Expert, SO Lead (Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana)

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the fixed-term position of Expert, SO Lead (Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana), to be located in Gaborone, in Botswana for the duration of 30 months (2025-2027).

The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in the Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana. The action aims to assist beneficiaries in strengthening governance for SmartBots – the Fourth Industrial Revolution Digital Transformation Strategy (SmartBots) of Botswana with a view to guide digital transformation across all sectors of the economy, including refocusing attention on innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

Team Europe Initiative on EU Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana focuses on achieving three specific objectives (SOs):

• SO1 Improved legal, regulatory, institutional and governance frameworks for open and people centred digital transition,
• SO2 Improved citizens’ access to a transparent and inclusive digital public service,
• SO3 Strengthened digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, with a specific focus on women, and youth.

The role primarily involves advancing Specific Objective 3 (SO3): strengthening digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems with a focus on women and youth. Central to this effort is building institutional capacity and enabling inclusive growth through open data, digital tools, and innovative solutions to key development challenges in healthcare, education, public services, and environmental sustainability. Collaboration with government, private sector, and NGOs will be key to planning and implementing initiatives like a national digital innovation roadmap and the SmartBots Lab. In addition, the candidate will support Specific Objective 1 (SO1), assisting the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) and Botswana Public Service College (BPSC) in establishing an e-learning production process utilizing open-source learning management systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct a review of existing national strategies supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as previous mapping studies of key ecosystem stakeholders (e.g., start-ups, accelerators, government agencies, educational institutions, venture capitalists, corporations, and industry), and update the state-of-play as necessary.
• Support public and private actors within the innovation ecosystem to develop a roadmap for a national digital innovation network, ensuring alignment with relevant national strategies and fostering interactive peer learning and effective collaboration among stakeholders.
• Advise and support the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) in implementing the SmartBots Lab, coordinating with the National Innovation Capacity Framework (NICF), and serving as the national contact point for regional and international digital and innovation networks.
• Assist in the planning and organization of Open Innovation competitions in collaboration with relevant Botswana and EU organizations, enabling private sector and government entities to work with entrepreneurs in solving specific challenges using resources such as open data.
• Promote the outreach and adoption of existing digital innovation programs targeting women and youth, working in partnership with research and educational institutions, non-profit organizations, the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub, and leading EU organizations.
• Support the establishment of an e-learning production process and team using open-source learning management systems (LMS).
• Facilitate inter-ministerial capacity-building processes for the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) and Botswana Public Service College (BPSC).
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of relevant procurements, including short-term services, assignments, and studies, to support the initiative.
• Organize and supervise Finnish short- and medium-term experts in coordination with the HAUS Project Lead.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Advanced University degree in a relevant field such as Business, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy, Governance, Law, or related discipline.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in program management/coordination.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in areas such as managing digitalization/digital transformation initiatives, including fostering digital entrepreneurship, and designing training programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Finnish and EU development policies is an asset

Preferred expertise:

• Familiarity with Finland’s digital innovation ecosystem.
• Familiarity with Finland’s startup ecosystem.
• Experience in public sector project implementation and capacity development.
• Understanding of Finnish and EU legislative and institutional arrangements.
• Skilled in managing partnerships and engaging in policy dialogues with government entities.
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Language skills: Very good written and oral communication in English and Finnish. Proficiency in French or other European language is considered a plus.

Duration: Fixed-term position for 30 months

Submission details:

In order to apply for this position, please send your motivation letter and CV (max. 3 pages) in English through our Recruitment portal  latest on 29th January 2025. This position will be filled immediately after finding a suitable candidate. CV and motivation letters will be shared among the interview panelists.

Company Introduction:

HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management Ltd (HAUS) is a state-owned company, which provides training and development services to the state administrations. HAUS is a state stakeholder unit under the steering of the Ministry of Finance of Finland. HAUS has substantial experience on international projects in the field of public sector reforms and development. We have implemented more than 50 international projects in more than 20 countries with increasing focus on digital transformation.