ICT4D careers: The technologist, the strategist and the field-based consultant

The buzz over the swell of opportunities in information and communications technology for development hasn’t quieted — and those who are aware of technology trends have more opportunity than ever to build a unique career in global development. With a tech transformation underway, now recent graduates and career transitioners alike are faced with navigating a career path in a continuously changing field. Does working in ICT4D mean developing community FM radio stations in Senegal or assessing mobile phones use among Syrian refugees? Is it the Silicon Valley-cool of new-wave tech startups like Ushahidi, a crowdsourcing platform that mapped post-election violence in Kenya in 2008? Or is it adding a tech perspective to a large agency project? ICT4D encompasses all of these things, according to Wayan Vota, a 20-year veteran of international development and co-creator of ICT4D Jobs, a web resource to find opportunities in the sector. “To put it simply, ICT4D includes all technology-related jobs in development,” Vota said. “A few years ago you didn’t really hear the term, but even now it’s shifting toward the idea of ‘digital development,’ which lends itself to wider interpretation.” With varied experiences available, it makes sense to break the field down into the three main roles for ICT4D professionals: the technologist, the strategist and the field worker. The ICT4D technologist The technologist is perhaps the most “top-of-mind” position when considering ICT4D roles because it requires knowledge of the nuts and bolts behind building technology into development projects. Technologists are lead designers, programmers and product managers with a heavy understanding of technical skills but a bit light when it comes to field experience. Large organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Bank may be a good fit for those looking for a more traditional route, but recent graduates who consider themselves techies also should look to the burgeoning social entrepreneurship side of development. “There is definitely a need for people who can build stuff — but from my position, we are a tech company that happens to be in Kenya solving problems of the developing world,” said Nathaniel Manning, COO at Ushahidi. “We see a lot of people with content specializations across sectors, from health care to gender equality, but in this space we are always looking for people who have amazing tech skills and are willing to learn the content skills on the job.” Facebook software engineer Kurtis Heimerl said that the need for technical workers who are “extremely good at what they do” and understand development is critical to both development organizations that want to improve lives globally through technology and private firms that want to expand with a sense of social consciousness. “It’s certainly a path that wasn’t present previously,” said Heimerl, who is also a co-founder of telecom startup Endaga. “Companies like Facebook know that in order to expand globally, they need to understand development. There is a growing market and appreciation for people with this combined skill set.” The ICT4D strategist Recent graduates with knowledge of where technology is needed most in the developing world will find their sweet spot as ICT4D strategists. ICT4D strategists create and manage the big picture of projects with a tech edge, according to Mike Elliott, a consultant-turned-program director of TechnoServe Connected Farmer Alliance, a public-private partnership that helps small farmers navigate agribusiness through mobile agricultural tools. Elliott looks for a mix of skills for his team and encourages those who would like to pursue tech strategy in developing nations to get out in the field as quickly as possible. “ICT4D isn’t the answer, it’s a tool,” he said, adding that cultural competency is what gets things done on the ground. “New ITC4D professionals tend to think this type of work is a lot more technical than it is, but once our core team finishes developing software, the goal shifts to strategy for integrating the project in a local community,” Elliott said. A volunteer experience during school or even working for a company after graduation that interfaces on a global scale — these practical, on-the-job experiences are invaluable, Elliott said. The ICT4D field-based consultant Caitlin Loehr had no idea she would end up in the world of ICT4D, but an undergraduate trip to Senegal triggered a senior honors thesis on the use of community radio in rural areas. Just a few months later, she was on a flight back to the West African country to continue her research under a Fulbright grant. Since then, Loehr — who earned a master’s degree from the University of London focusing on ICT4D — has worked with organizations such as Africa’s Voices, OneWorld U.K. and Population Services International. Her path is an example of the ICT4D field worker whose expertise lies in linking tech and communications theory with day-to-day operations of fieldwork. “I didn’t really feel like I fit into the ICT4D mold because I wasn’t focused on new technology,” Loehr said. “I approach it from the communications side — and from the beginning I have emphasized the “C” in ICT4D.” Her focus on communications over technology initially felt like a barrier to the industry, but as her career progressed, she has been able to remain flexible and work across health, agriculture and other sectors, she explained. While the less technical side provides more interaction with the recipients of technology, the jobs are often contract-based and short term. But the benefits far outweigh the negatives, Loehr said. “It was unique to see how FM radio really changed these small, rural villages in Senegal,” she said. “I would hear people call in to local radio hosts with health questions and in the evenings, whole villages would gather around the to listen to their friends and families put on radio drama.” Experiences like Loehr’s are an example of how ICT4D programs are finding success on a low-tech scale, Vota said. “If someone is conversant in the tools that constituents use, they will be successful,” he said. “For example, if you are working with Syrian refugees, employers want to know you can leverage a closed Facebook group and WhatsApp — these are the new tools of the developing world.” Looking ahead, Vota and other industry professional pointed to tech skills focused on data collection and sensor technology as the next wave of ICT4D projects. “It’s difficult to name one thing because ICT4D is still changing and growing with people and technology,” Vota said. “It’s becoming more competitive, but there is always room in ICT4D for creative, driven and skilled graduates.” Whether you’re a seasoned expert or budding development professional — check out more news, analysis and advice online to guide your career and professional development, and subscribe to Doing Good to receive top international development career and recruitment news every week.