1. About Smart Africa

Smart Africa is a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State and Government to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent, ushering Africa into a knowledge economy through affordable access to Broadband and usage of Information and Communications Technologies.

The Transform Africa Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda on 28th-31st October 2013 culminated in the adoption of the Smart Africa Manifesto document by seven (7) African Heads of States (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Mali, Gabon, Burkina Faso) in which they committed to provide leadership in accelerating socio-economic development through ICT’s.

On 30th-31st January 2014, The Smart Africa Manifesto was endorsed by all Heads of State and Government of the African Union at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa. This development places the Manifesto at the heart of the ICT agenda in Africa beyond just the 7 original signatories at the Summit to all the 54 African countries.

The Smart Africa Alliance has since grown to include 29 African countries that represent 600+ million people.

The Smart Africa Manifesto aims to put ICT at the Center of National Socio-economic development agenda of member countries; improve access to ICT especially Broadband; to improve accountability, efficiency and openness through ICT promoting the introduction of advanced technologies in telecommunication; to put Private Sector first; and to leverage ICT to promote sustainable development.

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  1. Background of the Broadband and Internet Infrastructure Initiatives

Africa, being the youngest and 2nd most populated continent on earth has an enormous opportunity to leapfrog through technology which will facilitate socio-economic growth and close the digital divide between Africa and the rest of the world.

The Internet penetration in Africa stands at an average of 35%, whiles the world average is 54.4%. Out of the continent’s population of 1.2bn, it is estimated that only 454 million had access to the internet by 2017. A whooping 64% of Africans are yet to be connected to the internet.

Broadband Connectivity is the main enabler to achieve a single digital market and Smart Africa has as part of its mission to make broadband connectivity accessible and affordable through its numerous cross border projects.

  1. Duties and Responsibilities

The Smart Africa Secretariat would like to recruit a Consultant – Project Manager (PM) in charge of Broadband and Internet Infrastructure Initiatives with responsibility for the management of various strategic projects, in close consultation with stakeholders and partners.

More precisely, the PM will help the organization define and execute the global strategy on various projects, including development of projects to ensure accessible and affordable broadband connectivity for Africa in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The primary duties of the position will include:

  • Providing required technical and administrative support to coordinate and implement project activities across Smart Africa Member States while ensuring effective linkages to the Smart Africa core objectives and activities.
  • Preparing an annual Work Plan for submission to the Head of Digital Infrastructures Program
  • Planning, supervising and implementing Smart Africa projects/initiatives activities, providing proposals and plans (including work plans, procurement, consultancies, recruitment, logistics, budgeting and disbursements).
  • Establishing close collaboration, working arrangements and partnerships with Governments, Private sector, Non-Government organisations, Academia and other professional associations, to ensure good coordination, collaboration and timely conduct of Smart Africa activities.
  • Liaising with government and other key stakeholders to promote enabling ICT policy and regulatory environment that would facilitate the implementation of initiatives under his/her supervision;
  • 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;
  • Participating in regional project meetings and workshops and other activities as required;

Other duties and responsibilities will include:

  • Prepare the terms of reference and identify consultants/institutions to 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 to institutions/consultants visiting or engaged in assignments, including preparing itineraries, appointments and assisting with travel and other logistical arrangements;
  • Any other assignments/project which will be assigned as needed by the leadership of Smart Africa.
  1. Key qualifications

Education:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field with recognised at least 10 years of technical expertise.
  • A Project Management Certification from a recognized International Project Management Certification Body such as the Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • A Masters’ Degree in Information Technology, Telecommunications, Business in IT will be an added advantage.

General experience and skills:

  • Self-starter with high degree of flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Ability to effectively explain strategy and approach to external partners audiences;
  • Strong management skills including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, build strong teams, mentor staff, develop work plans, and manage budgets and project expenditures;
  • Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (Ministry, development partners, private sector, NGOs and Academia);
  • Experience working with in project coordination;
  • Demonstrated written, analytical, presentation, reporting and computing skills and familiarity with modern communication systems (internet, worldwide web, email, etc);
  • A good knowledge of matters related to ICT policy and regulation;
  • Experience in critical thinking;
  • Ability to work in a team;
  • Strong competence in the use of standard software productivity tools (such as Microsoft Office Suite or others).
  1. Languages:
  • Excellent Knowledge and Fluency in either French or English (reading and writing).
  • A good working knowledge of both English and French will be an added advantage.
  1. Duration of the assignment

The duration of the assignment will be for 1 year, with a possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funds and performance appraisal.

  1. Reporting requirements

The PM will report directly to the Head of Digital Infrastructure Program under the Technology and Innovation department.

  1. Application Instructions
  • A one-page cover letter with a motivation statement in relation to the ToR;
  • A CV with 2 contact information of referees;
  • A brief essay of one (1) page to the following question: In your view, what are the main reasons for the low penetration of Broadband in Africa, Explain your reasons.

You will send your Curriculum Vitae, cover letter and essay in either French or English. All the above should be sent to the following email address: to hr@smartafrica.org  and copy procurement@smartafrica.org not later than Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 5 pm.

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