About the role
The Global Technical Lead (GTL) will spearhead the delivery of premium technical support for an international initiative aimed at bolstering digital competencies and employment prospects for young individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this critical position will advocate for enhanced workplace and labor market inclusion for persons with disabilities across seven nations spanning East, West, and Southern Africa.
The Global Technical Lead (GTL) will align program design and implementation with Sight savers’ thematic and program strategies, spearheading the development of pioneering, inclusive methodologies that foster systemic transformation and deliver lasting, sustainable impact.
This position is a full-time, on-site role requiring the successful candidate to work from the Sight savers’ office in Abuja, Accra, Lusaka, or Nairobi, five days a week.
Oversee and execute key operational duties to ensure seamless daily functioning, including performance management, strategic planning, and compliance adherence. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality across the organization. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align goals, resolve challenges, and drive collective success. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress, mitigate risks, and optimize outcomes. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement through leadership and mentorship.
Offer strategic technical direction for a multi-country initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and employment opportunities for young individuals with disabilities, concurrently advancing disability inclusion across workplaces and labor markets throughout 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 strategic initiatives by developing and testing innovative approaches to elevate the quality, relevance, and sustainability of Sight savers’ initiatives.
You will collaborate on interdisciplinary initiatives spanning research, innovation, policy development, advocacy, and communications, partnering with internal departments and external stakeholders to drive collective impact.
As a senior representative of Sight savers, you will serve as a distinguished subject-matter expert in digital inclusion and the digital economy, engaging in national, regional, and international networks, conferences, and sector platforms.
The incumbent is required to undertake travel commitments amounting to up to 12 weeks annually.
Seeking a candidate with a proven track record in relevant industry experience and a strong skill set aligned with the role’s demands. The ideal applicant will possess demonstrated proficiency in key technical and soft skills, ensuring adaptability and expertise in various methodologies. A minimum of [X] years of hands-on experience in similar positions is required, along with a deep understanding of industry best practices and emerging trends. Additionally, familiarity with [specific tools, systems, or frameworks] is essential to excel in this dynamic environment.
The Global Team Lead (GTL) will possess deep expertise in the employment and labor market dynamics of Africa’s digital and IT industries, with a focus on skills’ development, training initiatives, and pathways to employment. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive growth and will champion the rights of individuals with disabilities through forward-thinking and results-driven programs.
As a strategic collaborator, this individual will engage with diverse teams and geographies, bringing a wealth of cross-functional experience. The position requires up to 12 weeks of international travel annually to facilitate program execution and enhance stakeholder relationships.
The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in a similar role. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as is proficiency in industry-specific software and tools. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are required to collaborate effectively across departments. Attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines are also critical. Prior experience in project management or a related field is highly desirable. The ideal applicant will demonstrate adaptability, leadership potential, and a proactive approach to challenges.
Essential:
A master’s degree or higher in digital economy, digital policy, economic sociology, political economy, development studies, global labor studies, or a related field is required; a PhD is preferred, or equivalent professional experience may be considered.
A solid grasp of contemporary discussions and challenges in AI and digital technologies, along with their broader implications for skills development, employment, decent work, and labor markets across African and Global South contexts, is essential.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in designing, implementing, and scaling digital skills initiatives, vocational training programs, and employment transition frameworks—particularly within emerging economies—are encouraged to apply.
Candidates should possess prior experience in non-governmental or non-profit organizations, with a proven track record in overseeing programs funded by donors.
Demonstrated expertise in collaborating with diverse labor market stakeholders—particularly private sector entities—to enhance employment opportunities and promote decent work standards.
Demonstrates a robust comprehension of contemporary advancements in AI and digital technologies, along with their far-reaching impacts on employment patterns and labor markets across African and Global South regions.
Strong proficiency in both spoken and written English is required, enabling the creation of comprehensive reports and the delivery of engaging presentations.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, enabling effective planning from both programmatic and organizational standpoints.
Strong leadership capabilities, exceptional networking expertise, and proven stakeholder engagement skills are required, coupled with a high degree of diplomacy and tact.
Seasoned professional with a proven track record in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems implementation and development.
Demonstrated success in collaborating with key tripartite labor market stakeholders—particularly private sector entities, with a focus on digital industries—to enhance employment prospects and promote decent work standards.
Demonstrates a track record of successful cross-departmental collaboration and thrives in diverse team environments.
Seasoned in creating and modifying technical guidance and programming tools.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to fostering disability inclusion, equity, and justice within digital and employment environments.
Able to travel internationally for up to 12 weeks annually, with full availability and commitment.
Desirable:
Advocacy experience focused on supporting marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on promoting disability inclusion, is required.
Fluency in written and spoken French is essential.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
