UK-Nigeria Tech Hub Director, International Tech Hub Network

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the innovative and high-profile UK-Nigeria Tech Hub based in Lagos. The Hub is part of a global network of international tech partnerships developed by the UK government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to build digital ecosystems that will facilitate sustainable economic growth and development. The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is part of the International Tech Hub Network, which is delivered by DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme led by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). The programme promotes digital inclusion and inclusive growth in partner countries. Other Hubs are located in South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia and Brazil. The Hub aims to develop the Nigerian tech ecosystem, deliver digital skills programmes, and build links between Nigerian and international (including UK) tech businesses, working as a distinct part of the UK Government's Digital Access Programme. We are looking for a dynamic, well-networked leader from the Nigerian tech scene for this important role. The hub has a critical role in the UK Government's strategy for Nigeria, notably supporting the drive for greater digital access and maximising the growth, development and job-creation potential of the digital sector. The successful candidate will lead a small team of country-based staff in the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, and will be responsible for shaping and delivering the strategy for the Hub. The team will support local digital ecosystems in both the commercial hotspots and across more disadvantaged regions of Nigeria. They follow the example of successful hubs elsewhere in the world such as the UK-Israel Hub in Tel Aviv. The Tech Hub Network is funded as part of a cross-government development programme, so collaboration across departments will be a critical success factor in this role. The Hub will have three main aims: Identify, develop (including project management and budgeting), and deliver tailored interventions to cultivate digital skills responding to the needs and opportunities for inclusion in the local tech sector for example promoting opportunities for youth and women in the local tech sector. Interventions will generally be delivered by local and international partners; support tech entrepreneurship through partnerships with local digital ecosystem stakeholders including incubators, accelerators and private sector firms, Nigerian government departments and agencies and non-profit organisations, while also highlighting UK strengths and the suitability of the UK as a tech partner. Build on our support for the Nigeria Start-Up Bill as an initiative to improve the regulatory environment for tech start-ups; facilitate partnerships between local tech firms (including tech start-ups) and international companies (across all sectors) in the form of commercial partnerships or joint ventures.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.