Develops and implements training programs to enhance team competencies and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and safety protocols while promoting a secure and productive work environment.
Deliver strategic technical direction to a pan-African initiative aimed at enhancing digital competencies and employment prospects for young individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously fostering disability inclusion across workplaces and labor markets in East, West, and Southern Africa.
Work collaboratively with Global Technical Leads and implementing partners to align efforts and achieve program objectives with maximum impact.
Spearhead transformative strategies by designing and implementing pioneering initiatives that elevate the quality, applicability, and long-term sustainability of Sight savers’ initiatives.
You will collaborate on interdisciplinary initiatives spanning research, innovation, policy, advocacy, and communications, partnering with internal departments and external stakeholders to drive collective impact.
Serving as Sightsavers’ senior representative, you will leverage your expertise in digital inclusion and the digital economy to actively engage in national, regional, and international forums, networks, conferences, and sector-specific platforms.
The position requires up to 12 weeks of travel annually.
We seek a candidate with a proven track record in the specified domain, possessing the necessary technical proficiencies and hands-on experience to excel in the role. The ideal applicant will bring a minimum of three years of relevant experience, coupled with expertise in key tools and methodologies pertinent to the position. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams are essential. Additionally, familiarity with industry best practices and a commitment to continuous learning are highly valued traits.
The Global Talent Lead (GTL) will offer specialized knowledge in employment and labor market dynamics within Africa’s digital and IT sectors, with a strong focus on skills’ development, training initiatives, and employment transitions. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusive development and the advancement of disability rights through forward-thinking, high-impact programming.
The position requires a strategic collaborator skilled in cross-functional teamwork and global engagement. This role entails up to 12 weeks of international travel annually to advance program delivery and enhance stakeholder relationships.
The ideal candidate must meet specific qualifications and possess relevant experience to excel in this role. Proficiency in [specific software/tools] and a strong background in [industry/field] are essential. Additionally, the position requires excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with teams and stakeholders. Problem-solving abilities and a keen attention to detail are also necessary to ensure high-quality outcomes. Prior experience in [relevant field] or a related capacity is preferred, along with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines efficiently.
Essential:
A Master’s degree or higher—ideally a PhD—in fields such as digital economy, digital policy, digital or economic sociology, political economy, development studies, global labor studies, or a closely related discipline is required. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
Requires a solid grasp of contemporary discussions and challenges in AI and digital technologies, along with their impact on skills’ development, employment, decent work, and labor market dynamics within African and Global South settings.
Seasoned professionals with expertise in designing, implementing, and scaling digital skills initiatives, workforce development programs, and pathways to employment are encouraged to apply—particularly those with a proven track record in the global South.
Professional experience in non-governmental or non-profit organizations, with a focus on overseeing donor-funded initiatives, is essential.
Expertise in collaborating effectively with diverse labor market stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on engaging the private sector to enhance employment opportunities and foster decent work conditions.
Demonstrates a robust grasp of evolving trends in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, along with their broader implications for employment landscapes and labor markets across African and Global South regions.
Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English is required, along with the capacity to craft comprehensive reports and effectively deliver presentations.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, adept at developing plans that align with both programmatic objectives and broader organizational goals.
Skilled in leading teams, cultivating professional relationships, and effectively engaging with stakeholders while demonstrating diplomacy and discretion.
Experience working on TVET systems.
Experienced in collaborating with tripartite labor market stakeholders—particularly private sector entities, with a focus on digital industries—to enhance employment opportunities and promote decent work standards.
Demonstrates a track record of successful collaboration with various departments and thrives in multicultural team environments.
Developing and refining technical guidance and programming tools is an area of expertise, alongside adapting them to evolving needs.
Dedication to fostering disability inclusion, ensuring equity, and upholding justice within digital and employment environments is essential.
Demonstrates flexibility and capability to undertake international travel for periods extending up to 12 weeks annually.
Desirable:
Proven track record in championing the rights and needs of underrepresented communities, with a strong focus on promoting disability inclusion and accessibility.
Fluency in French is required.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
