Investments Principal, Africa

Location: Remote (Based in Africa)

Leaders around the world are using digital technology as a tool for public problem-solving. Over the next decade, over 100 countries will embark on a journey toward building new digital public infrastructure (DPI). DPI will help governments, businesses, and individuals identify themselves, make payments, share information, and develop a range of unprecedented capabilities for improved service delivery. Co-Develop is a global not-for-profit fund committed to helping countries advance toward a digital future that is inclusive, safe, and equitable by building DPI.

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 Senior 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, that 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

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 to explore and identify government capacity needs that might advance DPI work

• Launching shared resource nodes that build shared local technical capacity to support DPI ecosystems in regions throughout Africa 

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

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 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

• 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 email a resume and cover letter in pdf format to hr@codevelop.fund. Please specify the position you are applying for in the subject line, and title your files “Last name_Position_Resume” and “Last name_Position_Cover Letter”. Please send your submissions by March 24, 2025.