Sightsavers Seeks IT Skills Demand & Employment Analysis Consultants: Exciting opportunity – Apply by 1 March 2026
Are you an expert in labour market diagnostics, value chain analysis, or digital economy research? Do you have a passion for inclusive employment and disability rights? Sightsavers is inviting Expressions of Interest for a high-impact consultancy that will shape the future of digital employment opportunities for young people with disabilities across Africa.
This is your opportunity to contribute to transformative research that will influence skills development, digital inclusion, and employment pathways in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia.
About the Organisation
Sightsavers is a globally recognised organisation working to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. With decades of experience across Africa and Asia, Sightsavers combines evidence-based programming with strong advocacy to ensure inclusive systems in health, education, and employment.
As part of its broader mission, Sightsavers is implementing a five-year Africa-wide programme aimed at improving access to employment for young people with disabilities. Central to this initiative is the expansion of digital, IT, and entrepreneurship skills within the digital ecosystem, particularly through its award-winning IT Bridge Academies.
The programme aims to directly reach 12,200 young people with disabilities across four countries — Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia — equipping them with relevant digital skills to compete in today’s evolving job market.
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The Consultancy Opportunity
IT Skills Demand and Employment Analysis
Sightsavers is seeking one consultant or consultancy team per country to conduct a comprehensive IT skills demand and employment analysis. The consultancy will focus on mapping the digital sector, analysing value chains, and identifying employment prospects and barriers for young people with disabilities.
Locations: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia
Closing Date: 1 March 2026
Anticipated Start Date: 23 March 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time Consultancy
Fee: To be negotiated
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Why This Consultancy Matters
Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly. However, despite the growth in tech ecosystems, many young people with disabilities face systemic barriers to entry and retention in IT careers. This consultancy will provide critical insights into:
- How the IT sector is structured in each country
- Which subsectors are generating sustainable employment
- What skills are in demand for entry- and mid-level roles
- Which certifications and competencies employers prioritise
- What barriers or catalysts influence inclusion in tech employment
The findings will directly inform training design, curriculum adaptation, and inclusive workforce strategies.
Key Objectives of the Assignment
The selected consultant or consultancy team will:
Conduct a Value Chain Analysis
Map the IT sector across the selected country, identifying subsectors, growth trends, and job-generating potential.
Identify Jobs and Skills in Demand
Analyse entry- and mid-level IT roles, both technical and behavioural competencies required, and industry-recognised certifications.
Examine Barriers and Catalysts
Explore systemic, gendered, and disability-specific barriers limiting access to IT employment, as well as enabling factors that promote inclusion.
Validate Skill Areas
Assess the employment relevance of four identified skill areas and propose alternatives where necessary.
The final output will include a comprehensive country report and presentation.
Core Responsibilities
The consultancy will involve both primary and secondary research methods, including:
- Sectoral mapping of IT subsectors and job trends
- Identification of leading companies and outsourced functions
- Analysis of employment types (waged, entrepreneurship, gig economy)
- Interviews with HR experts, CIOs, CTOs, tech recruiters, and tech leads
- Review of job board data for vacancy analytics
- Engagement with TVET centres and training institutions
- Assessment of accessibility challenges in IT education
- Analysis of certification pathways and delivery modalities (in-person vs virtual learning)
The consultant will synthesise findings into an actionable IT value chain and skills demand analysis.
Essential Skills and Experience
To be considered, applicants must demonstrate:
- A Master’s degree (or higher) in Economics, Development Studies, or a related field — or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated expertise in value chain analysis, labour market diagnostics, or skills anticipation frameworks
- Extensive experience conducting ICT or digital sector studies
- Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies and their impact on employment
- Strong mixed-method research capabilities (qualitative and quantitative)
- Knowledge of youth employment challenges and disability inclusion
- Excellent project management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines
Desirable Experience
- Deep knowledge of the country’s digital ecosystem
- Understanding of digital economy dynamics and tech recruitment drivers
A Strong Commitment to Inclusion
Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and a global equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are central to its mission. Qualified candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
The organisation maintains strict safeguarding standards, including zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.
Application Process
Interested consultants or consultancy teams must:
- Apply via the Sightsavers online application portal.
- Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
- Submit CVs of the consultant or team members.
- Upload examples of similar completed work.
- Provide a separate technical proposal (maximum three pages), which replaces Section 4 of the EOI form.
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 9 March 2026, with one oral interview as part of the evaluation process.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Labour market economists
- ICT sector analysts
- Digital economy researchers
- Skills development consultants
- Inclusion and disability employment specialists
- Research institutions and consultancy firms with digital sector expertise
If you are passionate about leveraging data to create inclusive economic opportunities and shaping Africa’s digital workforce future, this consultancy is for you.
Why You Should Consider Applying
This assignment goes beyond research. It influences policy, informs curriculum development, and strengthens inclusive employment ecosystems in rapidly growing digital markets.
By participating, you will:
- Contribute to inclusive economic transformation
- Shape digital skills development strategies
- Influence employer engagement and recruitment practices
- Support evidence-based programming across four African countries
- Enhance employment access for thousands of young people with disabilities
Final Thoughts
Africa’s digital transformation presents immense opportunity — but inclusive participation requires intentional design and evidence-driven strategies. Sightsavers’ IT Skills Demand and Employment Analysis Consultancy offers a unique chance to bridge data, inclusion, and economic empowerment.
If you have the expertise, vision, and commitment to inclusive labour market development, submit your Expression of Interest before 1 March 2026 and become part of this transformative initiative.
The future of inclusive digital employment in Africa starts with evidence — and your expertise could help shape it.
