Manager, GSMA Innovation Fund at GSM Association (GSMA)

About the Role

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

• Work in a team to review and assess grant applications for funding
• Support shortlisted grant applicants (approx. 5 per round), this will include conducting due diligence and an extensive review of their grant application (workplan and budget)
• Manage a portfolio of grant projects from contracting to completion, including providing tailored technical assistance (either directly or through a third party).
• Support the Senior Managers in key reporting activities including monthly and quarterly Socio-Economic KPI reporting.
• Manage and coordinate regular meetings with grantees assigned to you. This will include coordination with an Independent Fund Manager.
• Build relationships with mobile network operators (MNOs) across Asia 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 investors, local incubators/accelerators/tech hubs, government etc.
• Deliver projects (including running workshops) which provide hands-on support to selected operators that are willing to serve as innovation partners.
• 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.
• Share insights with the broader M4D 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 M4D products and services.

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. This includes experience managing risk and helping grantees pivot.
• Strong understanding and experience working with start-ups in Asia, as well as networks within the ecosystem such as investors and tech hubs 
• Strong interpersonal skills, and a very collaborative approach to working with other teams across the M4D.
• Critical analysis of business models and an understanding of the path for sustainability for grantees
• 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
• Fluency in English is essential