Project Manager - Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation Policy

JOB ADVERT

Project Manager - Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation Policy

 

Purpose of the Position

The Project Manager will:

• coordinate all AEDIB 2.0 SO1 policy interventions delivered by Smart Africa;
• provide high-level technical assistance to Member States on startup and innovation policy reform;
• ensure production and dissemination of regulatory assessments, support pathways, research products, and policy insights;
• manage partnerships across Africa and Europe;
• ensure alignment between SANIA’s policy objectives and EU-funded actions.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager in charge of Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation Policy will lead and coordinate all activities under SO1, ensuring high-quality policy analysis, evidence generation, and multi-country collaboration.

Regulatory and Policy Assessments

• Lead regulatory environment assessments related to digital entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Identify policy gaps and opportunities for harmonization.
• Produce diagnostic reports and policy recommendations.

Policy Reform and Technical Assistance

• Develop and maintain technical assistance pathways for innovation and startup policy reform.
• Guide member states through reform processes aligned with continental priorities.
• Provide expertise on Startup Acts, innovation policy, and digital regulatory frameworks.

Multinational Forums and Knowledge Exchange

• Organize regional policy forums on innovation, digitalization, and green transition.
• Lead content development, stakeholder coordination, and workshop facilitation.
• Promote cross-country knowledge sharing and policy dialogue.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Establish and manage partnerships with think tanks, academia, NGOs, research groups, and industry actors.
• Support co-creation of MOOCs, policy resources, and research materials.
• Strengthen Africa–Europe cooperation on innovation policy.

Research, Data, and Insights

• Lead collection and dissemination of open data and policy research via the SANIA platform
• Prepare policy briefs, insights, and evidence products.
• Monitor African and global innovation policy trends.

Project Management

• Develop and track work plans, budgets, and deliverables.
• Prepare progress reports and risk mitigation plans.
• Maintain internal coordination and stakeholder communication.
• Represent Smart Africa in relevant regional and international events.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage policymakers, ecosystem actors, and development partners involved in innovation policy.
• Support advocacy efforts for policy alignment and harmonization.
• Contribute to Smart Africa’s broader innovation and digital policy agenda.

Other Responsibilities

• Any other tasks assigned by the Supervisors.