Technology Manager, AppLab

Position: Technology Manager, AppLab
Status: Full-Time Project Employee
Location: Uganda (based in Kampala)
FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary: The Technology Manager (TM) will direct all technology activities related to the AppLab namely the CKW and AppLab Money projects in Uganda. The TM will lead the development and maintenance of the CKW and AppLab Money technology platform; document the proper configuration of CKW handsets and associated applications; address all technology requirements arising from partnerships and application development; develop prototypes; test application functionality; work closely with a range of partners and team members to ensure the proper performance of applications; and represent GF both globally and locally in socially-oriented technology community. This is a leadership role for a savvy technology professional keen to contribute to building social enterprises leveraging ICT to improve the lives of the poor.

Reporting and relationships: The position will report to the Country Manager and Project Manager, CKW and AppLab Money Uganda. The TM will directly supervise staff and contractors.

Availability: The TM is expected to work a standard work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done. The position will be based in Kampala, Uganda. This position will need to be flexible to work in local conditions, and be available to work across different time zones. This position will require infrequent travel (10%-20%) within Uganda, and periodic travel to other countries as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Guide development and maintenance of the AppLab technology platforms
 Design and implement the best platform choices to deliver required functionality including user-facing applications, reporting, fleet management, customer relationship management and other functions
 Guide handset selection and approval based on GF/consumer requirements and in line with budget realities
 Manage staff and contractors involved in the delivery and maintenance of technology functionality
 Liaise with mobile operators, content providers, technology vendors and others to ensure proper configuration and management of the platform, as well as highest standards of availability and uptime
Lead the AppLab Money technology team from project inception to pilot and scale
 Work with the research team to define a research process that will lead to financial product prototypes
 Work with the project team to turn pilot insights into prototypes
 Define a testing strategy for the prototypes
 Lead the technology team through the testing process and ensure that products are made more appropriate for poor users
 Help to identify products with the greatest potential for commercial success and impact on poor users
 Work with MTN technology team at all stages in the testing process to ensure that the product fits into their back end system
Address technology requirements arising from partnerships
 Approve and commit resources to all technology requirements necessitated by CKW management team and AppLab Money team
 Guide delivery of required functionality for each partnership entered into by CKW management to improve the lives of smallholder farmers utilizing the CKW platform
 Thoroughly test application functionality before signing off for user testing
 Monitor and ensure adequate performance of applications and services
Support and lead the overall AppLab (CKW Project/AppLab Money)
 Report on technology issues to CKW management using a monthly scorecard indicating platform progress and performance
 Participate in at least two partnership coverage teams supporting the partnership overall
 Support team and organizational goals where necessary
Support and evangelize socially-relevant mobile technology
 Participate in global community of socially-relevant technology practitioners (ICT4D)
 Issue at least two blog posts per quarter concerning AppLab/CKW/Money technology and related efforts

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Understanding of and commitment to development in Africa and agriculture in general
• Strong IT background with application development and platform management knowledge
• High knowledge of open-source software and systems integration best practices
• Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously
• Extreme attention to detail and knowledge of content and data management techniques
• Outstanding project management skills with proven track record of achievement under a range of challenging situations (ideally in multiple countries)
• Ability to act as a representative of AppLab / CKW / Money in public forums
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and mobile phones
• Belief in the potential to leverage information and communication technology (ICTs) for the benefit of small holder farmers –with practical experience.
• Good understanding of Mobile Money in Uganda and beyond
• Fluent in oral and written English

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, Business, or related field. Master’s Degree preferred
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience including technology responsibilities

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates may apply to jobs@applab.org. Applications should contain resume and cover letter.