At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape policies for digital inclusion and gender equality, engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join GSMA, a leader in mobile development with a focus on impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the digital future for underserved communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy advocacy, strong communication skills, and a passion for digital equity.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
This job is a great opportunity for someone who cares about improving the digital future for billions of people in low- and middle-income countries. As Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will work with a variety of national and global stakeholders on creating a more favourable policy environment to accelerate digital inclusion and gender equality. This role sits within a team of passionate and ambitious people that deliver meaningful impact at scale.
About The Team
The Digital Inclusion team is comprised of two programmes: Connected Women and Connected Society, and sits within GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D). GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) is a dedicated global team within the GSMA, which brings together our mobile operator members, tech innovators, the development community and governments, to realise the impact of mobile in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The GSMA’s Connected Society Programme works with the mobile industry and key stakeholders to increase adoption and use of the mobile internet, focusing on underserved population groups in developing markets. GSMA Connected Women works with mobile operators and their partners to address the barriers to women accessing and using mobile internet and mobile money services.
About The Role
As Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, your responsibility will be to shape and progress evidence-based digital inclusion advocacy messages and policies. This includes engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, such as national governments and international organisations. Your work will focus on the digital inclusion of a broad range of underserved communities (women, rural, urban-poor, persons with disabilities) across low- and middle-income countries, particularly Asia and Sub‑Saharan Africa. You will author policy content that will become reference material for policymakers and private sector actors. You will conduct policy and regulatory analyses at the national level and produce written submissions for various policy processes. You will work with policymakers and regulators on capacity building workshops and the implementation of policies and projects that improve digital inclusion, focusing on affordability, digital skills, online safety and security, connectivity, and gender equality. You will represent GSMA externally at events and meetings to ensure effective dissemination of GSMA’s messages on digital inclusion and gender equality. You will also draft high‑quality content, briefings, and speaking notes for the team and senior management and support on organising events. You will work in collaboration with internal stakeholders such as GSMA policy teams, regional offices, and other Mobile for Development programmes.
About You
- Strong understanding of the role of digital technology in international development, ideally gained through work with a mobile network operator, tech company, policy or international organisation, think tank, research agency, or a development partner.
- Very good understanding of policy and regulation issues related to digital inclusion.
- Expertise in gender equality and issues is ideal.
- Proven policy research, advisory and advocacy experience.
- Excellent grasp of the English language, with compelling written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarise, structure and tailor complex content into clear messaging for different internal and external audiences.
- French language skills are desirable.
- Experience in designing and delivering advocacy campaigns through stakeholder engagement, building evidence and delivering results.
- Ability to work across different cultures with senior officials, policy professionals and others.
- Strong project management skills, ability to work independently, entrepreneurial and organised to deliver high‑impact outputs.
- Conscientious, creative, with a can‑do attitude.
- Excited to travel internationally to emerging markets.
- Existing authorisation to work in the UK.
About Your Skills
- Communication – Critical for shaping policy positions and influencing external decision‑makers.
- Delivery – Strong project and delivery management skills to coordinate multiple advocacy initiatives, manage inputs from internal and external stakeholders, and ensure timely production of high‑quality outputs.
- Influence – Ability to engage and persuade policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders through evidence‑based arguments and strategic positioning.
- Stakeholder Management – Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, international organisations, industry partners and internal teams.
- Commercial Awareness – Ability to identify regulatory and policy opportunities that drive business value and broader societal impact.
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Worker type: Employee
What We Offer
Working at GSMA offers unparalleled access to the mobile industry. You will be exposed to a fast‑paced, rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry‑changing projects, and a stimulating, dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish. In addition to architect‑designed offices and competitive compensation, benefits include learning and development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development, and more. We care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusivity and aspire to be the best at it. Your well‑being and work/life balance is important, so flexi‑time and remote working is available to all staff. We encourage applications from all demographics.
For more information about GSMA, visit our career site, LinkedIn page and Twitter page. We strive to offer a meaningful and inclusive application experience for all candidates. If you require any accommodations or adjustments due to a disability or for any other reason during the hiring process, please contact talent@gsma.com.
GSMA Values
- Passionately driven – We approach everything with unparalleled capability, tenacity and commitment.
- Insightful leaders – We continually develop and engage our expertise, insight and creativity to respond to the changing landscape with authority, agility, and nuance.
- Stronger together – We lean on each other so the industry can lean on us, embracing diversity and seeking out multiple perspectives.
Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager (Digital Inclusion and Gender) employer: GSMA
GSMA is an exceptional employer for those passionate about driving digital inclusion and gender equality in low- and middle-income countries. With a dynamic work culture that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusivity, employees benefit from generous professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Join a team of dedicated individuals committed to making a meaningful impact on the global stage while enjoying competitive compensation and a supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager (Digital Inclusion and Gender)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the digital inclusion and gender equality space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your genuine interest in improving digital futures for underserved communities. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives in digital inclusion and gender equality. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the world of digital inclusion.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager (Digital Inclusion and Gender)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital inclusion and gender equality. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of writing and stakeholder engagement, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past.
Highlight Your Advocacy Experience:We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in policy advocacy. Be sure to mention any campaigns you’ve led or contributed to, especially those that involved engaging with policymakers or international organisations.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at GSMA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of digital inclusion and gender equality issues. Familiarise yourself with the GSMA's Connected Women and Connected Society programmes, as well as current policies affecting these areas. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent written and oral communication, prepare to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Bring examples of your previous work, like policy briefs or advocacy campaigns, to showcase your knack for tailoring messages for different audiences.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you built relationships with policymakers or industry partners, and how those experiences can translate into success in this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management
This position involves managing multiple advocacy initiatives, so be prepared to talk about your project management skills. Share examples of how you've coordinated projects, managed timelines, and delivered high-quality outputs under pressure.
