Key skills
BlockchainLeadershipCommunication
About this role
Job Title: Emerging Technology and Innovation Advisor
Location: Remote
Location: Remote
Position Summary:
Senior advisor on emerging and frontier technologies in development contexts, including digital ID, digital public goods, GovTech, blockchain, and other novel digital domains. Identifies and guides high-potential use cases, partnerships, and innovation pathways.
Engagement Details:
- Location: Home-based, remote. No office attendance required.
- Engagement type: Independent consultant or sub-contractor under company.
- Duration: Level of Effort basis per task order. Initial bench placement is for 12 months with extensions possible.
- Travel: Only when a specific task order requires it. All travel pre-approved and reimbursed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, evaluate, and guide high-potential emerging technology use cases for development programs.
- Advise on digital ID systems, digital public goods, GovTech platforms, blockchain and distributed ledger applications, and other frontier domains as relevant.
- Develop partnership strategies with technology providers, innovation hubs, country governments, and donor innovation funds.
- Conduct horizon scanning, technology landscape assessments, and feasibility studies for emerging technology adoption.
- Produce thought leadership and strategic positioning content on emerging technology in development.
- Mentor country teams and project staff on innovation methodologies and emerging technology adoption.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required in Technology, Public Policy, Digital Innovation, International Development, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience, with 5 to 10 plus years specifically in digital innovation, emerging technologies, or frontier technology in development contexts.
- Familiarity with digital ID frameworks such as MOSIP, India Stack, ID4D, digital public goods, GovTech platforms, blockchain applications, or relevant emerging domains.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and guide high-potential use cases and partnerships.
- Experience working in low and middle income countries strongly preferred.
- Strong external communication, partnership building, and convening skills.
Preferred Certifications:
- Innovation methodology certifications such as IDEO or design thinking
- Digital ID specific training such as MOSIP Academy
- Blockchain or emerging tech certifications