Digital Economy Consultant (Pan‑African AI Initiative)

About the role

The Consultant will provide senior‑level strategic, technical and advisory support to strengthen the design, quality assurance and implementation oversight of the Pan‑African Digital Economy portfolio, with a focus on AI‑enabled youth employment and livelihood outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a flagship Pan‑African AI initiative, including theory of change, budget, MEL framework and implementation roadmap.
• Conduct technical and programmatic quality reviews of Digital Economy investments and partner proposals.
• Support responsible integration of AI‑enabled approaches into Foundation programs to improve youth employment and productivity.
• Provide senior thought partnership to the Director, Digital Economy on portfolio strategy, risks and opportunities.
• Document evidence, learning and reusable program‑design approaches across the portfolio and produce monthly insight reports.

Required profile

• Post‑graduate qualification in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, agritech, economics, business or related field (or a bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience).
• At least ten years of experience in private, public or non‑profit sectors, with a proven track record designing and delivering large‑scale digital programmes in Africa.
• Hands‑on experience applying AI, data governance and responsible technology in sectors such as agriculture, informal enterprise, manufacturing or financial inclusion.
• Strong understanding of African labour markets, youth employment challenges and the ethical deployment of technology.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality analytical, technical and program‑design outputs independently.