Technology and Innovation Manager

Location: London, UK 

Background 

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance. 

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development. 

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed. 

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better. 

ASI is committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact. 

 
About the Role 

At the core of most of our major projects lie challenges which have potential technology or innovation driven solutions. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Technology & Innovation Manager to join our newly established and growing tech and innovation team.  

The Technology and Innovation Team works across our Governance and Stability and Economic Development Practices. Our current work takes place in locations ranging from Pakistan and Nepal, across South East Asia, across the MENA, east and west Africa, south America and eastern Europe. Within this work the main technology service areas are strengthening government use of technology, or application of technology to government policy and service delivery, and innovation and technology applications to infrastructure, climate change and economic development issues, 

The successful candidate will progressively take on more responsibility and could find themselves supporting consulting and advisory projects, the development of innovation ecosystems or developing products to address specific challenges.  

The ideal candidate will bring 3-4 years of experience in technology and innovation, ideally gained in environments such as innovation hubs, academic spinouts, startups or international development programmes. You will have: 

• A strong understanding of advanced digital technologies and their real-world applications, particularly through challenge-led approaches; and/or 

• You will have experience working on or contributing to acceleration programmes, helping to fast-track innovative solutions and scale impactful technologies; and/or 

• Possess expertise in project management (Agile and Waterfall), business analysis, and product development, with experience in creating MVPs, proofs of concept (PoCs), and pilot programmes.  

• We work in a range developing, fragile and conflict affected countries and team members will be expected to both be willing to travel and have the soft skills to work across a range of cultures and settings.  

Key Responsibilities  

1. Support the application of Technology and Innovation  

• As part of multidisciplined project teams, apply advanced digital technology knowledge to solve real-life problems using challenge-led approaches.  

• Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends, providing insights on their practical applications (e.g. IoT, 5G, AR/VR, AI, Blockchain, Quantum, data analytics) 

2. Drive Innovation Practices  

• Support workshops to drive innovation.  

• Learn and utilise innovation methodologies, such as design thinking, agile development, or lean startup practices.  

• Support the development of MVPs, proofs of concept (PoCs), and pilot programmes, ensuring user needs and market relevance are addressed.  

• Contribute to acceleration programmes, helping innovative solutions scale and achieve meaningful impact. 

   

3. Project and Product Management  

• Manage projects using both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, applying these approaches effectively to dynamic project requirements and delivery settings.  

• Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project timelines, budgets.  

Required Skills and Experience  

• Technical and Innovation Knowledge:  

• Strong understanding of advanced digital technologies and their applications.  

• Experience in facilitation and acceleration programmes is highly desirable.  

• Communication and Reporting:  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external partners in an international context.  

• Project and / or Product Management:  

• Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall project management approaches.  

• Experience in planning, executing, and delivering MVPs, PoCs, and pilots.  

• Hands-on experience in product development processes, from ideation to delivery. 

Other desirable experience 

• Experience in a startup, academic spinout, or innovation hub setting.  

• Knowledge of innovation methodologies and/or industry experience.  

• Knowledge of government technology or public sector technology projects 

• Familiarity with tools for market research, data analysis, and collaboration (e.g., Tableau, Miro, Jira).  

• Candidates with service design expertise, particularly in human-centred design frameworks and methodologies, are strongly encouraged to apply.  

• Experience of working on international development projects or overseas with partners in government or non-governmental organisations. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated understanding of digital technologies and their real-world applications, such as systems integration, software development, or product design.  

• Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, Agile Certified Practitioner) and/or innovation practices (e.g., Design Thinking certification) are highly desirable.  

What We Offer You 

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. 

The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board. 

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. 

This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.