USAID/AFR Senior Digital Ecosystems and Policy Advisor

About Us

We are International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), a global consulting firm working some of the most complex and impactful development problems worldwide. We work on programs that help government agencies, private companies and donors improve the lives of others. At IBTCI you will be part of an inclusive team that provides expert solutions and advice to understand and address critical problems while giving you opportunities to succeed and grow.

Job Title: USAID/AFR Senior Digital Ecosystems and Policy Advisor

Department/Location: Institutional Support & Program Implemenation (ISPI)

Reports To: Project Manager, ISPI

Type: Regular Full-Time

Classification: exempt

Overview:

U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain USAID Secret Clearance.

USAID’s Bureau for Africa (AFR) Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD) seeks a Senior Digital Ecosystems and Policy Advisor to manage and provide policy and technical guidance on upcoming digital development activities. The Africa Bureau’s vision is for USAID to play a leading role in the growth of African digital ecosystems in collaboration with USAID Missions, interagency partners, and in partnership with African communities, governments, and the private sector. USAID will promote technologies that will further the growth of internet access, technology standards, digital literacy, and increased economic opportunities. USAID/AFR seeks a dynamic individual capable of leading a complex suite of digital development policy and program discussions and planning exercises in collaboration with senior and working level contacts within USAID, other U.S. government partners, and the private sector.

Africa is a center of digital innovation driven by technologies and platforms that address long-standing challenges with infrastructure, connectivity, and service delivery. Digital solutions have long been part of USAID’s development work, and USAID released its first Digital Strategy in 2020. The strategy aims to achieve and sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems that contribute to broad-based, measurable development and humanitarian-assistance outcomes. The strategy relies upon the responsible use of technology and the strengthening of digital ecosystems.

AFR/SD has taken a leadership role in designing and implementing a forthcoming White House initiative on digital development in Africa, which will leverage an interagency approach in development finance, foreign assistance, commercial diplomacy, and diverse investments in capital, skills, networks, and expertise to accelerate the growth of the digital economy in Africa under three pillars of activity: 1. Digital Infrastructure, Internet Access, and Digital Services Growth, 2. Human Capital Development, 3. Enabling Environment Support.

AFR supports U.S. goals of stabilizing fragile states and promoting transformational development through the full range of foreign assistance programming, including promoting peace and security, democracy, good governance, agricultural development, free markets, and economic integration, a sustainable environment, improved human health, education, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance so that Africans and Africa can achieve their full potential. AFR/SD provides technical support for these programs by providing technical assistance to Africa Missions; operationalizing Presidential Initiatives and global strategies; undertaking research and pilot activities; and providing thought leadership in developing policy and programming.

Responsibilities

The Senior Digital Ecosystems and Policy Advisor will serve as the lead technical and policy advisor in USAID’s Bureau for Africa, Office of Sustainable Development, and will collaborate with all AFR/SD Divisions and sectors across USAID. The incumbent will need to demonstrate experience and/or familiarity in a range of issues, such as emerging and existing internet, telecommunications (e.g., 5G, 4G networks, open RAN), as well as how digital economies function in e-commerce, trade, and beyond in developing economies and/or African countries. The Advisor will also be expected to assess and articulate the impact of these technologies on international development priorities, such as women’s economic empowerment, closing the digital divide, the rule of law, human rights, democracy and governance, climate change, and food security.

The incumbent will make recommendations on how foreign assistance resources can be used to promote the development of digital ecosystems that enable positive development outcomes. As such, the incumbent is expected to have familiarity with how digital markets and their associated business models work or can affect (in both positive and negative ways) communities, small businesses, and individuals. In addition, the incumbent is expected to have familiarity with technical innovations, cybersecurity, legal and regulatory issues, and other components related to developing a healthy digital ecosystem.

The incumbent will provide expert technical analysis and guidance to inform the development of programs and strategies for the Bureau and for USAID Missions and regional programs. They will be a team member or leader, as appropriate, in designing programs and will provide technical services to USAID Washington and to overseas Missions. They will support the Office Director, Deputy Director, and Division Chief on all things digital for the Bureau. They will also contribute to the development of policies for the Agency, the Bureau and best practices for AFR Mission programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

Serve as Bureau for Africa’s Primary Point of Contact for the Africa Digital Development Initiative and Senior Technical Advisor for Digital Ecosystems 40%

• Leads and supports USAID’s engagement in the development of all digital-related work, including interagency and intra-agency digital initiatives. Work streams may touch upon any aspect of the digital ecosystem..
• This role includes but is not limited to reviewing and developing materials, supporting Africa Bureau engagement in interagency working groups on behalf of USAID, advising senior leadership, preparing leadership for high-level interagency meetings, coordinating USAID input, collaborating and liaising with the Technology Division in the USAID Development, Democracy and Innovation (DDI) Bureau’s Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub, and briefing Africa Bureau and Agency leadership on progress, as needed.

Design Systems and Advise on Policies related to Digital Implementation 20%

• Contributes to the cutting-edge design of policies and procedures for implementation of priority efforts to include the digital economy and infrastructure, human capital development, and the digital enabling environment. Coordinates technical assessments, gap analyses, and program planning for highly specialized technical sectors. Reviews regulatory environments, assesses the likelihood of successful intervention, and advises on future steps.

Program/Project Development and/or Management Work 40%

• Assists with the planning and design of projects under established and/or proposed program objectives or initiatives. Identifies and implements necessary actions related to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities related to the digital economy and infrastructure, human capital development, and digital enabling environment. Assists with the design of Bureau and/or Mission-specific Strategic Objectives (SOs), within the broadly defined digital area.
• Exercises independent judgment and applies technical knowledge of a broad range of digital trends in preparing or assuring preparation of implementation documents, concept and decision papers, briefing memoranda, authorizations, and Congressional Notifications. Leads the Bureau and Missions in advancing knowledge and best practices surrounding implementation of digital-related programming and in improving approaches in activity management.
• Designs and participates in broad technical assessments, and participates in results framework development and review. Presents and defends positions, as required, before annual program and activity reviews. Provides guidance to Development Objective Teams, managers, and/or other groups. Coordinates information and builds consensus from various organizations involved in the preparation and approval of documents.
• Develops and leads the implementation of the Africa Bureau’s Digital Strategy Action Plan, which outlines Bureau priorities on digital strategy and programming. Leads the Digital Working Group to hone strategic priorities and ensure cross-sectoral participation and Mission collaboration and coordination.

Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience is required in a field such as international relations, international development, information technology, or public policy; or a bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in designing or implementing programs that foster open, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystems (for example, programs that shape sound enabling environments, facilitate responsible investment/innovation, or build capacity among entrepreneurs, small businesses, civil society, or the public sector).
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and presenting technical opportunities, challenges, and solutions within a policy and development Experience in Africa or similar development environments would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging technologies and associated business models or governance issues that present implications for development priorities (e.g., concerns regarding gender equity/equality, fair treatment of workers or small firms, unethical use of data, abuse of human rights)
• Ability to analyze, develop and design broad frameworks as well as incremental approaches and applications specific to the resources and needs in specific environments.
• Outstanding organizational and planning abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop and present information through reports and discussions and work collaboratively with other offices within USAID/Washington, USAID Missions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Working Groups and collaborative for a, other U.S. government offices, other donors, partner government representatives, and implementing partners.
• Ability to present technical concepts and frameworks to non-technical partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with teams in a faced-paced environment, often under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of U.S. Foreign assistance policy, project design and implementation, budgeting and financial management, and performance reporting processes preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, Internet, and Google applications (in particular G-mail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets) required.
• Experience in the use of database applications, including Tableau, is preferred.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a secret clearance.

Working Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment. The position is embedded within USAID/AFR offices in Washington, D.C.

COVID Vaccine status: As a condition of employment, IBTCI requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Candidates should be prepared to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire or request for an accommodation with HR that is consistent with our COVID-19 safety protocols and policies.

Physical Requirements: This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Travel: International travel may be required and may include travel to fragile and/or conflict-prone zones.

Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in the U.S.

About the Organization:

IBTCI has been in business since 1987. We specialize in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL), Institutional Support (IS), Financial & Risk Management (FRM), Supply Chain Management & Procurement (SCMP); Social & Behavior Change (SBC) and Capacity Building. We provide these services across many sectors including, but not limited to, agriculture, resilience & food security, conflict & crisis, democracy & governance, economic growth & trade, education, energy & Infrastructure, environment & climate change, global health & WASH and humanitarian and disaster assistance. At IBTCI, our colleagues are encouraged to collaborate and be part of the solution while getting the tools and guidance needed to grow and support our clients’ missions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IBTCI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identification, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability, or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] (Do not send your resume to this account, for consideration please apply in our career page).