Project Manager – Data Governance Initiatives at Smart Africa Secretariat: (Deadline 18 August 2024)

Project Manager – Data Governance Initiatives at Smart Africa Secretariat: (Deadline 18 August 2024)

Terms of Reference

Recruitment

• Position: Project Manager-Data Governance Initiatives
• Duration: Fixed Term
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Deadline: August 18^th,2024 at 11:00 PM Kigali (GMT+2)

1. Context and Background

Africa is reshaping its narrative from one of poverty to progress, showcasing impressive economic growth, technological innovation, and a young population. Nevertheless, digital transformation faces obstacles such as limited access, insufficient investments, and a digital divide, which also offer opportunities for growth through better accessibility, efficiency, and job creation.

Smart Africa is an alliance of 41 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda. The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.

With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 39 member countries, representing over 1 billion people and over 50 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.

Smart Africa aims to put ICT at the Center of the National Socio-economic development agenda of member countries, improve access to ICT, especially Broadband, improve accountability, efficiency and openness through ICT. It promotes the introduction of advanced technologies in telecommunication while putting the Private Sector first and leveraging ICT to promote sustainable development.

2. About Data Governance Initiatives

Every day, enormous amounts of data are collected, stored, and transmitted across the globe. Value generation in the digital economy is directly related to this circulation of data, both between countries and economic actors, just like access to roads or train networks, access to trustworthy data has become vital for a large part of the economy and society.

To increase the use of data and derive its associated value, capacities to make a smart and efficient use of data must be enhanced on the African continent, both in the public and private sector. Infrastructures for this data circulation must be developed, access to public data improved, data sharing between businesses supported, cross-border flow of data simplified, and the economic value of data harnessed.

These efforts however need to be carefully accompanied by the design and implementation of good Data Governance. Data Governance is the framework of principles and rules that define the modalities of data sharing between parties, considering access, use and the distribution of value derived from its use, and ensure high quality throughout the complete lifecycle of data ensuring that data remains usable, accessible, fit for purpose and economically viable.

Effective data governance system and rules will, therefore, ensure:

• the protection of African states’ sovereignty and interests, ensuring that value creation benefits African economies.
• the protection of rights and freedoms of African citizens and.
• the protection of business and organizations, who need a trusted environment and legal certainty for the uptake of digital products and services’ use.

Smart Africa’s objective is committed to transform the continent into a Single Digital Market by 2030. Data governance frameworks are not yet harmonized across Africa but might play an increasing role in the support of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence or IoT, and more globally in the socio-economic development of the continent. Some of the current Data Governance initiatives within Smart Africa include the Data Flagship Project where we:

• Assist member states to develop data policy instruments and data economy roadmaps in line with the Smart Africa Data Governance Blueprint and the African Union Data Policy Framework.
• Build consensus on the value of data and encourage data driven decisions.
• Facilitate capacity building for policy and decision makers through the Smart Africa Digital Academy and working closely with the Network of African Data Protection Authorities and Regional Economic Communities.
• Support the harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks on data governance, across Africa.

As Smart Africa works towards building a Single Digital Market in Africa by 2030, it has become critical to facilitate and guide, not only the harmonization of frameworks, but also implementation of responsible data governance solutions on the continent based on the African Union Continental Data Policy Framework and the Smart Africa Data Governance Blueprint. With support from GIZ/BMZ, Smart Africa is implementing the Data Flagship project which aims to support:

• the implementation of data policy instruments at national level.
• the development of national data value creation blueprints.
• Enhancement of enforcement capabilities of Africa Data Protection Authorities.
• the development of robust and green data infrastructure.
• The development of national models on innovative digital financing models.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager in charge of Data Governance Initiatives will report to the Unit Manager for Data and Security Infrastructure & Governance and will work closely with other team members of Smart Africa.

The Project Manager should be a highly motivated individual to manage and coordinate Smart Africa’s Data Governance Initiatives and other related projects through the Data Flagship Initiative – Phase 2 in partnership with GiZ/BMZ.

Among other activities, the Project Manager will help shape and implement a strategic vision for data governance initiatives of the Smart Africa Secretariat (the Secretariat).

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Developing the strategic plan and roadmap for the data governance initiatives.
• Planning, supervising and implementing projects/initiatives activities, providing proposals and plans (including work plans, procurement, consultancies, recruitment, logistics, budgeting and disbursements) to support the Data Flagship 2.0 and all other data governance initiatives of Smart Africa.
• Managing the development of data policy instruments and data economy roadmaps at national level.
• Managing data related capacity building initiatives for policy and decision makers through the Smart Africa Digital Academy.
• Driving engagement of relevant stakeholders for in-country implementation through outreach to governments, civil society organizations, technology industry associations, and innovation communities.
• Designing and organizing Data Flagship 2.0 learning events, including engaging participants and developing content.
• Developing and organizing governance and administration systems/processes to ensure that the partner organizations are engaged while leveraging relevant resources in support of Data Flagship 2.0.
• Participating in regional project meetings and workshops and other activities as required.
• Following through mobilization of funds /resources from development partners and institutions to complete the financing of the Smart Africa projects, especially those under his/her supervision.
• Providing periodical reports on the progress of project activities and issues arising.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Prepare the terms of reference of consultants/institutions that will undertake assignments in accordance with the approved annual Work Plan.
• Monitor and supervise the work of consultants, institutions, government staff and other partners, facilitate meetings and, as far as possible, ensure the timely and responsive delivery of outputs and reports.
• Provide support to institutions/consultants visiting or engaged in assignments, including preparing itineraries, appointments and assisting with travel and other logistical arrangements.
• Any other assignments or projects, which will be assigned from time to time by the leadership of Smart Africa.

4. Key qualifications

Education& Experience

• A Master’s degree in law, Economics, Social or Political Sciences, Public Policy, Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field with recognised and related experience of at least 5 years.
• Extensive experience in project management, particularly in data governance, data protection and privacy or data economy projects.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale projects from concept to pilot stages.
• Experience in working with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector, and international organizations.

Creative and Strategic Thinking: The ideal candidate should be a creative and strategic thinker with extensive experience in the digital development industry. They must demonstrate a deep understanding of how trusted data governance and the overall data economy can address challenges in leveraging data systems effectively and fairly, while supporting socio-economic development goals.

Data Governance Expertise: The successful candidate will possess a thorough understanding of key issues related to data governance at the macro level, data flows, and data protection & privacy, etc.

Collaboration and Communication Skills: This role requires someone who excels in collaboration and communication. The candidate will interact with various stakeholders, including members of the Smart Africa Alliance, project managers, executives, and government officials. They must be adept at using their communication skills to engage effectively with these stakeholders and draft and edit documents such as contracts, reports, and proposals.

Problem-Solving Skills: The candidate will work with members of the Smart Africa Alliance, including governments, partner organizations, the private sector, and development partners. The ability to identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and services is crucial for meeting the needs of Smart Africa’s members. The candidate will use their problem-solving skills to identify potential issues and develop solutions to prevent or address them.

Project Management Skills: The candidate will often collaborate on projects with other team members, including project managers, unit managers, and division managers. Strong project management skills are essential for organizing and prioritizing work, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.

Business Acumen: The ideal candidate should possess strong business acumen, demonstrating an ability to understand the needs of the business. They should be passionate about public service and dedicated to serving people, especially the most vulnerable. The candidate will work with governments, start-ups, and large businesses to create strategies and other interventions for the data economy in Africa.

Other requirements:

• Experience working on digital and data-related policies or products with private, public, or civil society sectors.
• A proven track record of strong networking and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated written, analytical, presentation, reporting, and computing skills, with familiarity with modern communication systems (internet, worldwide web, email, etc).
• Strong management skills, including the ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, build strong teams, mentor staff, develop work plans, and manage budgets and project expenditures.
• Experience in creative writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Strong competence in the use of standard software productivity tools (such as Microsoft Office Suite or others).

Languages

• Fluency in English is required
• The good working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese will be an added advantage

5. Duration of the assignment

The appointment will be one (1) year renewable subject to availability of funds and performance.

6. Duty Station

The position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda.

7. Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the Unit Manager in charge for Data and Security Infrastructure & Governance and will work closely with other team members of Smart Africa.

Application Instructions and Deadline

Candidates should send the following documents to this email address: [email protected], with mention of “Project Manager-Data Governance Initiatives” in the subject line:

• A detailed CV with 3 contacts of professional referees.
• A one-page cover letter with a motivation statement in relation to the responsibilities and requirements for this position.
• Copies of academic degree, professional certificates, and other relevant training certificates

The deadline for submitting applications is August 18^th 2024, at 11:00 p.m. Kigali (GMT+2) time.

Any late application will be automatically rejected.

We look forward to receiving your applications!!!