Technology Lead (Hybrid) at a Pan-African, Non-partisan Organization

Job overview

• We are seeking a visionary and experienced Technology Lead to institutionalize a robust in-house technology function.
• This role will help expand civic-tech, data infrastructure, and organizational systems.

Role Summary:

• The Technology Lead is a senior-level executive responsible for defining and executing the organization’s overarching technology vision.
• This role combines strategic leadership, IT operations, and digital infrastructure management with hands-on product development oversight.
• The ideal candidate is a systems thinker with a growth mindset who can guide the organization to become product-led, embedding technology and innovation at the core of internal operations and external solutions.
• This role requires a unique blend of technical acumen, people leadership, platform scaling expertise, and a strong understanding of technology’s role in civic engagement, governance, and inclusive systems design.

Responsibilities
Organizational Technology Strategy:

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digital strategy, infrastructure, and tech innovation roadmap.
• Provide strategic direction on all technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Institutionalize and grow a scalable in-house technology unit, fostering a high-performance, impact-driven culture.

IT Operations & Infrastructure:

• Oversee internal IT systems, cybersecurity, device management, enterprise tools (e.g., SharePoint, Google Workspace), and digital governance.
• Ensure IT infrastructure meets performance, reliability, and data protection standards.
• Establish standard operating procedures for IT support, software licensing, procurement.

Product Leadership & Development Oversight:

• Lead development and iteration of civic-tech platforms (e.g., analytics dashboards, digital observatories, and data products).
• Manage product roadmaps, agile workflows, and cross-functional collaboration across internal teams.
• Drive user experience (UX), accessibility, and system integrations for internal and public-facing digital tools.

Team Building & Vendor Management:

• Recruit, onboard, and mentor technical talent (engineers, designers, DevOps).
• Manage external consultants, freelancers, and development agencies where necessary.
• Build sustainable internal capacity for long-term technology independence.

Data Systems & Digital Security:

• Oversee development of secure, scalable data pipelines and integrations in collaboration with the Research & MEL teams.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., NDPR, GDPR) and ethical data use principles.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Fegree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5 – 7 years of progressive experience in technology leadership, product development, or IT systems management.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing technical teams in startup, civic-tech, or development contexts.
• Proficiency with full-stack development frameworks, cloud services (AWS, Firebase), CI/CD pipelines, and enterprise IT tools.
• Strong grasp of product management, UX/UI standards, and agile methodology.

Desirable Attributes:

• Deep understanding of technology products, IT and open data systems.
• Growth mindset with an ability to scale systems, processes, and teams from MVP to full deployment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Passion for social impact and African-led innovation.

Method of application 

Meet the Qualifications? Email your CV (max 3 pages), short Cover Letter highlighting experience and strategic vision, and Portfolio or GitHub link (optional but encouraged) to [email protected] using “Application – Technology Lead – (Your Full Name)” as the subject of the email.

Note

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.