Research ICT Africa is a public interest think tank that conducts research on digital policy and regulation, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and global digital and data governance. Our mission is to facilitate evidence-based policymaking for improved access, use and application of digital technologies and data for sustainable development in Africa and the Global South.

Key Responsibilities:   

Responsible to the Board for the strategic direction of the organisation and the implementation of the strategy through overseeing its operations and programs you will drives fundraising, mitigate risks and builds partnerships and networks to establish and maintain organisational credibility and sustainability.  

Main Duties:          

• Oversee the organisation's strategic functions and brand management  
• Provide intellectual leadership within the organisation and in global south partnerships and international fora  
• Collaborate with the board of directors to meet organisational objectives  
• Represent the organisation at public events,  policy and governance fora  
• Nurture a healthy organisational culture  
• Drive activities in pursuit of the organisation's mission and vision  
• Present the organisation’s research at policy conferences and other events in line with the organisation’s mission, vision and objectives.  
• Author/co-author selected research (up to 25% of the role).  
• Uphold the organisation’s values.  
• Listen and respond to internal feedback on the organisational structure, strategy and activities.  
• Develop and implement short- and long-term fundraising plans, research funding sources and establish strategies to approach new funders. Support staff in their fundraising activities.  
• Manage relationships with strategic funders and partners.  
• Define the organisation’s strategic direction in collaboration with staff, key stakeholders and the board.  
• Enable the implementation of the strategy by providing resources, encouraging agility and unblocking key issues.  
• Anticipate, and identify and react to, external or internal changes that mean that the organisation and its strategy also need to pivot.  
• Lead the team when the plan gets derailed and re-set the strategy so that the organisation can survive and thrive.  
• Oversee general administrative issues, human resource management (hiring and line management of senior staff), finances (incoming funds, and direct, indirect, governance, support and operational costs), engagement with the board.  
• Provide intellectual leadership and practical guidance to ensure  academic rigour, contextual relevance, and clarity of recommendations.  
• Stay abreast of current and emerging digital and data issues within Africa and globally.  
• Respond to/propose reforms as a trusted commentator.  

Qualifications, experience and attributes:  

• Strong academic background (PhD required), with experience leading and publishing research (i.e. intellectual leadership)  
• At least five years in an executive or senior leadership role at an entity of a scale, function, and/or complexity similar to that of RIA, in the non-profit, private or public sector (including tertiary institutions).   
• Proven working relations with international development/donor agencies/governments.  
• Practical policy or regulatory experience is an advantage  
• Communications (Storyteller): Persuasive public speaking and written communication skills; track record of engaging with multiple audiences, including policymakers, funders and the media, and cultures face-to-face and remotely to get the message across about an issue or opportunity and about likely solutions; receptive to new ideas: ability to listen to employee and other stakeholder concerns and to resolve them where applicable.  
• Interpersonal (Networker): Policymaking usually takes place within communities of people who interact and are familiar with each other. ED role requires interpersonal skills, partnership building, and public relations. Track record of advocacy with policymakers and lawmakers, ability to raise funds and interact with the private sector and media.  
• Management (Engineer): Ability to inspire and oversee RIA’s vision, carry RIA’s mission forward, coach and develop staff in a competitive environment, and have a global vision of RIA’s work and expertise to communicate this to all stakeholders, particularly continental and national institutions. Experience with leading a diverse and multidisciplinary team, interacting with a variety of interlocutors, and navigating different environments is necessary.  
• Political (Fixer): Extensive knowledge of the policymaking landscape, as well as commitment to digital equality and data justice a respected and recognised figure in their field.  

As an African think tank this leadership position is reserved for Africans.    We particularly encourage applications from women and black Africans as we support positive discrimination on the grounds of race and gender to redress historical imbalances of the past and to achieve equity in the processes of recruitment.  

RIA offers a competitive remuneration package depending on level of experience.   

Send your letter of motivation and CV to info@researchictafrica.net  

Location: Research ICT Africa, Cape Town Office  

Closing date for applications: 15 August 2024  

Start date: As soon as possible