Provide strategic and operational direction for the establishment of the Digital Technology Solutions Department, a client-facing team supporting program delivery. Responsible for articulating and accelerating the pace of adoption and utilization of digital technologies in existing programs and funding proposals, and for driving the development and implementation of new products associated with Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D). Will bring together technology experts to increase the adoption of mobile platforms to improve operational efficiency and data collection; improve the quality of public sector decision-making through data visualization and enhanced data analytics. Responsible for driving awareness and adoption of launched digital products within the organization’s business units, areas of practice/sectors and regional offices, and for developing partnerships with other external organizations to facilitate the use of information and communication technologies in program activities.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Define and advance a business model for the Digital Solutions products and services, based on considerations of competitors, partners, revenue sources and costs.
- Engaging with technical and geographic business unit leaders and business development teams to raise awareness of technology platforms, tools and techniques.
- Undertake market/competitor analyses to identify clients and validate product opportunities in key market sectors. This includes assessing the readiness of current and potential new clients to integrate or utilize digital technologies.
- Assess market demand and readiness for products, develop pricing strategy, promotion and marketing strategies
- Lead collaboration efforts with project leaders and their teams to establish corporate processes for technology selection, strategic direction, and annual goals for the Digital Solutions Department.
- Assesses products or services to be offered to external markets based on client requirements, development needs identified, and market dynamics,
- Develop business cases and product/service pitches.
- Develop the strategic, tactical approaches and budgets for specific proposals, concept notes, expressions of interest and other business development-related opportunities, working closely with the business development department, sectoral experts, and other proposal team members.
- Support the global dissemination of information and experiences regarding the organization’s use of technologies to enhance human development outcomes across all regions.
- Engage with business units, regional office leads and Business Development to support the organization’s proposal management process and respond/adapt to different business needs.
- Engage with digital technology industry leaders in the US and globally to follow state-of-the art thinking to stay ahead of competition.
- Develop and enhance relationships with representatives of international and USG donor agencies, private sector foundations, private companies and key players in the field of digital technology and ICT4D.
- Capture technical and strategic feedback to support continual product improvement or development of new opportunities.
- Collaborate with the organization’s key stakeholders to ensure effective engagement and tracking of business development opportunities
- Lead staff and support efforts to grow the project pipeline (identifying and developing opportunities) and to implement programs.
- Lead coordination efforts with technology innovation specialists, subject matter experts, and other program staff to develop and maintain corporate capability statements and descriptions of effective applications of targeted core technologies; to include informational websites, online resource databases, online collaborative environments, and data collection, visualization and presentation tools.
- Contribute to internal informational materials, updates to the intranet, and give internal presentations to market Digital Solutions products and services.
- Provide, promote and/or facilitate staff development opportunities (for technology and non-technology specialists) such as brown bags, formal trainings, etc., on the use of new technologies.
Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Information Communication Technology, Computer Science, Product Development or Related Field.
Master or other advanced degree preferred..
Skills/Experience:
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
- Management and leadership experience overseeing technology development projects.
- Project management skills and experience required
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor and grow staff.
- Hands-on experience with as a technology or information systems project manager, systems architect, lead software or database developer supporting ICT4D and/or digital technology concept projects and services required.
- Hands-on experience with developing software requirements and specifications, as well as systems architecture
- Demonstrated experience instituting and following quality assurance methodologies, systems and release management processes.
- Superior negotiation, communications and collaboration skills.
- Ability to develop, promote and work within a matrix-management model.
- Ability to work in multiple socio-economic settings and with multicultural groups in developing country environments.
- Ability to understand the evolving international development funding priorities, key players, technical state-of-the-art thinking and priorities, and articulate creative program development opportunities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and facilitation, team building and coordination skills.
- Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Decisions and actions have a significant impact on the long-term strategic success of the company with management and division operations.
- Problems encountered are complex and highly varied, and non-recurring requiring creative approaches to resolve them.
- Exercises own judgment to set goals and determine strategies to achieve results that align with organizational goals.
Supervision Given/Received:
- Sets goals and budgets for department in achieving the organization’s strategic direction.
- Leads coordination with functional areas to address and resolve digital technology issues and development of new strategies and processes for systems improvement.
- Typically reports to a Chief Officer.
Education
- Minimum of 7 years of related professional experience, post-undergraduate experience providing technical assistance for ICT interventions; demonstrated understanding of the constraints to introducing and sustaining ICT interventions in low and middle-income settings.
- Proven experience of effective independent work
- Experience working in the field of International Development or understanding of sustainable development best practices preferred.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, can quickly get others on-side and is able to influence
Typical Physical Demands:
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.
Technology to be Used:
- Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs and other hand held devices.
Compensation/Benefits:
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
Additional Information:
Travel Requirements: 10% - 15%
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Nov 29 2017
Active Until:
Dec 29 2017
Hiring Organization:
Fhi 360
industry:
Nonprofit