THE OPPORTUNITY

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 is not an advisory-only role; it requires a practitioner who combines technical depth, program design expertise and a proven ability to move concepts from idea to implementation.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Support the implementation-ready design of a flagship Pan-African AI initiative, including program thesis, target populations, priority sectors and country pathways, partnership model, theory of change, budget, MEL framework, learning agenda and implementation roadmap.

• Technical and programmatic quality reviews of priority Digital Economy program investments and partner proposals.

• Supporting responsible integration of AI-enabled approaches into selected Foundation programs through partners, where there is clear potential to improve youth employment, productivity, income, or livelihood outcomes.

• Support program quality assurance, partner selection and implementation oversight across the Digital Economy portfolio.

• Documentation of evidence, learning and reusable program-design approaches across the PANA portfolio.

• A monthly report summarizing key insights, risks, recommendations, and priorities.

• Serve as a senior thought partner to the Director, Digital Economy on portfolio strategy, program quality and investment opportunities.

• Identify emerging opportunities and risks associated with AI, platform economies, global business services, entrepreneurship and digital innovation across Africa.

• Provide technical review and quality assurance for Digital Economy investments and program concepts.

• Support country and thematic teams in identifying and integrating digital economy opportunities into program design and delivery.

• Strengthen the Foundation's Digital Economy enabling function across agrifood systems, entrepreneurship, climate and other priority platforms.

• Prepare program investment cases, approval materials and program documentation.

• Facilitate collaboration between public sector, private sector, academia and ecosystem actors.

• Build bridges between technology opportunities and youth livelihood outcomes, ensuring innovations are grounded in the realities of African labour markets and economic sectors.

• Translate emerging digital and AI trends into practical youth employment, livelihood and enterprise-development opportunities.

WHO YOU ARE

• A Postgraduate qualification in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, technology, agritech, economics, business or a related field is preferred.

• A bachelor’s degree combined with exceptional relevant technical and program-delivery experience will also be considered.

• At least ten years of relevant experience across the private, public or non-profit sectors, including substantial experience in digital technology, skills development, enterprise productivity, livelihoods or work enablement in Africa.

• A hands-on practitioner with a demonstrable track record of personally designing and 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.

• Proven experience taking ideas from concept through design, partner engagement, implementation planning and launch.

• Practical experience working at the intersection of technology and economic development.

• Experience applying digital technologies, data or AI within sectors such as agriculture, informal enterprise, manufacturing, financial inclusion or digital work.

• Proven delivery experience in Africa.

• 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.

• Experience working with or managing multiple implementation partners.

Contract Duration: Six months.
Location: Based in one of the Foundation’s African office locations, with travel across Africa as required.
Reporting to: Director, Digital Economy, Pan-African Programs.

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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