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 to improve digital inclusion and foster deeper relations between the UK and Brazil. 

The successful candidate will be part of a worldwide network of 230 Posts representing British prosperity, security, and consular interests overseas. It is a vibrant international organisation committed to diversity and staff development.

The Digital Access Programme in Brazil is a multi-year programme designed and funded by the UK Government that aims to facilitate wider and more affordable, safer and more secure access to the internet for excluded populations, harnessing the power of digital inclusion to tackle poverty, build prosperity and enable millions of people – especially socio-economically disadvantaged populations – to benefit from digital services and opportunities.  This flagship programme is driven by the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, working with partner countries to contribute to an enabling digital environment.

The Digital Access Programme aims to address the fundamental constraints to digital inclusion through a multi-pillar structure, harnessing the role and expertise of the UK government and private sector. The programme implementation is guided by the following themes:

• Digital Transformation: catalysing the economy, government, and society through digital technologies – Test and validate innovative business models that take emerging technologies to market, to facilitate the sustainable expansion of affordable internet access for the unattended population. This is complemented by enablers such as regulatory reform and support to locally relevant digital content and services. UK-BR Tech Hub: Stimulate the local digital ecosystem, and forge partnerships between local tech sector and international businesses (including UK firms) through a Tech Hub network.
• Digital Inclusion: leaving no one behind in a digital world – supporting capacity building and upskilling citizens.
• Digital Responsibility: enabling safe, secure, and resilient digital systems – Build Brazil’s capacity to prevent and respond to harms and risks affecting governments, businesses and citizens (including vulnerable groups at risk of online abuse or exploitation).

You will also support engaging and testing new projects under the existing priorities of the UK’s Digital Development Strategy, including Digital Sustainability and AI for digital development.

As Senior Executive Officer (SEO/C5), in the role of Digital Access Programme Country Lead & Senior Adviser (Brazil) you will have substantial responsibility for overseeing the successful implementation and delivery of the Digital Access Programme and you will proactively engage and ensure seamless coordination and identify synergies with the ‘Thrive’ pillar of the DAP (implemented by the local Tech Hub team). 

You will identify opportunities for deeper and wider engagement, and build on the successes achieved so far and monitor against expected outcomes through liaising with the relevant advisory and policy teams based in Brazil and the United Kingdom, and across multiple HMG departments including the FCDO, DSIT, DBT, GDS, GCSI (CO), and others. 

You will ensure the programme continues to deliver impact against UK priorities in Brazil and dynamically adapt to policy and programme changes. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining important relationships with a network of external and internal stakeholders with an interest in the DAP and in the wider digital development agenda of the UK in Brazil.

In addition, you will be expected to take on other leadership roles within the Brazil Network, including supporting policy needs outside of your immediate policy area where necessary. 

Roles and responsibilities:

 The jobholder will provide oversight of programme and project activities, and contribute to stakeholder engagement in the public and private sectors.  The jobholder will promote inclusive digital access, digital skills development, access to digital content and services, online safety, and broader digital development.  

The role presents unique opportunities to advance the UK-Brazil relationship on digital access for economic growth at a time when these issues are of increasing importance on the international agenda. The role is responsible for:

• Programme coordination, management and leadership:  – Oversee the activities of the Digital Access Programme in Brazil as delivered by global and local implementing partners, in coordination with the central DAP team in London and the Programme Management internal governance. You will drive forward progress, ensuring robust delivery and value of money.
• Policy coherence – ensure that work of the DAP is aligned with the UK’s priorities in Brazil and other programmes and policy initiatives supported by the UK government, including cyber, political, climate, commercial and defence teams  
• Representation – act as the focal point for internal and external communication on the work happening under the pillars, ensuring visibility of the programme and the UK government’s role in delivery.    Influence key decision-makers in the government of Brazil and in civil society and private sector – in support of the programmes objectives, leveraging senior engagement to enhance progress. Support visits/delegations from UK government officials and technology sector partners when necessary.
• Technical Advice and Support –   Provide expert technical advice and support to wider digital elements of other UK government programmes to ensure coherence and coordination.  Advise senior stakeholders, including the Ambassador, on digital development issues as well as the progress of the Digital Access Programme in Brazil.   Work closely with policy leads to monitor online safety, internet governance and tele-comms regulatory environment in Brazil related to digital development subjects.   Monitor and report on the emerging technological innovations and new business models that drive affordable and inclusive digital access, as well as digital skills development, and inclusive access to digital content and services

Resources managed:

    
The post-holder will line manage the Country Based Staff DAP Brazil Deputy Lead, individual consultants and a number of projects with local implementing partners. 

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 of programme management experience
• An ability to apply project oversight, coordination, monitoring, risk management and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Experience in, and knowledge of, the digital sector and development needs of Brazil; 
• Track record of leading successful delivery in either industry or government.
• Proven track record of leading teams to develop and run programs and partnerships from the ground up;

Language requirements: 

Language:  English and Portuguese 

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