# Thematic Expert- Digital Economy at Busara Center Canonical URL: https://primejobalerts.com/jobs/thematic-expert-digital-economy-at-busara-center Company: Busara Center Category: Banking & Financial Services Location: Kenya Work type: Full-time Work arrangement: On-site Published: 2026-08-26 Expires: 2026-10-10 ## Job Description Thematic Expert – Digital Economy at Busara Center Leads digital economy research and strategy mapping trends in tech platforms, youth employment, and policy. Requires relevant Master’s/Bachelor’s degree, expertise in digital economy analysis, strong qualitative/quantitative skills, and 8–10 years’ experience. Full-time. Purpose of the Role - To conduct a strategic review of the YAW strategy programs, bringing expertise from the digital economy perspective in Uganda, with specific focus on digital economy dimensions of the YAW strategy, portfolio, and results; assess current integration, identify gaps, and recommend actionable pathways to strengthen digital inclusion, skills, and employment outcomes for young people. ### The expert will support Busara and Mastercard Foundation Uganda to establish - How digital trends (digital skilling, digital jobs and gig work, e-commerce, digital financial services, and platformisation of work) are affecting the sectors and value chains where YAW Uganda is active. - The extent to which current YAW Uganda strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to, and capitalize on, these trends. - Opportunities, risks, and gaps in the initiative’s digital economy positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it. ### Key Responsibilities - Review relevant YAW strategy program documents, reports, and results data related to Digital Economy implementing partners in Uganda (10X & FSDU), and the wider Mastercard Foundation Africa strategy. - Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and consultations with Foundation staff, YAW strategy implementing partners, program youth participants, and government and private-sector digital economy stakeholders (e.g., fintech, e-commerce, gig platforms, government agencies). - Map the current trends in Uganda’s digital economy relevant to youth employment, such as digital skills development, online and platform-based work, e-commerce, and digital financial inclusion; and benchmark against relevant digital economy strategies in East Africa. - Assess the extent to which current programs prepare youth for digital employment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. - Assess the relevance and positioning of YAW Uganda’s current partner portfolio and flagship interventions within the digital economy. - Identify strategic opportunities for YAW Uganda to enhance digital economy outcomes, such as establishing new partnerships, innovative delivery models, or targeted focus areas.  - Identify barriers like infrastructure issues, skills gaps, or policy shortcomings, and explore ways to deepen integration into the digital economy. - Produce a strategic review report with findings (including a digital economy analysis chapter), recommendations, and a prioritization framework for dissemination to Busara & Mastercard Foundation/YAW stakeholders. Indicative Deliverables - Inception report with methodology and work plan. - Technical input to the Strategic Review Questions relating to Digital Economy indicators.  - Desk review synthesis input on digital economy models relevant to the Implementing Partner’s sector and geography.  - Administering Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with Implementing Partner leadership, digital economy officers, and relevant ecosystem actors (digital economy regulators, sector associations).  - Technical analysis notes on digital economy, financing mechanism effects, and enterprise progression.  - Interim findings presentation to Foundation team. - Final report (max 40 pages, excluding annexes) including executive summary, digital economy analysis chapter, recommendations, and a prioritized action matrix. - Drafted sections of the final Strategic Review report covering digital economy outcomes, systems contribution, and related recommendations.  - Participation in sensemaking and validation sessions with the Mastercard Foundation and the relevant Implementing Partner, as required. Required Qualifications The expert should possess - A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, Digital Development or Innovation, Information Systems, ICT Policy, or a related field. - Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience working in digital economy strategy, digital inclusion, or technology-for-development, with a deep understanding of Uganda or the East African digital landscape. - Proven track record conducting strategic reviews, evaluations, or advisory assignments for large-scale development programs. - Strong understanding of Uganda’s digital economy landscape, including digital financial services, e-commerce, gig/platform work, and relevant policy and regulatory bodies. - Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation/stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for both technical and donor/board audiences. - Familiarity with youth employment and financial inclusion programming preferred; familiarity with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works is an added advantage. ### How to Apply Click here to apply ## Apply Use the canonical Prime Job Alerts page for full application instructions and source verification.