The ideal candidate will bring a curious and analytical mindset, strong research skills, and a keen interest in how digital technologies can support sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries. They should be comfortable working with data and evidence, and able to communicate insights clearly and effectively, both in writing and presentations.
This role offers the opportunity to build expertise and contribute to impactful research in a collaborative and diverse team that is passionate about using digital innovation to address global inequalities. It is well suited to someone eager to further strengthen their skills in supporting the development of practical, evidence-based insights for inclusive and sustainable development.
About the team
The Central Insights Unit (CIU) sits at the core of GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) and produces country- and region-specific research and analysis on the role and impact of digital technologies in advancing sustainable and inclusive development. Our work spans across many themes and verticals including digital inclusion, gender, financial inclusion, agriculture, health, utilities, humanitarian action and climate action.
The thematically cross-cutting nature of our research means that our knowledge base is wide-ranging as we bring clarity to emerging opportunities in digital development. Our work directly supports international donors to build expertise and capacity as they seek to advance digitalisation initiatives in low- and middle-income countries.
About the role
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to research that informs sustainable development initiatives, shapes global development discourse, informs programmes and policy, and supports the responsible scaling of digital innovation across sectors such as humanitarian action, agriculture, health, climate resilience, and digital and financial inclusion.
Working closely with an interdisciplinary team, the candidate will support research projects and help produce high-quality outputs for diverse stakeholders—including donor and development partners, governments, and private sector actors. This is a unique opportunity to further develop and contribute knowledge to how digital technologies are understood and applied to tackle critical development challenges.
About you
You will bring a strong foundation in research and a passion for using digital technologies to advance development outcomes. You will thrive in a diverse team dedicated to empowering people via mobile and emerging tech., and bring many of the following:
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to support the development of research questions, apply analytical frameworks, and help extract insights from data.
- Familiarity with qualitative research methodologies; experience in quantitative methods is a plus.
- A keen interest in the mobile industry and international development, especially in the potential for mobile and emerging technologies to drive socio-economic impact in low- and middle-income countries.
- Experience delivering or supporting research projects—either academically or professionally.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and spoken English, especially in translating technical or complex topics for a general audience. Knowledge of a second language (e.g. French) is a plus.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work well with colleagues across different teams.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach, with a willingness to learn, contribute ideas, and take initiative.
Capabilities
Key capabilities for this role include
- Contributing to the production of clear, engaging, and high-quality written outputs—such as reports, blogs, and slide decks—for a range of audiences.
- Supporting research activities across different stages of the project cycle, including helping to define research questions, conducting desk research, supporting data collection, and drafting analysis.
- Applying a foundational understanding of different research methods to help identify trends and opportunities related to digitalisation and development.
- Assisting in stakeholder engagement.
- Helping tailor research outputs to the needs of target audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and development practitioners.
- Collaborating closely with colleagues across GSMA’s Mobile for Development (M4D) programmes to contribute insights and ensure consistency of messaging and evidence.
- Supporting in sharing and promoting research findings, including contributing to presentations, webinars, or other communication materials.
- Providing input into team discussions and activities that shape our research and insights agenda over time.
Contract type Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term) Worker type Employee
What we offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We offer a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast-paced rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry-changing projects and a stimulating and dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish.
In addition to architect-designed offices and competitive compensation, our benefits include fantastic learning & development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development and many others.
