Program Manager – Digital Policy and Innovations (ACET)
Job Description
| Job Summary The Program Manager Lead will drive implementation on ACET’s work on a broad range of programs to include innovation and digital policy, infrastructure and investment, green industrial transformation and global financial architecture reform – all to support Africa’s economic transformation. S/he will lead these programs under the direction of the Director and in support of project teams. The Department prides itself on being at the frontier of the development agenda, often leading programs that have never been undertaken anywhere on the globe. It is also a diverse team across multiple continents and many disciplines that is agile while also focusing on world class quality. The Program Manager will be someone who likes to work hard, but also have fun and is deeply committed to Africa’s economic transformation. |
| Roles and Responsibilities While the Director is ultimately responsible for the team, deliverables, strategy, partnerships and corporate, the Program Manager will support the Director in these areas. Coordinating Delivery Responsible for coordinating delivery across numerous teams and themes to ensure timeliness and world-class quality. This will include managing staff and overseeing work programs, timelines, drafts, convenings, inputs and deliverables. Expected to have a “bird’s eye view” of all programs and work closely with project leads and technical coordinators to always know the status of activities. Strategy and Partnerships Play a central role in developing and refining ACET’s strategies and approaches across program areas, including emerging themes, while contributing to departmental and corporate brainstorming with thoughtful strategic inputs. Play a critical role in managing partner relations across a wide breadth of organizations from international financial institutions and the United Nations to African policy institutes and government counterparts. Resource Mobilization Deeply involved in resource mobilization to raise funds for things that have never been done before or are not usually undertaken by African policy institutes. This includes working closely with the ACET Partnerships team in scanning and identifying opportunities, engaging prospective donors – or networks that lead to donors, writing proposals and presenting funding ideas. Effective Teamwork Support the Director in ensuring a strong sense of team, effective collaboration, a positive culture of information sharing, early identification of teamwork challenges and staff wellbeing. Corporate Stewardship Collaborate with Operational unit heads to oversee work programming, staff time allocation, procurement/consultant management, internal monitoring and evaluation, budget management, communications, corporate and partner reporting (Board updates/donor reports). Project Implementation/Support Expected to have technical expertise in at least one of the pillars in the department. This will include encouraging innovation/ new approaches, and ensuring that ACET’s work reflects world class thinking. Lead or support at least one technical project which might include writing a policy brief or organizing a policy dialogue. Representation Represent ACET/ Director in a wide range of events and fora, both in-person and virtually. Communication and Publications Contribute to articles, blogs, policy notes and papers for publications by ACET and its partners. Responsible for ensuing Departmental portions of the ACET website are updated regularly with events, reports, blogs, etc. Maintain an active presence on social media, promoting the Department’s activities. Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time in support of ACET’s mission |
The Talented Individual
| Education/Experience PhD or Master’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Business, Technology, Life Sciences, Engineering, Finance or related fields. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant post masters experience conducting policy oriented applied research Strong understanding of, and experience working in, African contexts Previous experience working on at least one of the pillars of the department (global finance, green industrialization, digital and innovation policy, infrastructure and investment) Proven experience managing portfolios and programs across a diverse set of themes with multiple teams. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strong organizational and delivery skills in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, themes and teams with a focus on timeliness and excellence. Ability to thrive with heavy workloads, working across time zones, and multi-tasking many simultaneous deliverables. Outstanding teamwork and proven track record of effective people and team management Proven skills in research and analysis. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. French, Arabic, or Portuguese language would be an asset. Experience writing proposals, reports to donors/others, and summarizing events/convenings. Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information in written papers, reports, and presentations. Personal Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with colleagues, partners and government officials at all levels and from different cultures. Intellectually curious. Strong competence in development economics. Ability to travel within the continent and internationally. Ability to handle technical, strategic and administrative tasks seamlessly. Ability to work, as needed, outside of normal office hours and a proven track record of working effectively with remote-based teams. |
ACET Values
ACET strives to ensure an equitable and merit-based workplace. We promote ongoing employee development to strengthen staff capacity and further professional goals. We operate around five core values:
- Pioneering: We try to push the envelope in the spirit of being a “think and do” tank.
- Respect: We believe that in respecting each other, we will grow together.
- Integrity: We are transparent and accountable in our actions.
- Collaboration: We believe our best results are achieved by working well together.
- Excellence: We aspire to the highest level of critical thinking to solve difficult problems.
WORKING AT ACET
ACET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassments of any kind. We draw from a highly diversified pan-African and global talent base. We are committed to ensuring that employees are remunerated, recruited, and developed based on skills and suitability for the work performed.