British High Commission Deputy Director of the UK-SA Tech Hub SEO Jobs in South Africa

British High Commission Deputy Director of the UK-SA Tech Hub SEO Jobs in South Africa

Main purpose of job:

The Deputy Director role is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery, growth and success of an innovative and high-profile Tech Hub in South Africa that will aim to develop the South African tech ecosystem, deliver digital skills programmes, and build links between South African and international (including UK) tech businesses.

This role is intended to expand the leadership capacity within the UK-South Africa Tech Hub (Pillar 3 of the Digital Access Programme - DAP), in order to absorb key strategic responsibilities that amplify the impact of DAP Tech Hub projects.

We are looking for a dynamic, well-networked individual from the South African tech scene for this role, to initiate and pursue new strategic opportunities for the Hub across several sectors. The role will be based in South Africa, with some travel across the country, which will be required to maximise the success and outputs of the Hub and the wider DAP across South Africa. There may also be some overseas travel, including to the UK, subject to business needs and resource availability.

The DAP UK-South Africa Tech Hub is part of the wider Digital Access Programme, which focuses on inclusive digital transformation, and of a global network of international tech partnerships developed by the UK government to build digital ecosystems that will facilitate sustainable economic growth and development. The successful candidate will be part of a small team of locally engaged staff, based across the British High Commission in Pretoria and the British Consulate-General in Cape Town.

They will support the Director of the Tech Hub to develop its strategy, and then be responsible for helping to deliver that strategy. They will also manage the Hub’s day to day operations. The Tech Hub Network is an integral part of the cross-government Digital Access Programme (DAP), designed and funded as its Pillar 3, so collaboration across pillars, teams and departments – and in particular with the DAP Country Lead and the DAP cross-government central team in the UK, will be a critical success factor in this role.

The DAP UK-South Africa Tech Hub has 4 key strategic focus areas:

Supporting policy and other systemic reforms and improvements that create a more enabling environment for start-ups and financial institutions.

Addressing the market gaps that exist in resourcing, digital skills development and in facilitation of access to finance.

Connecting and convening the stakeholders operating in the local tech ecosystem to foster collaboration and ecosystem growth.

Supporting the digital inclusion of underserved communities through tech enablement training and support to local tech entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds.

Roles and responsibilities:

Supports leadership on the management and strategic oversight of DAP UK-SA Tech Hub projects. Is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Hub’s ongoing projects by formulating a workplan for each project that amplifies the impact and visibility of the DAP UK-SA Tech Hub based on the deliverables of each project, and aligns with the strategic objectives of the DAP Country-Level Implementation Plan. Oversees partner implementation and provides guidance on project delivery.

Together with the Tech Hub Director and team, ensures good coordination and alignment with the objectives and deliverables of the wider Digital Access Programme in South Africa, by communicating regularly and working closely with the other components of the programme, and in particular with the lead of DAP Pillar 1 (country lead and adviser).

Assists partners in the preparation of proposals and budgets for project submissions that maximise the impact and value for money of projects. Provides guidance to partners on approach to activities and spend based on the programme guidelines of the DAP. Actively track and monitor workplans and budgets against actual spend and ensures partners account for underspend and seek approval for reallocated spend or extended implementation timelines, as needed.

Provides leadership on community partnerships with enterprise support organizations that share in the mandate of the DAP UK-SA Tech Hub, for the dissemination and distribution of Tech Hub content, material and resources into additional communities and platforms.

Provides leadership on new partner onboarding by overseeing the preparation of due diligence documents

and supports partners and the DAP central team in the contracting process.

Leads on new partner inductions during the proposal submission process and contracting process by provide partners guidance on the preparation of key documents.

Engages with key third party stakeholders relating to projects from policy makers, project alumni, thrid party institutions that are associated with current projects.

Participates and supports events within South Africa’s tech ecosystem. Hosts events that connect and convene players in South Africa’s ecosystem to ensure more collaborative and connecting work is taking place across the ecosystem.

Provides leadership, guidance and support to the Tech Hub’s operations lead as their line manager. Outlines to the operations lead priorities, responsibilities and provides them with deadlines that align with key project deliverables and dates.

Leads on the distribution and dissemination of the Tech Hub’s resources and research reports that emerge from projects, into universities, educational institutions and government institutions, to broaden the reach and value add of Tech Hub projects. Involved in speaking engagements that further amplify the visibility of Tech Hub projects and resources.

Manages timelines on projects deliverables and follows up with clients. Provides the Tech Hub Director with updates based on the priorities and risks relating to each respective project.

Working in collaboration UK government departments, supports the Tech Hub Director in delivering delegations (both inward and outward) and events that support the development of the local tech ecosystem.

Develops and manages relationships with local tech firms, startups and wider tech sector stakeholders, using these to support the development of new partnerships and programmes.

Collaborates with the other Hubs in the global network to develop the network offering.

Deputises for the Tech Hub Director in various leadership roles within the team, including representing the Hub and the British High Commission externally in some circumstances (media, speaking opportunities, event representation)

Acts as a gender champion in this leadership role, ensuring Gender Equality Act (2014) compliance and supporting implementation of gender policy and guidance so that, at the least, no harm is done, and gender inequality is not worsened. Actively support women’s economic opportunities, inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The post-holder will report to the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Director. The postholder will be required to work closely with the UK-South Africa Tech Hub team, economic growth team, science and innovation team and teams across various government departments in the UK.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

This role will suit individuals with experience of the UK or South Africa tech and startup scenes. The applicant would ideally bring a network of business contacts in South Africa, using this to expand the Hub’s network.

Experience in, and knowledge of, the tech sector and startup scene within South Africa.

Well networked within the tech sector (private sector firms and/or startups).

Knowledge of, and experience with, the South African business landscape.

Good understanding of digital inclusion and local digital entrepreneurship challenges and solutions.

Track record of leading successful delivery in either industry or government.

Ability to engage credibly industry stakeholders and leaders, and with government officials at relevant grade.

Proven track record of developing and running projects and partnerships from the ground up.

Proven project management and budget management skills.

Willingness to travel frequently within South Africa, and to occasionally travel to the UK and other locations if needed.

Robust organisational and delivery skills.

Highly motivated, passionate about innovation and technology’s role in socio-economic development.

Open and clear communicator, excellent networking skills including across international environments.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Deputy Director of the UK-SA Tech Hub SEO Jobs in South Africa

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