Location:
London, UK
Background
Adam Smith International is a global advisory company working locally to transform lives by strengthening economies, enhancing societal safety, and improving government effectiveness. We collaborate with governments, foundations, and companies sharing our ambition to address major global challenges. Our work includes developing strategies, designing, delivering, and evaluating programs that stimulate economic growth, stability, and good governance.
With nearly three decades of experience across almost 100 countries, we partner with governments, the private sector, and civil society at all development stages.
Our core team of staff and technical experts, based in multiple global offices, ensures high-quality delivery and adherence to ethical standards. We leverage a worldwide network of specialists to contribute expertise as needed.
As our pipeline of opportunities and portfolios grow, we seek high-caliber candidates to support our expanding global initiatives, maintaining our standards of quality and ethics. Joining Adam Smith International offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team committed to positive change.
We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line—social, environmental, and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, recognized for its positive social and environmental impact.
About the Role
Many of our major projects involve technology or innovation-driven solutions. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Technology & Innovation Manager to join our newly established and growing tech and innovation team.
The Technology and Innovation Team collaborates across our Governance and Stability and Economic Development Practices. Our current work spans locations including Pakistan, Nepal, Southeast Asia, MENA, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe. Key focus areas include strengthening government use of technology, applying technology to policy and service delivery, and leveraging innovation for infrastructure, climate change, and economic development.
The successful candidate will progressively assume more responsibility, supporting consulting and advisory projects, developing innovation ecosystems, or creating products to address specific challenges.
The ideal candidate will have 3-4 years of experience in technology and innovation, preferably from innovation hubs, startups, academic spinouts, or international development programs. Essential skills include:
* Deep understanding of advanced digital technologies and their practical applications, especially through challenge-led approaches;
* Experience with acceleration programs, helping scale impactful technologies;
* Project management expertise (Agile and Waterfall), business analysis, and product development experience, including MVPs, PoCs, and pilots;
* Willingness to travel and ability to work across diverse cultures and settings, especially in developing, fragile, and conflict-affected countries.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the application of Technology and Innovation
o Apply digital technology knowledge within multidisciplinary project teams to solve real-world problems using challenge-led approaches.
o Stay informed on emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, 5G, AR/VR, AI, Blockchain, Quantum, data analytics) and advise on their practical applications.
* Drive Innovation Practices
o Support workshops and initiatives to foster innovation.
o Utilize innovation methodologies such as design thinking, agile development, and lean startup practices.
o Assist in developing MVPs, PoCs, and pilots, ensuring alignment with user needs and market relevance.
o Contribute to acceleration programs to help scale innovative solutions for meaningful impact.
* Project and Product Management
o Manage projects using Agile and Waterfall methodologies, adapting to dynamic requirements.
o Coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Job Requirements
Required Skills and Experience
* Strong understanding of digital technologies and their applications.
* Experience with facilitation and acceleration programs (highly desirable).
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Strong stakeholder management skills in an international context.
* Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall project management approaches.
* Experience delivering MVPs, PoCs, and pilots, with hands-on product development experience.
Other Desirable Experience
* Experience in startups, academic spinouts, or innovation hubs.
* Knowledge of innovation methodologies and/or industry experience.
* Understanding of government or public sector technology projects.
* Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Miro, Jira.
* Service design expertise, especially human-centered design frameworks.
* Experience working on international development projects or overseas with government or NGO partners.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree with a solid understanding of digital tech applications.
* Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, Agile) and innovation practices (e.g., Design Thinking) are highly desirable.
What We Offer You
We prioritize our people, offering a competitive salary and benefits, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth. Our diverse workforce fosters creativity and resourcefulness, underpinned by strong commitments to diversity and inclusion. We support flexible working arrangements to help balance your personal and professional life.
This role offers the chance to manage innovative programs with significant growth potential within ASI.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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