Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for the successful candidate to be part of a high profile and strategic UK Government development initiative that aims to develop the Brazilian tech ecosystem, deliver digital skills projects, and build links between Brazilian and UK tech businesses, as part of a wider intervention focused on inclusive digital transformation across the country. To lead the Digital Access Programme’s UK-Brazil Tech Hub, which supports local digital ecosystems both in the commercial hotspots and across less well-developed regions of Brazil.  The DAP Tech Hub has three main aims:

• Deliver tailored interventions to cultivate digital skills responding to the needs and opportunities for inclusion in the tech sector in different regions; for example promoting opportunities for youth and women to gain relevant skills in their local tech sector
• Support tech entrepreneurship, particularly focused on tech with a positive social impact, through partnerships with local digital ecosystem stakeholders including incubators, accelerators and private sector firms, government departments and agencies and non-profit organisations
• Facilitate partnerships between local tech firms (including tech start-ups) and international companies including those from the UK (across all sectors) in the form of commercial partnerships or joint ventures

Roles and responsibilities:

The UK-Brazil Tech Hub is a critical pillar of the UK’s Government Official Development Assistance (ODA) Digital Access Programme to drive sustainable digital inclusion in countries like Brazil.

The jobholder will be responsible for supporting programme implementation in Brazil – working with the cross-government programme teams in London and then providing local oversight of projects and leading on government stakeholder engagement to promote the tech start-up sector.  You will manage a project officer, will work closely with the DAP Country Lead, who is responsible for overall coherence across the programme, and report to the Economic and Prosperity Counsellor.

We are looking for a dynamic, well-networked person from the Brazilian tech scene for this role, who will use their experience and network to shape and lead this exciting initiative.

The job-holder will support the development of a UK-Brazil Tech Hub plan and ensure delivery of the Hub’s operations across Brazil, maintaining relationships with both internal and external contacts, developing a public and media profile for the Hub’s activities, and ensuring the Tech Hub activities meet the goals of the overall Digital Access Programme, working in close coordination with the programme country lead.

Responsibilities will include: 

Programme and project management (45%)  

• Working with the Digital Access Programme (DAP) FCDO and DSIT central teams in London (responsible for overall programme leadership and for strategic direction of the Tech Hub work respectively) to support local partners to develop project proposals that deliver the aims of the DAP and specifically of its Tech Hub component, align with FCDO programme standards, and ensure best value for money.
• Share innovative solutions and best practice with other UK Tech Hub Networks in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Indonesia, including on objectives, projects and delivery.
• Oversee the delivery of the Tech Hub’s implementation activities in Brazil delivered by contracted management agents and other implementing partners, in coordination with cross-government programme teams in London, ensuring coherence with other bilateral activities. This will require an ability to apply project oversight, coordination, monitoring, risk management and stakeholder engagement skills. Some travel, within Brazil and to the UK, will be expected.
• Coordinating activity with the DAP lead team, and with other teams in the embassy as needed.
• Act as a focal point for internal and external communications on the DAP Tech Hub in Brazil, ensuring the visibility is properly managed and that the UK government gains recognition for its work.
• Support the organisation and delivery of key visits to and from the UK related to the implementation and promotion of the DAP Tech Hub, including on the design of the visits, securing relevant meetings, and accompanying delegations. This will include supporting engagements with relevant private sector, civil society, and government partners and with set-up, delivery and monitoring activities.
• Initiate and pursue new strategic partnership opportunities for the Hub, identifying and cultivating new leads, understanding business and innovation needs across all sectors and convincingly presenting the opportunities for collaboration.
• Contribute to the Hubs’ future sustainability by actively seeking new opportunities for execution of the Hub’s mission and develop revenue streams that will help the Hub to become financially sustainable in the long term.

Policy delivery and stakeholder engagement (30%) 

• Lead and oversee initiatives related to artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology, including developing and executing strategic directions, innovative projects, monitoring industry trends, identifying growth opportunities and deliver plans which aligns with the UK International Tech Strategy (ITS) and Digital Development Strategy (DDS), articulating how the DAP Tech Hub’s work contributes to those objectives.
• In coordination with the DAP lead, contribute to influencing key decision makers in government, civil society and private sector in support of the DAP Tech Hub’s objectives.
• Monitor the start-up and tech environment in Brazil, including regulatory hurdles.
• Support the identification of emerging technological innovations and new business models that drive affordable and inclusive digital access for the most disadvantaged populations in Brazil.
• Provide reporting on your analysis and meetings to government colleagues.  Coordinate your work with others in the Embassy and relevant government departments in London, as relevant to the delivery of DAP goals.

UK Growth (15%)  

Support UK growth objectives by identifying and where possible creating opportunities for UK businesses.  Work with the Department for Business and Trade to understand the UK offer, flag potential opportunities to relevant companies, and facilitate business-to-business contact.

Corporate (10%) 

Line management of the Country Based Staff DAP UK-Brazil Tech Hub Project Officer.

All staff at post are expected to participate in wider Embassy activities which can include active work on various committees and other corporate roles, as well as play a role in crisis management activities on an ad-hoc basis.

This role will suit individuals with experience of the UK/Brazil tech and startup scenes, and a strong technical understanding of emerging technologies. The applicant would ideally bring a network of business contacts in Brazil, using this to expand the Hub’s network. The role will require leadership experience, and the technical knowledge and personal gravitas to engage with senior level stakeholders in government, academia, and the private sector.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure) 

The post-holder will line manage the Country Based Staff UK-Brazil Tech Hub Project Officer and have oversight of the Tech Hub team budget of c.£200,000 per year.

Learning and development opportunities

The job provides an excellent opportunity to acquire and/or deepen skills in programme management/coordination, in technical advice, and in policy influencing, including through exposure to senior levels of the Brazilian government, State governments, and within the relevant private sector and civil society.

You will have access to learning and development opportunities through the FCDO’s International Academy, as well as in the role.

Essential on arrival:

• At least 3 years experience in, and knowledge of, the tech sector and startup scene within Brazil
• Leadership experience in the technology/digital sector or business development more widely (or a passion for innovation and technology)
• Experience of developing strategies in partnership with multiple stakeholders
• Well networked within the tech sector (private sector firms and start-ups)
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Brazilian business, tech and innovation landscape
• Track record of leading successful delivery in either industry or government

Language requirements: 

Language:  English and Portuguese

Level of language required:  Excellent English and Portuguese (spoken and written).