Background

The Future of Development Cooperation Coalition has been established to reimagine the global development cooperation system at a time of deep uncertainty and disruption. With traditional donors reducing their ODA commitments and legitimacy questions facing the system, the Coalition will facilitate a process for stakeholders from the Global South and the Global North to co-create a new vision, narrative, and set of principles for development cooperation.

The Coalition is independent of any governmental or intergovernmental process. It is co-hosted by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), based in Accra, Ghana, and the Center for Global Development (CGD), based in Washington, DC, USA. Funding comes primarily from leading philanthropies.

A small Secretariat, headed by a former senior U.S. Treasury official, will guide the process. ACET and CGD, as co-hosts, will each take responsibility for consultations, outreach, research, communications, and political engagement in their respective regions.

Job Title: Technical Lead

Reporting Line: Director – Innovations and Digital Policy

Location: Accra / Remote

Nature of Contract: Consultancy (200 Days)

Job Summary

• The consultant shall see to the overall day-to-day management of ACET’s contributions to the Coalition, including oversight of 4 research reports, 4 consultations, and 1 Coalition meeting.
• Requires senior-level expertise in global development cooperation and ability to represent ACET in high-level forums.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate ACET’s contributions to the Coalition, ensuring alignment with Secretariat and co-host priorities.
• Oversee delivery of 4 research reports, 4 consultations, and 1 Coalition meeting hosted by ACET.
• Represent ACET in high-level events, stakeholder engagements, and advocacy activities.
• Provide strategic guidance on global development cooperation issues, ensuring African perspectives are embedded in the Coalition’s outputs.
• Supervise and support other ACET consultants and staff working on the Coalition.
• Liaise with the Coalition Secretariat, funders, and supporting countries to ensure effective coordination and delivery.

Qualification Required & Experience

The preferred candidate will meet the following criteria:

Education and Experience

• 15+ years’ experience in global development policy, multilateral engagement, or international cooperation.
• Strong understanding of the global development cooperation architecture and reform debates.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder, high-profile initiatives.
• Excellent representation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to balance detail-oriented project management with high-level thought leadership.
• Flexibility to travel regularly.
• French and/or Arabic language skills desired, but not mandatory.

Deliverables

• ACET contributions delivered on schedule and to high quality (reports, consultations, meeting).
• Monthly updates and progress reports to ACET leadership.
• Strategic inputs into Coalition outputs and communications.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should email their CV and an accompanying Cover Letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the position to:

hr@acetforafrica.org

Closing Date: 18 November, 2025

Interviews will be held virtually. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

ACET Values

ACET strives to ensure an equitable and merit-based workplace. We promote ongoing employee development to strengthen staff capacity and further professional goals. We operate around five core values:

• Pioneering: We try to push the envelope in the spirit of being a “think and do” tank.
• Respect: We believe that in respecting each other, we will grow together.
• Integrity: We are transparent and accountable in our actions.
• Collaboration: We believe our best results are achieved by working well together.
• Excellence: We aspire to the highest level of critical thinking to solve difficult problems.