Insights Manager, Emerging Technologies at GSM Association (GSMA)

Responsibilities for this role will include:

• Lead and execute research projects focused on the role of AI and emerging technologies (e.g. mobile tech, IoT, GIS, blockchain) in advancing socioeconomic development and climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Define scope and methodology of research projects that respond to real-world challenges faced by innovators, industry practitioners, and development actors, while aligning with the strategic objectives of funders and GSMA programmes.
• Produce high-quality written outputs including policy reports, research briefs, slide decks, blogs, and case studies, ready for public dissemination and aligned with GSMA’s quality and editorial standards.
• Monitor and analyse trends in emerging technologies for development to identify high-impact opportunities, innovations, and business models suitable for scaling across LMICs.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including other M4D Insights, Innovation Fund, and the AI for Impact team, to ensure coherence across research agendas, messaging, and dissemination strategies.
• Engage and coordinate with stakeholders across the ecosystem, including donors, mobile operators, startups, government agencies, NGOs, and multilateral institutions—to gather insights, validate findings, and amplify research relevance.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to promote research through blogs, events (e.g. MWC Barcelona, M360 APAC, AI for Good), webinars, and thought leadership pieces.
• Contribute to shaping the research agenda, proposing relevant themes, use cases, and strategic focus areas based on trends in digital development.

About You

The right candidate will be able to draw on a solid foundation of research and industry knowledge to produce thought leadership content. You will be excited to join a diverse team that shares a passion for the ways mobile and emerging technologies can empower people. You will have most or all of the following:

• Excellent analytical skills, such as the ability to define research questions, devise analytical frameworks, analyse data and extract insights. 
• Strong command over qualitative research methodologies. Knowledge and experience of quantitative research methodologies is desirable.
• An understanding of AI and emerging technologies, the mobile industry and the international development sector, including a genuine interest in the commercial and social benefits presented by the adoption of AI, mobile and emerging technologies in low-and-middle income countries.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage research projects, driving them through to completion with minimal guidance from your managers.
• Prior experience of managing externally commissioned research projects from end-to-end is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and managing productive work relationships, at all levels, including C-level.
• Fluent and compelling written and oral communications skills in English, including an ability to articulate complex issues in plain language. Knowledge of a second language (e.g. French) would be a plus.
• A track record of delivering results both through individual contribution and through teams.
• A proactive approach and a willingness to make suggestions and test new ideas.