The Smart Africa Alliance is recruiting a SAMA Gender and Inclusion Project Manager to lead gender integration within its flagship Smart Africa Markets for All (SAMA) programme. This full-time role is based in Kigali and offers a unique opportunity to drive inclusive digital transformation across multiple African countries.

The application deadline is 12 April 2026 (11:00 PM GMT+2).

About Smart Africa

Smart Africa is a multilateral alliance of African governments, international organisations, and private sector partners working to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. Established in 2014, it aims to build a single digital market across Africa by 2030, leveraging ICT to drive socio-economic development, innovation, and inclusive growth.

About the SAMA Programme

The Smart Africa Markets for All (SAMA) programme is a four-year initiative (2026–2029) supported by the Mastercard Foundation. It aims to create 35,584 work opportunities for youth across:

Kenya
Rwanda
Uganda
Ghana
Benin
Zambia

With a strong focus on inclusion, 70% of beneficiaries are targeted to be women, particularly young women in informal trade.

The programme focuses on three strategic pillars:

Entrepreneurship & Digital Innovation
Youth Digital Skills Development
Institutional Capacity Building & Policy Reform

Role Overview

The SAMA Gender and Inclusion Project Manager will ensure that gender equality and inclusion are fully integrated across all programme components. The role involves working closely with programme teams, partners, and stakeholders to align implementation with donor requirements and inclusion targets.

Key Responsibilities

Gender Strategy and Integration

Lead development and execution of the SAMA Gender and Inclusion Strategy
Integrate gender equality across all programme interventions
Provide technical guidance for gender-responsive programme design
Ensure compliance with donor gender commitments

Gender Mainstreaming Across Pillars

Promote women-led innovation and entrepreneurship
Ensure equitable participation in digital skills programmes
Support inclusive policy development within the digital economy
Advocate for accessibility for persons with disabilities and marginalized groups

Monitoring, Evaluation and Data

Develop gender-responsive M&E frameworks
Ensure collection of sex-disaggregated and inclusion-sensitive data
Track progress toward inclusion targets
Produce gender analysis and performance reports

Capacity Building

Train staff and partners on gender mainstreaming
Develop toolkits and operational frameworks
Support implementation of inclusive programme approaches

Partnerships and Advocacy

Build partnerships with gender and inclusion organisations
Represent Smart Africa in regional and global forums
Promote inclusive digital transformation policies

Additional Responsibilities

Manage consultants and gender-related deliverables
Support communication of impact stories
Contribute to programme coordination and reporting

Candidate Profile

Education

Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, ICT Policy, or related fields

Experience

Minimum 8 years in gender mainstreaming or women’s economic empowerment
Proven experience in African development contexts
Experience managing donor-funded programmes (e.g., World Bank, EU, AfDB)
Strong background in project management and monitoring & evaluation
Experience in digital economy or ICT programmes is an advantage

Technical Competencies

Ability to link gender inclusion with digital transformation and youth employment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience with gender frameworks and data-driven programming

Attributes

High professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Cross-cultural awareness and emotional intelligence
Ability to manage complex, multi-country programmes

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (required)
French is an added advantage

Contract Details

Contract Type: Full-time employment
Duration: Initial 1 year (renewable up to 3 years)
Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Application Process

Candidates must submit the following to hr@smartafrica.org with the subject line:
“SAMA Gender and Inclusion Project Manager”

Required documents:

Detailed CV (English or French)
Cover letter outlining suitability
Academic and professional certificates

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates and applicants from across Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.

Career Impact

This role offers a strategic leadership opportunity to shape inclusive digital economies across Africa. The successful candidate will influence policy, empower youth—especially women—and contribute to large-scale transformation aligned with continental and global development goals.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization seeking for a manager. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Smart Africa Alliance is Seeking for a SAMA Gender and Inclusion Project Manager – Apply By 12 April 2026 @Apply By 12 April 2026