Jobs Center

About the Application Laboratory and the Grameen Technology Center
The Application Laboratory (AppLab) prototypes, develops, pilots, launches and scales mobile information services that can be delivered over simple mobile devices to aid in the fight against poverty. Grameen Foundation is already working with its Indonesian operating partner RUMA to recruit, train and enable poor, high-potential entrepreneurs-to-be to become Village Phone Operators, who launch and run sustainable micro-franchise businesses. These Operators provide a testing ground and distribution channel for delivering mobile information and content to members of their communities. Our efforts in Indonesia build on related efforts in Uganda, and will serve as a platform for further replication and scaling worldwide.
The AppLab is an initiative of the Grameen Technology Center (GTC), part of Grameen Foundation. The GTC focuses on technology that makes microfinance operations more efficient, creates income-generating opportunities for the poor and provides poor communities access to valuable information and local resources. Our efforts support the Grameen Foundation’s mission to empower the world’s poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty. Please visit www.applab.org for additional information.
Program Manager
Job Description :
The Program Manager is directly responsible for the on-the-ground leadership and implementation of the AppLab program in Indonesia. You will provide strategic and operational leadership by working closely with a range of AppLab partners (a multi-national technology partner, mobile operators, government ministries, NGOs, etc), managing local resources, piloting mobile applications and testing business cases, guiding research and social performance management, tracking and reporting results and guiding overall strategy. In this high-profile position you will shape AppLab evolution, project manage the initiative, and develop, launch and scale applications with the objective of measurable impact, a sustainable business model and broad replication.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Developing and guiding AppLab Indonesia strategy
* Deepen relationships, leverage strengths and understand needs of local partners (major mobile operator, application developers, content providers, social businesses and others)
* Serve as local link with partners based outside of Indonesia
* Gain deep understanding of complementary initiatives, global trends in application usage and learning from related experiences and incorporate into implementation strategy
* Develop recommendations for short-, mid- and long-term AppLab strategy in Indonesia and update regularly based on learning
Project management excellence
* Prepare ambitious but achievable detailed project plans covering small- and medium-scale pilots as well as broad scaling
* Actively manage implementation – problem-solve and remove barriers as they arise, hold team to goals, milestones, schedule and budget
* Provide technical subject matter expertise and work closely with partners to ensure effective technical implementation
* Craft effective education and demand generation programs
* Develop creative, efficient and effective training programs with the potential to reach Village Phone Operators or other trusted intermediaries (e.g., midwives, agriculture extension workers, etc.) in multiple geographies
Track and report results
* Clearly define hypotheses, learning goals, and success metrics for each pilot and phase of implementation
* Establish transparent and easily accessible reporting framework to measure and communicate progress on a real-time basis (including budget)
* Prepare timely and comprehensive analyses of pilots, suggest approaches to strengthen applications/business models and draw conclusions about scaling potential & approach
* Prepare summary updates and reports as needed
Manage local resources and vendors/suppliers
* Hire/manage local team in all aspects of work (additional product manager and field officers)
* Develop mentoring relationship with Village Phone Field Officers and Microfinance Institution Field Officers as appropriate
* Prepare RFPs for vendors/suppliers and evaluate responses (as necessary)
* Manage local vendors/suppliers (e.g., outsourced development, market research consultants)
Guide research
* Work closely with local researcher(s) as required to coordinate needs assessment and social performance measurement and research
* Drive local efforts to build needs assessment findings into iterative process of developing and testing new applications
* Disseminate findings
Ideal Candidate
Outstanding project management skills
* Experienced and savvy project manager with a proven track record of achievement under a range of challenging situations (ideally in multiple countries)
* Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects (strategic, operational and tactical) – with proven ability to work effectively with diverse partners
Strong business leadership abilities
* Strong, innovative and creative problem solver and strategic thinker;
* Excellent analytical, interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills
* An entrepreneurial spirit — with the ability to think strategically and act tactically. Ideal candidate would have started and run own company, or worked in a leadership role in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
* Comfort with unstructured problems and ability to manage complexities under pressure
* Ability to promote knowledge transfer through strong mentoring and team building skills
Enthusiasm and passion for our work in Indonesia
* Enthusiasm for learning from different cultures – eager to build cultural realities into products and project plans
* Equally comfortable presenting to a room of business executives and discussing needs with villagers sitting on the dirt floor of a rural home
* Passionate about the work of Grameen Foundation & role of technology in poverty alleviation
Deep understanding of information and communication technology – preferably with practical experience in developing countries
Qualifications :
* Advanced degree in field, such as international development, economics, information technology, business (MBA) or related field
* At least 5 years of project management or business leadership experience—ideally in a consulting firm, technology company or successful start-up company
* Strong preference for people with information and communication technology experience
* Work experience in Indonesia preferred
* Fluency in oral and written English and fluency in Bahasa Indonesia is preferred
Compensation :
* Competitive salary
* Opportunity to serve as a high-profile leader in the Indonesian business, government and NGO community, combining innovation, entrepreneurial problem solving, project management and stakeholder management to deliver deep and lasting social impact in Indonesia and beyond
Please send application letter, CV and recent photograph email to :
applabapplication@gmail.com