Thematic Expert- Digital Economy at Busara Center

Purpose of the Role

• To conduct a strategic review of the YAW strategy programs, bringing expertise from the digital economy perspective in Uganda, with specific focus on digital economy dimensions of the YAW strategy, portfolio, and results; assess current integration, identify gaps, and recommend actionable pathways to strengthen digital inclusion, skills, and employment outcomes for young people.

The expert will support Busara and Mastercard Foundation Uganda to establish: 

• How digital trends (digital skilling, digital jobs and gig work, e-commerce, digital financial services, and platformisation of work) are affecting the sectors and value chains where YAW Uganda is active.
• The extent to which current YAW Uganda strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to, and capitalize on, these trends.
• Opportunities, risks, and gaps in the initiative’s digital economy positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Review relevant YAW strategy program documents, reports, and results data related to Digital Economy implementing partners in Uganda (10X & FSDU), and the wider Mastercard Foundation Africa strategy.
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and consultations with Foundation staff, YAW strategy implementing partners, program youth participants, and government and private-sector digital economy stakeholders (e.g., fintech, e-commerce, gig platforms, government agencies).
• Map the current trends in Uganda’s digital economy relevant to youth employment, such as digital skills development, online and platform-based work, e-commerce, and digital financial inclusion; and benchmark against relevant digital economy strategies in East Africa.
• Assess the extent to which current programs prepare youth for digital employment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.
• Assess the relevance and positioning of YAW Uganda’s current partner portfolio and flagship interventions within the digital economy.
• Identify strategic opportunities for YAW Uganda to enhance digital economy outcomes, such as establishing new partnerships, innovative delivery models, or targeted focus areas. 
• Identify barriers like infrastructure issues, skills gaps, or policy shortcomings, and explore ways to deepen integration into the digital economy.
• Produce a strategic review report with findings (including a digital economy analysis chapter), recommendations, and a prioritization framework for dissemination to Busara & Mastercard Foundation/YAW stakeholders.

Indicative Deliverables

• Inception report with methodology and work plan.
• Technical input to the Strategic Review Questions relating to Digital Economy indicators. 
• Desk review synthesis input on digital economy models relevant to the Implementing Partner’s sector and geography. 
• Administering Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with Implementing Partner leadership, digital economy officers, and relevant ecosystem actors (digital economy regulators, sector associations). 
• Technical analysis notes on digital economy, financing mechanism effects, and enterprise progression. 
• Interim findings presentation to Foundation team.
• Final report (max 40 pages, excluding annexes) including executive summary, digital economy analysis chapter, recommendations, and a prioritized action matrix.
• Drafted sections of the final Strategic Review report covering digital economy outcomes, systems contribution, and related recommendations. 
• Participation in sensemaking and validation sessions with the Mastercard Foundation and the relevant Implementing Partner, as required.

Required Qualifications

The expert should possess

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, Digital Development or Innovation, Information Systems, ICT Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience working in digital economy strategy, digital inclusion, or technology-for-development, with a deep understanding of Uganda or the East African digital landscape.
• Proven track record conducting strategic reviews, evaluations, or advisory assignments for large-scale development programs.
• Strong understanding of Uganda’s digital economy landscape, including digital financial services, e-commerce, gig/platform work, and relevant policy and regulatory bodies.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation/stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for both technical and donor/board audiences.
• Familiarity with youth employment and financial inclusion programming preferred; familiarity with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works is an added advantage.