Position: Senior Manager – Data and Technology, Strategy and Build – GDI Africa
Start Date: Immediate
Contract length: One year (renewable)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya/Hybrid
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About GDI: The Global Development Incubator, Inc. (GDI Africa), is a non-profit organization independently incorporated in Kenya in April 2017 and legally registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Act of Kenya. GDI Africa is governed by a locally constituted Board and directly employs over fifty staff across the country and Africa region. GDI is renowned for launching and operationalizing initiatives aimed at systemic and scaled change. GDI’s mission is to bring together ideas, leaders and capital to build and scale the next generation of social solutions. Key areas of implementation include youth employment, economic inclusion for the extreme poor, gender and PWD inclusion, financing for smallholder farmers, mental health, green jobs and financing, MSME development and sustainable economic development. GDI Africa works deep in community with partners and directly with participants in all initiatives, building capacity and ensuring the voices and stories of communities, especially women, are incorporated in all of GDI’s work. More on GDI’s approach and work can be found on the following website: www.gdiafrica.org
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About the Role:
The Senior Manager, Data and Tech, is a critical role within GDI Africa's Strategy and Build team. This position will lead and oversee data-related work, acting as the Data & Technology Portfolio Lead for GDI Africa as well as the global data and tech lead for the Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN). The Senior Manager will drive the development and implementation of data and technology strategies, ensuring efficient and aligned systems across the global network. Additionally, they will contribute to various GDI initiatives, leveraging their expertise to support project management, strategy development, and relationship management.
The Senior Manager, Data and Tech, will play a crucial role in driving GDI Africa's mission and vision, leveraging their expertise to create a positive impact on a global scale.
Responsibilities:
Strategy and Analysis:
· Establish strategic direction for data and technology initiatives, guiding and structuring analysis.
· Develop and own high-impact concepts and strategies, contributing significant strategic insight.
· Generate new ideas for improving data analysis and synthesis, ensuring efficient and effective processes.
Implementation and Entrepreneurship:
· Lead the development and implementation of beneficiary journey tracking strategies, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
· For GOYN, manage relationships with monitoring, evaluation, and learning partners, working closely with the GOYN Learning Lead.
· Proactively identify and propose solutions for operational opportunities and risks, ensuring smooth project execution.
· Ensure balanced workload and efficient use of resources across initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment.
Communications and Relationship Management:
· Build long-term collaborations and partnerships with high-potential stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor.
· Generate and drive new thought leadership products, contributing to GDI's public communications materials.
· Lead stakeholder management on majority of initiative relationships, anticipating and addressing their needs.
· Consistently deliver clear and compelling communications, ensuring effective engagement with clients and partners.
Team Management and Resourcing:
· Manage high-functioning teams, ensuring productive coaching and feedback for direct reports.
· Proactively engage GDI-wide resources, identifying opportunities for cost-savings and efficient resource allocation.
· Ensure successful P&L management of individual initiatives, pursuing unrestricted revenue and ensuring efficient use of indirect cost centers.
· Provide strategic value beyond technical knowledge, bringing a multi-disciplinary approach to organizational challenges.
Business Development and Fundraising:
· Lead and secure new business for GDI, proactively developing opportunities and generating contacts and leads.
· Successfully set and manage partner expectations, shaping and contributing to fundraising efforts.
· Proactively involve other GDI teams in early scoping and budgeting processes, fostering a collaborative approach.
Organizational Development and GDI Values:
· Drive achievement of both GDI-wide and initiative goals and priorities, ensuring a balanced focus.
· Generate projects and activities to build GDI-wide collaboration and improve culture, embodying GDI values.
· Ensure every initiative experience results in capacity-building for GDI overall, synthesizing and communicating insights effectively.
Additional Skills:
· Proficiency in structured data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to facilitate effective meetings and workshops.
· Competency in productivity software and tools for developing and communicating structured ideas.
· Budget development and management expertise.
· Ability to develop a range of materials for successful investment cases.
· Serve as an expert program strategist and advisor, promoting GDI's external image.
Desired Qualifications:
· Undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline. A master's degree or higher in a similar field is preferred but not mandatory
· A minimum of 12+ years of professional experience in a data-centric role, with a proven track record of leading and managing data-related projects and initiatives.
· Proficiency in data analysis, data visualization, and data management tools
· Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans, with a focus on data-driven decision-making. Experience in strategy consulting or a similar role is advantageous.
· Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
· Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and guide a team of data professionals. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
· A solid understanding of business principles and the ability to align data strategies with organizational goals. Experience in business development, fundraising, or proposal writing is a plus.
· Knowledge of the social impact sector, international development, or a related field is highly desirable. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within these sectors can be a significant advantage.
· Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to break down complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and present clear insights.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and partners.
· The ability to adapt to changing priorities, work in a fast-paced environment, and embrace a culture of continuous improvement.
· A genuine passion for driving social change and a commitment to GDI Africa's mission and values.
· A curious and creative intellect and a style that includes flexibility, levelness, and a sense of humor and humility.
Qualities of GDI Employees
· A relentless drive to get things done.
· Curious and entrepreneurial mindset.
· Passion for driving social impact and tackling the world’s biggest challenges in new ways.
If you are interested in this position and meet the qualifications above, please submit a single PDF document containing a one-page cover letter and CV/resume outlining their interest in this position and why they would be a good fit. Please note that the cover letter is considered an important aspect of the application and will be evaluated against the qualifications above. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications take place on a rolling basis until positions are filled and are to be submitted via https://www.gdiafrica.org/our-careers/
Global Development Incubator is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.