Summary
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with over 350 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.
Department: Mobile for Development
Location: GSMA Headquarters, London (with global travel)
Position type: Permanent, Full-Time, 9am – 5.30pm
Reporting to: GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer, John Giusti
About the GSMA & Mobile for Development (M4D)
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with over 350 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.
For more information, please visit www.gsma.com
Mobile for Development (M4D) is a dedicated team at the GSMA that drives innovation in digital technology to reduce inequalities in our world. Singularly positioned at the intersection of the mobile ecosystem and the development sector, M4D delivers both sustainable business and large-scale socio-economic impact for the underserved. To date, our work has impacted the lives of 58 million people. M4D is comprised of 10 global initiatives operating in 45 countries with a team of 130 people.
To find out more about the 10 M4D programmes and the purposeful work the team is doing, please visit www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/
What the hiring manager says
This role provides a truly unique opportunity to bring the power of mobile technology together with the needs of the development sector to bring sustainable and scalable solutions for the underserved. In 2016, the global mobile operator community committed to do their part to deliver on the targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This role is central to delivering on that promise, and will require a person with the passion and skills to unite mobile operators, other players in the mobile ecosystem, donor agencies and policy makers around shared goals to foster the innovations necessary to improve people’s lives. The role will lead a talented, diverse and committed global team, and will serve as an ambassador for Mobile for Development at major international events and with high level stakeholders.
- John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
About the Role
As Head of Mobile for Development you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of Mobile for Development and be accountable for the delivery of the KPIs across the portfolio of 10 programmes.
You will lead the GSMA’s collaborations with donor partners, develop and support a 130-person global team, engage with mobile operator members and international development stakeholders to drive action, and will be an external-facing ambassador of Mobile for Development, advocating for change and driving impact. In coordination with the GSMA Foundation, you will engage in fundraising efforts with existing donor partners and identify other potential donor partners to support the ongoing work of Mobile for Development to drive innovation in digital technology to reduce inequalities in the world.
Day to day you will also be responsible for:
- Strategic Direction & Business planning
- Identify new strategic opportunities and develop new initiatives and programmes as appropriate
- Ensure every programme has high quality annual business plans, which optimize financial and human resource allocation, fine tune the model for impact and plan for and mitigate risks
- Respond to strategic shifts by pivoting, or closing, programmes as required
- Partnerships and Fundraising
- Lead the engagement with current donor partners, working in an open, transparent and collaborative manner, to ensure a strong working relationship and achievement of shared objectives
- Identify and partner with new philanthropic organizations to generate new budgets for future work
- Engage with mobile operator members to understand private sector requirements and identify opportunities for greater collaboration
- Programme Delivery & Operations
- Ensure the annual budget of $30 million+ is strategically allocated and delivers impact
- Drive effective internal collaboration with key business partners within GSMA, especially the GSMA Foundation, finance, compliance, recruitment, human resources, monitoring & evaluation and other Advocacy programmes
- Collaborate with marketing, PR and events, to maintain a strong profile for M4D throughout the year, on digital platforms, at GSMA's own events, and other global events
- Internal & Cross-cutting Collaboration
- Coordinate closely with the President of the GSMA Foundation, especially on donor engagement
- Collaborate with GSMA Heads of Regions and align with the key complimentary GSMA initiatives, especially External Affairs & Industry Purpose to deliver the portfolio's work
- Team Leadership
- Provide direct and dotted line management to the M4D Extended Leadership team of 10 people
- Support and develop a global team of 130 with a culture of empowerment, entrepreneurialism and delivery
- Ensure high quality and inclusive recruitment, career ladders and career progress, and overall team development and retention
About You
You have a breadth of skills, balanced between: strategy development, fundraising, business development, business planning, program delivery and people leadership, with a strong focus on emerging markets, as well as an understanding of the inclusion challenges in developed economies. You are experienced in working in the digital sector and have a solid understanding of the telecoms and ICT sectors. You are passionate about the use of technology to supporting undeserved communities in our world. You are a results oriented, entrepreneurial individual who understands the importance of having a collaborative approach. You are an inspirational team builder with experience leading teams.
You have experience delivering multi-country and / or large-scale donor initiatives. You are able to build relationships and confidently engage with senior decision makers, governments, large audiences and media.
What We Offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We offer a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast-paced rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry-changing projects and a stimulating and dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish.
In addition to architect-designed offices and competitive compensation, our benefits include fantastic learning & development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development and many others.
We offer a working environment that reflects our organisational values. We also hire in line with our values and recruit candidates who demonstrate a strong affinity with these 7 principles:
- DREAM BIG - Demonstrate vision and insight to lead the industry forward
- BE BOLD - Have the courage to take risks and make tough decisions
- OWN IT - Take full accountability for your decisions and actions
- WORK AS A TEAM - Collaborate to deliver impactful results
- DO THE RIGHT THING - Conduct yourself with honesty and integrity at all times
- SHOW RESPECT - Treat others as you would expect to be treated
- LOVE WHAT YOU DO - Bring passion and pride to your work
To learn more about the GSMA, visit our careers site, our LinkedIn page and our Twitter page.
Being You at the GSMA (Diversity Statement)
We are one of the most diverse companies you will ever come across, we care deeply about equality and inclusivity and aspire to be the best at it. Your well-being and work/life balance is important so if you prefer to work flexi-time or a day from home, just ask. We’re keen to ensure everyone is equal, represented and connected so we particularly encourage applications from all demographics. The success of the GSMA year on year will continue to be contributed by people from all walks of life.
