The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. Our mission is to further the strategic, commercial, technological, developing world and advocacy interests of our members. The GSMA produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.
Every day we work to harness the power of mobile to achieve our industry purpose – Connecting Everyone and Everything to a Better Future – through four main activities:
We provide strategic direction and thought leadership to our members
We drive collaborative industry programmes aimed at maintaining operator relevance in the digital world
We advocate for the industry to regulators, policy makers and society as a whole
We convene the broad mobile communications ecosystem at our industry leading events
About the Programmes
Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme
There is wide-spread acceptance of the lifeline that mobile technology provides to populations affect by crisis and its ability to facilitate more dignified and self-reliant approaches to the provision of aid. GSMA envisions a digital humanitarian future, where mobile and digital solutions play an optimisation role in providing improved access to services, information and choice for people that could be or are already impacted by crisis. The Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme will incorporate and expand the GSMA Disaster Response Programme, working with Mobile Network Operators, the humanitarian sector and other stakeholders to drive innovation and accelerate the impact of mobile technology before, during and after crisis.
Digital Identity Programme
Proof of identity is a prerequisite to socio-economic development and essential to accessing basic services. Mobile technology is uniquely positioned to enable accessible and inclusive digital identity. The GSMA Digital Identity programme is playing a key role in advocating and raising awareness of the opportunity of mobile-enabled digital identity and life-enhancing services. Our programme works with mobile operators, governments and the development community to demonstrate the opportunities, address the barriers and highlight the value of mobile as an enabler of digital identification. The programme’s mission is to leverage mobile technology as an enabler of digital identity and associated services which provide social and commercial value in developing markets leading to greater social, political and economic inclusion What the Hiring Manager Says
We are excited to be seeking for a passionate and driven professional to join the GSMA’s Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation and Digital Identity programmes as a Policy & Advocacy Manager. This is a newly formed position and will offer the successful candidate a real opportunity to grapple with pressing policy issues in the International Development space and engage with a diverse set of stakeholders across the globe.
About The Role
The GSMA is seeking The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Taking ownership of specific policy and advocacy assignments and supporting the Advocacy team in developing and shaping policy positions. The role will focus on policy issues related to:
Enabling mobile channels and platforms to be used for digital humanitarian response – for example in the context of natural disasters or supporting forcibly displaced populations including refugees;
The role of mobile operators in supporting digital identification for the underserved and the consequent impact on financial and digital inclusion;
Travelling to a number of target countries (mainly in Africa and Asiafocusing on MENA and SSA), supporting the organisation and/or leading policy roundtables, workshops involving multiple stakeholders such as policymakers, development agencies and mobile operators
Keeping abreast of relevant policy and regulatory trends and presenting these to internal and external stakeholders – for example in the areas of technology in humanitarian response, digital identity, privacy, SIM registration and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) in the context of accessing mobile services, and providing analytical support as required
Delivering, and contributing to the development of, Capacity Building courses aimed at policymakers on issues relating to the role of mobile in humanitarian contexts and/or Digital Identity
Liaising with other GSMA teams to ensure alignment of messages as well as with external stakeholders including Policymakers, Mobile Operators, regulatory specialists, humanitarian and development stakeholders, regional experts and consultants
Contributing to, peer-reviewing and editing publications on a wide variety of relevant subjects ensuring GSMA messages and positions are reflected and promoted consistently;
Writing briefing papers and blogs
The successful candidate will work alongside a high-performing and multi-cultural team based in London and Africa and report to GSMA’s Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs for the Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation and Digital Identity Programmes.
About You
Experience in Policy & Regulatory Affairs, ideally with a Development Agency or NGO
Excellent communications skills and able to influence a range of stakeholders
Passionate about the potential applications of technology (incl. mobile technology) in humanitarian contexts to achieve both social and commercial impact
Demonstrative appreciation of how government policy and regulation can impact private sector investment and the strategic dynamics among competing companies within the mobile industry
Graduate with degree in Law, Economics, Politics/PPE, or Iinternational development Development with a policy focus
Strong analytical skills and ability to write compelling and concise reports for a variety of audiences
Direct experience in working with multiple external stakeholders, including governmental and inter-governmental authorities
Willingness to work in results-oriented team environment and ability to adapt to shifting priorities
An enthusiastic team player with an ability to work in a matrixed structure, to support cross functional collaboration across the GSMA
Drive and proactivity – demonstrates a “can do” attitude, and eager to identify and suggest ways of improving existing processes
Very conscientious and highly organised, shows excellent attention to detail
Ability to manage own time effectively
Able to quickly grasp new concepts and ideas
Ability to travel internationally
What We Offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We offer a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast-paced rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry-changing projects and a stimulating and dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish.
