“A unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, high-level events, and support the development of a mission-driven organization. The Datasphere Initiative is a global network of stakeholders building agile frameworks to responsibly unlock the value of data for all.”
• Start Date: April, 2023
• Duration: 12 months, possibility of extension.
• Location: Remote (Americas or Europe/Africa time zones preferred).
• Type of contract: Consultancy.
• Remuneration: Competitive based on experience and seniority.
• Application deadline: March 15th, 2023, with interviews on a rolling basis.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Background
The Datasphere Initiative works to build innovative data governance frameworks that are inclusive, agile, and scalable.
We deeply believe that approaching the ecosystem in which all digital data exists as the Datasphere provides the fundamental perspective shift needed to develop innovative norms, contracts, and tools, and govern data for the well-being of all.
The Datasphere Initiative and core partners are working on the further development and implementation of the innovative concept of cross-border sandboxes to create spaces for agile solutions for data sharing that are rights-respecting. This work will build on the findings and interested community resulting from the Datasphere Initiative’s Sandboxes for Data Report (May 2022), which pioneered an investigation on how sandboxes could help address the cross-border nature of data value chains, putting forth a proposal on how to design and initiate cross-border sandboxes for innovative solutions for data cooperation across borders.
The Project will utilize and enhance existing partnerships by developing a coordination platform, a Global Forum on Sandboxes for Data, to share lessons and catalyze the implementation of innovative data governance frameworks. The first phase of this project consists of a dedicated effort in Africa which will be an incubator for the innovative sandboxes methodology, harnessing the existing community of leaders and diverse networks across the region cultivated by the Cross-border Digital Policies for Africa Project in order to equip with the necessary skills to address data governance and map concrete solutions to responsibly unlock the value data.
The Position
The Datasphere Initiative is seeking a self-starter, detail-oriented and experienced Project Manager for its Cross-Border Sandboxes Project. The desired candidate should be a substance expert in the field of digital and data governance and be able to convene and mediate multistakeholder meetings, bridging technology practitioners to policy makers, including high-level authorities and experts. The candidate should have strong project management, communication and community building skills.
The Project Manager will report to the Datasphere Initiative leadership and have the opportunity to interact with the broader Datasphere Initiative community of partners and fellows. This position is based on a consultancy contract and to be carried out primarily remotely. International travel for team and project meetings can be anticipated. More details are under “Eligibility”.
Responsibilities
The candidate will be the primary focal point for the implementation of the Cross-Border Sandboxes project, including its first phase of development with African stakeholders. The following outputs are expected:
- Together with DI Leadership, identify project partners and multistakeholder experts for the Global Forum on Cross-border Sandboxes;
- Plan, conduct and report on meetings and workshops with partners and experts for the Global Forum and Africa Forum.
- Oversee the development of learning modules and facilitate peer-to-peer learning & mentorship mechanisms;
- Develop and implementing cross-border sandboxes pilots;
- Organize policy workshops, bringing together technologists, policymakers, civil society, and global experts.
- Develop a report with lessons and highlights for sandbox implementation.
- Design and simulate a cross-border sandbox, including a Pan-African one, in order to advance the implementation of promising pilot sandboxes.
- Work with the DI Communications team to create communications and social media in support of the work;
Eligibility
- You have reviewed and feel committed to our mission and values.
- You are fluent in English, written and spoken. Knowledge of other languages is a valuable asset.
- You have a substance expertise on digital transformation, data governance, adaptive and innovative policy and regulatory frameworks and an understanding of the technical-policy interface of data.
- You are interested in testing innovative tools to respond to complex international challenges and catalyze renewed international and multistakeholder cooperation.
- You have at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
- You are detail-oriented and organized with excellent time and project management skills.
- You are able to work with a degree of autonomy, can coordinate projects and manage resources effectively, including through fundraising and identification of opportunities.
- You are intellectually excited about data governance issues and open to quickly learn new topics.
- You approach problems with a creative mindset recognizing that the answers to difficult questions reside outside the traditional mindset.
- You are highly motivated, with strong analytical and drafting skills.
- You feel comfortable juggling competing tasks or re-prioritization of tasks, and stay calm under pressure. You feel comfortable asking questions and for help when needed.
- You are a team-player and have great interpersonal and communications skills within the organization and with a diversity of partners, from the private sector, international development partners, and governments.
- Able to work with a global team, located in different time zones and from different cultures and backgrounds, and has flexibility to work remotely.
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. A Master degree is preferred.
How to apply:
Please upload here: https://recruit.internetjurisdiction.net/careers
- A letter of motivation, explaining your qualifications to deliver on the responsibilities above. General letters are not accepted. We are looking forward to hearing about your specific skills and interest in the activities described above, in addition to your motivation for joining the Datasphere Initiative. (2 pages max).
- Your curriculum. (3 pages max).
