Location: Remote, based in Africa
Co-Develop is a global nonprofit fund that invests in countries designing, building, and implementing inclusive, safe, and interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Across Africa, momentum is accelerating — countries are advancing DPI across digital identity, digital payments, data exchange, digital government services, and regional interoperability, and Co-Develop is proud to be a partner in that progress.
With an active portfolio spanning 20+ African countries and growing regional and cross-border engagement, Co-Develop is expanding its team to match the scale of this ambition. We are looking for talented, mission-driven people to help us deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen implementation, and ensure our investments deliver real and lasting impact across the continent.
The Role
This is an exciting role for an action-oriented problem-solver who is keen to build something that can be transformative for Africa. There are two aspects to this role: i) launch, fund, and oversee initiatives that localize and drive ownership of DPI work in countries throughout Africa; and ii) curate and execute investments in Africa that drive safe and inclusive DPI adoption.
This position will report to our Director, Africa and will collaborate closely with our investments team, elevating on-the-ground learnings and investment opportunities that may facilitate DPI adoption and local capacity.
This is a remote-work position based in Africa. Please note, while this position is not restricted to a specific country within Africa, applicants must have existing work authorization (not restricted to their current employer) in the country from which they intend to work. Co-Develop is not able to sponsor work visas at this time. Interviewed candidates will be asked to show proof of citizenship and/or work authorization.
Responsibilities
Investments (60% of time)
- Building a compelling investment portfolio alongside the Senior Director, Africa
- Managing investment processes, including conducting due diligence, and preparing for and presenting to the Investment Committee
- Providing ongoing active portfolio support to organizations that receive funding from Co-Develop
- Integrating measurement and insights into the design of future investments and organizational priorities
- Identifying and curating partnerships for commissioned research
Localization (40% of time)
This role will test several different approaches to drive greater localization, ownership, and adoption of DPI, which may include:
- Engaging with governments and non-state actors to explore and identify capacity needs that might advance DPI work
- Supporting the design and implementation of a regional capacity-building approach for actors working on digital rights, digital identity, data governance, DPI adoption, and public-interest technology
- Mapping, engaging, and nurturing partnerships with CSOs, universities, think tanks, consumer protection groups, private-sector actors, and technical communities
- Supporting learning exchanges across Africa and across global regions to support peer learning and ecosystem strengthening
- Launching shared resource nodes that build shared local technical capacity to support DPI ecosystems in regions throughout Africa
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Capabilities
Required Qualifications
- 6-10 years experience in technology, consulting, or project management
- Familiarity with Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods
- Experience working with government institutions, CSOs and agencies to deliver impact driven programs
- Exceptional entrepreneurial skills and demonstrated ability to work successfully in a rapidly evolving environment
- Experience managing external stakeholders and building trusted relationships to move initiatives forward
- Ability to work effectively with remote and diverse teams
- High emotional and cultural acumen with an ability to work with government and other stakeholders across multiple countries in Africa
- Ability to travel frequently to represent Co-Develop, both domestically and abroad
- Fluency in English
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working in or with West African governments on digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, or related initiatives
- Ability to speak and write in French, Arabic, Portuguese, and/or African languages
About Co-Develop
In the 20th century, physical infrastructure – electrical grids, highways, mass plumbing – created unimaginable public value and prosperity. In the 21st century, DPI has the same potential, leveraging digital systems like digital payments, digital identification, and data exchange to enable the effective provision of essential society-wide functions. Over 50 countries around the world are working on setting up DPI, and over the last decade, tried and tested DPI solutions have been developed that these countries can leverage quickly.
However, building and sustaining DPI in a way that lays the groundwork for a more secure, inclusive, participatory digital ecosystem is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. There is a five-to-eight-year window of opportunity to make sure that DPI is built in the right way. The choices countries make now will have consequences for decades to come.
Co-Develop was created to help countries navigate this process. We are a global fund that makes investments that help countries design, build, and implement inclusive and safe infrastructure. Our methodology is indicated in our name: we partner, invest, and co-develop. It's clearer than ever that the world's biggest problems are fundamentally connected. Now is the time to build solutions that are just as well connected. Join us to co-develop the foundations for a fairer future.
To Apply
Please upload a resume and cover letter in pdf format at this link. Please title your files "Last name_Position_Resume" and "Last name_Position_Cover Letter." Please submit your application by EOD July 20, 2026.
This position was originally posted by Co-Develop and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
