Global Head of Mobile for Development, GSMA Foundation

Global Head of Mobile for Development, GSMA Foundation Location: London or Brussels Position type: Permanent, full-time What The Hiring Manager Says: The GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) Foundation offers a dynamic, mission‑driven environment for leveraging the power of mobile technology to improve the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations around the world. With the backing of the global association for the mobile industry, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of digital development and drive meaningful impact – setting strategic direction, building partnerships with donors, and representing the GSMA M4D Foundation at major events and in the media. Today 84 percent of Internet connections happen via mobile, making it an ideal tool to deliver innovative digital solutions to development challenges. Fundamental for success are a deep understanding of today’s complex global development levers, the priorities of GSMA member operators, and the new funding models that can best deliver large‑scale impact, as well as the ability to spot and connect opportunities across all three. This role calls for visionary leadership and agility at a time of rapid global change, including pressures on philanthropic aid budgets, shifting sources of funding, and the lightening‑speed transformation of digital technologies with the rise of AI. John Giusti, President of the GSMA M4D Foundation About The Team Established in 2007, the GSMA M4D Foundation brings together mobile operators, innovators, governments, and the international development community to demonstrate the positive social, economic and climate impact of mobile technology in low‑ and middle‑income countries. The M4D team stimulates digital innovation to deliver socio‑economic positive impact, leveraging in‑market expertise to inform partnerships between the mobile industry, tech innovators, governments, and the development sector. About The Role The GSMA M4D Foundation is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Global Head of Mobile for Development. This role will be responsible for developing the strategic direction of the M4D Foundation, cultivating high‑level donor and industry relationships, and securing large‑scale funding to advance digital innovation for social impact, with particular focus on low‑ and middle‑income countries. The Global Head will be a key external representative of the M4D Foundation, aligning its portfolio with GSMA’s broader strategy and industry trends. Key Responsibilities Define and evolve the strategic direction of the GSMA M4D Foundation in alignment with the GSMA’s mission, mobile industry trends, and development sector priorities. Lead horizon scanning and market intelligence to identify emerging opportunities and anticipate shifts in donor and industry landscapes. Develop the M4D Foundation’s strategic plan, ensuring relevance, innovation, and impact. Provide leadership to the fundraising team to secure multi‑year, large‑scale funding from philanthropic organisations, multilateral institutions, and private sector partners. Engage strategically with existing donors to maintain strong, collaborative relationships and deliver on shared objectives. Identify and cultivate new donor partnerships, expanding the M4D Foundation’s funding base, geographic reach, and thematic scope. Collaborate with GSMA Advocacy and other internal teams to identify cross‑cutting opportunities for fundraising and programme development. Represent the GSMA M4D Foundation at high‑level forums, donor meetings, and global industry events. Deliver thought leadership on the role of digital innovation in reducing inequalities, particularly in LMICs. Serve as a public ambassador for the M4D Foundation, articulating its impact narrative and strategic vision. Advise the President on board governance, including preparation of materials and engagement with Board members. Support M4D’s Head of Operations to ensure strategic plans are effectively operationalised and programmes are delivered with excellence. Collaborate with GSMA’s Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Advocacy team leads to align M4D initiatives with broader GSMA efforts. Partner with GSMA’s Chief Marketing Officer to refine the M4D Foundation’s storytelling and visibility across digital platforms and events. Collaborate with M4D Foundation’s Head of Compliance and Finance Director. Lead and inspire the M4D programme leads and the fundraising team, fostering a culture of inclusion, performance, and professional development. About You Essential Experience & Skills Proven track record in securing large‑scale funding and building strategic partnerships in the development or philanthropic sector, with a strong focus on emerging markets. Deep understanding of digital innovation and its role in addressing development challenges. Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans. Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience representing organisations at senior levels and engaging with senior decision‑makers, governments, and media. Demonstrated leadership in cross‑functional and multicultural environments. Inspirational team leader. Desirable Experience working in partnership with or within the mobile industry or technology sector. Familiarity with GSMA’s mission and global development frameworks. Experience managing or engaging with governance boards. Contract type: Regular Worker type: Employee What We Offer Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry and a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile. You will be exposed to a fast‑paced, rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions and industry‑changing projects. Our benefits include competitive compensation, architecture‑designed offices, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development, and many others. GSMA Values We care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusion and strive 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. Passionately driven, insightful leaders, and stronger together are the core of our culture. We approach all work with capability, tenacity, and commitment, continually developing our expertise and responding to the changing landscape with authority, agility, and nuance. Our collective mindset is to show up purposefully as good human beings every day, creating a safe space for all to thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr