Consultant, Digital Economy

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director, Digital Economy, Pan-African Program, the Consultant will provide senior-level strategic, technical and advisory support to strengthen the design, quality assurance and implementation oversight of the Pan-African (PANA) Digital Economy portfolio. The role will advance the Digital Economy enabling function across key Foundation thematic areas, including agrifood systems, entrepreneurship, climate resilience and other priority sectors, while helping shape enterprise-level thinking on Artificial Intelligence and its implications for youth employment, program design and systems change.

Working directly with the Director, Digital Economy, the Consultant will go beyond strategy and advisory support to translate emerging opportunities into practical programs, partnerships and delivery models. The Consultant will play a key role in supporting the design and implementation of flagship Digital Economy initiatives, ensuring that technology, and Artificial Intelligence in particular, are applied in ways that enable dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young Africans. This role requires a research-led practitioner who combines rigorous evidence and analysis with program design expertise and the ability to move concepts to implementation.

Contract Duration: Six months.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Serve as a senior thought partner to the Director, Digital Economy on portfolio strategy, program quality, investment opportunities, and emerging risks across AI, platform economies, global business services, entrepreneurship and digital innovation in Africa.
• Lead the implementation-ready design of a flagship Pan-African AI initiative, including its program thesis, target populations, priority sectors and country pathways, partnership model, theory of change, budget, MEL framework, learning agenda and implementation roadmap.
• Provide technical and programmatic quality assurance for Digital Economy investments and partner proposals, including partner selection, program investment cases, approval materials and implementation oversight.
• Support country and thematic teams to responsibly integrate AI-enabled and digital economy approaches into program design and delivery where they can improve youth employment, productivity, income or livelihood outcomes.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s Digital Economy enabling function across agrifood systems, entrepreneurship, climate and other priority platforms by translating digital and AI trends into practical employment, livelihood and enterprise-development opportunities.
• Produce evidence reviews and landscape analyses on AI, the digital economy and youth livelihoods in Africa to inform the flagship AI initiative, portfolio design and investment decisions.
• Facilitate collaboration among public sector, private sector, academia and ecosystem actors, connecting technology opportunities to youth livelihood outcomes grounded in African labour markets and economic sectors.
• Document evidence, learning and reusable program-design approaches across the PANA portfolio.
• Prepare a monthly report summarizing key insights, risks, recommendations and priorities.

WHO YOU ARE

• A PhD, or an equivalent record of peer-reviewed research in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, technology, agritech, economics, including development or agricultural economics, or a related field is preferred. Exceptional candidates with a master’s degree and a substantial body of published research focused on Africa or comparable emerging economies will also be considered.
• Relevant educational credentials combined with strong design, technical and program-delivery experience are a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, which may include doctoral or post-doctoral research, across the private, public, academic or non-profit sectors, including substantial experience in digital technology, skills development, enterprise productivity, livelihoods or work enablement in Africa.
• Experience working in or with African research and innovation institutions, such as national science councils, research foundations, universities or international research centres, particularly in translating research into programs, solutions, policy or investment decisions, is a strong advantage.
• A hands-on practitioner with a demonstrable track record of personally designing, informing or supporting the implementation of large-scale programs, partnerships, digital products or platforms that achieved measurable livelihood, productivity, income or employment outcomes.
• Practical understanding of responsible AI, data governance, digital inclusion and the ethical deployment of technology in African contexts.
• Practical experience working at the intersection of technology and economic development, with experience taking ideas from concept through design, partner engagement, implementation planning and launch.
• Research and/or delivery experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, applying digital technologies, data or AI within sectors such as agriculture, informal enterprise, manufacturing, financial inclusion or digital work.
• Strong understanding of African labour markets and youth employment challenges and opportunities.
• Experience working with technology companies, startups, digital platforms, innovation ecosystems or AI-enabled solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical, technical and program-design outputs independently.
• High degree of professionalism and integrity, aligned with the Foundation’s values and commitment to quality.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

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