Manager, GSMA Innovation Fund at GSM Association (GSMA)

About The Role

As a Manager in the GSMA Innovation Fund team, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of grant projects from contracting to completion, including tailored technical assistance
• By working with the Senior Manager, be responsible for managing and supporting the delivery of projects which support the achievement of the objectives of the programme
• Supports the Senior Managers in key reporting activities including monthly and quarterly Socio-Economic KPI reporting.
• Manages and coordinates regular meetings with grantees and reporting with the independent Innovation Fund Manager.
• Builds relationships with operators across all regions (Africa & Asia especially) in order to identify strategic opportunities to provide support and develop initiatives that align with the programme's core objectives.
• Build and manage other relationships with key regional and local stakeholders, including local incubators/accelerators/tech hubs, government etc.
• Supports grant applicants, due diligence, selection processes, management of Innovation Fund panel for selection of grants and periodic follow-ups.
• Supports projects (including running workshops) which provide hands-on support to selected operators that are willing to serve as innovation partners.
• Works with selected mobile network operators to develop a plan to strengthen their position in the innovation ecosystem.
• Participate in and present at relevant GSMA or external events to disseminate resources and insights, as well as to continue to position the programme in these forums.
• Shares insights with the broader Mobile for Development department, Advocacy and Regional leads, to help build strong positions which can be used to advocate with key stakeholders around the role of MNOs in the innovation ecosystem.
• Contribute towards shaping the overall strategic direction of the GSMA Innovation Fund, to ensure that GSMA continues to deliver valuable support to its members and other stakeholders and achieves its goal of creating more successful, scalable and sustainable innovative Mobile for Development products and services.
• The successful candidate will report into the Director, GSMA Innovation Fund.

About You

• This is a hands-on role with successful candidates required to be self-motivated and able to work effectively with a dispersed team.

The Ideal Candidate Will Display The Following Qualities

• A proven track record of managing complex projects, with multiple stakeholders’ engagements, and within predefined budgets and timelines.
• Experience in successfully managing innovation fund grantees across emerging countries.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and a very collaborative approach to working with other teams across the M4D.
• The ability to think creatively of solutions to new challenges or a changing environment.
• Experience dealing with a variety of external stakeholders, in particular the innovation ecosystem players including MNOs.
• A passion for the work we do at M4D and the impact we are having on local societies and economies
• Experience or good understanding of the role of technology in climate adaptation and resilience is an added advantage
• Fluency English is essential, fluency in French is an added advantage.
• This is a FTC aligned to the grant until 31 March 2024