Innovation Programme Manager – Frontier Technologies

IMC Worldwide

We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual to join the Frontier technologies programme in a leading role.

The Role
The Frontier Technologies (FT) programme is one of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO’s) most pioneering, exciting, and widely recognised initiatives. FT enables FCDO to explore, understand, test, and scale cutting-edge technologies across its geographic and technical portfolio. The programme has earned several accolades, including recognition as the most innovative programme in the UK Civil Service in 2017.

There are four main components to the programme:
Frontier Technology Livestreaming (FTL) – supports trialling and scaling of new technologies through a series of in-country pilots
Frontier Tech Futures – enables FCDO staff to explore what radical technological transformation means for the future, and consequently, FCDO
• Evidence and Thought Leadership – Creating and curating evidence, insights and thought leadership to inspire and equip FCDO to understand how frontier tech can be applied
• Network – Fostering connections across FCDO staff, sharing opportunities and insights to deepen knowledge and learning about frontier technologies

Working closely with the Team Leader of FT, you will support IMC’s contribution to the programme by supporting across all components of the programme.

Main responsibilities/job content

Frontier Technology Livestreaming (FTL) – 55%

· Undertake the management of a number of frontier technology pilots including contracting and grant management

· Assist FCDO staff and implementing partners to develop their pilot ideas through coaching and mentoring in innovation methods

· Support the management of tenders to identify tech providers/implementation partners

· Travel as necessary to visit pilots in the field and provide coaching support

· Capture and disseminate learnings generated through pilot stories, medium posts etc

Programme-wide management – 25%

· Prepare monthly invoices and quarterly forecasts

· Proactively identify and manage risks and issues

· Ensure compliance with all FCDO funding/contractual requirements through audits/checks

· Provide as-needed support to the creation of quarterly reports and annual reviews

· Meet the high ethical standards of the company as directed by the IMC policies related, but not limited to: Business Ethics, Equal opportunities, Anti-Harassment & Bullying, Safeguarding, Anti-Slavery and Human trafficking and Data Protection

· Meet the standards as directed by the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

Business Development- 20%

· Support the team in identifying and responding to expressions of interest

· Support the development of proposals

· Help build networks with potential donor, partners, and experts

A typical day at work

A typical day might include carrying out a sprint planning session with a pilot team in the morning followed by reviewing a blog post for our medium publication in the afternoon and supporting the development of a proposal.

The programme and team take great pride in the culture and spirit of collaboration and innovation developed over the life of the programme. The team is also very highly motivated, committed to over-communication, and dedicated to keep delivering at (and improving upon) the high standard of its work. FT itself is all about doing development differently by using a methodology developed specifically for the programme, employing innovative programme management methods, and continuously experimenting with new approaches and tools.

This is an exciting, challenging opportunity to play a role on one of the most multi-faceted, well-known programmes at FCDO and work with an outstanding team dedicated to delivering impact through innovation and technology.

About us

IMC Worldwide recently joined the DT Global group to bring together two international development leaders under one roof.

IMC Worldwide; Built on more than 60 years of history in the international development space, IMC believes in building better futures together for all. IMC is committed to achieving stronger economic futures, improved places to live, and more resilient infrastructure. IMC also offers a range of services to support the wider development community through a focus on Digital and Data Governance and Transformation; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; and Framework Management.

DT Global; Built on over 50 years of experience through its legacy companies, DT Global has emerged as a leader in providing innovative, scalable, and responsive solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. From early-stage crisis and stabilization assistance to economic development, governance, and environmental work, DT Global provides a continuum of support to communities in five principal development areas: Economic Growth, Environment & Infrastructure, Human Development, Governance, and Stabilization & Transition.

The coming together of two great international development companies creates a highly synergetic global unit. DT Global have corporate offices in Adelaide, Madrid, Malaga, Washington DC, and now Redhill, Surrey (a short train ride from London), and long and short-term presence in 95 countries.

The Inclusive Growth team

The Frontier Technologies Programme sits within the Inclusive Growth team of IMC Worldwide.

The Inclusive Growth team strengthens opportunities for excluded groups and communities supporting them to access better economic opportunities and basic services, including stimulating sustainable job growth. Designing responses to the challenges of exclusion are complex and reflect a variety of socio-economic conditions. In response, IMC employs a multi-disciplinary approach, supporting the development of entrepreneurial and innovative solutions to address these challenges.

The team has two main pillars – Entrepreneurial and SME Development, and Innovation.

In your role you will also be expected to support the development of the business stream through business development.

IMC Worldwide Ltd. (IMC) is an international development consultancy with over 60 years of experience in delivering complex and high impact projects globally to make a positive impact on the world’s most disadvantaged populations. As part of the DT Global family, we have a solid global presence with corporate offices in Washington DC, Madrid, Adelaide, and London, and long- and short-term presence in 95 countries.

How to apply

How to apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter to [email protected] explaining clearly why you are interested in this role and working for IMC, the skills and experiences you can bring to it, and how your experience meets the person specification. Your covering letter should also include your salary expectations.

The closing date for applications is 29 May. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis, so it is recommended you apply as soon as possible.

IMC is a signatory to the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The Scheme was launched in January 2019 to address the specific problem of known sexual abusers moving between organisations undetected. The Scheme is a commitment to share information, during the recruitment process, about employees and other staff, who have been found guilty of misconduct. To find out more about the Scheme please visit https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/

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