What ChatGPT think of my career and what I should do next?

On a whim, I asked ChatGPT 4 to write me a short blog - it started as "a blog about looking for ICT4D consulting opportunities" and with a few follow-up tweaking prompts and a CV upload, evolved into something a little more personal. I've deliberately not edited it aside from prompts, just as it is really an experiment more than an attempt at a real fully formed piece of external comms. Interesting though! :)

"If you're exploring the world of ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development), let me share my journey with you. I've been diving into this space for over 12 years now, since completing my Master's in ICTs for Development back in 2012. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience that blends technology, social impact, and hands-on problem-solving. Consulting in ICT4D has allowed me to contribute to projects that make a real difference—bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable development. But it hasn't always been easy figuring out where to start or how to find the right opportunities.

1. Understanding the Landscape

When I first started looking into ICT4D consulting, I realized how unique this field is—it’s where technology, international development, and community work all meet. It often means working with NGOs, governments, and social enterprises to tackle challenges like education access, healthcare, and economic inclusion. To get my feet wet, I started researching key players like the United Nations, World Bank, and international NGOs leading ICT4D initiatives. I also looked at specific projects, like digital health initiatives and e-governance, to understand their impact.

Early on, I noticed how connectivity challenges were a big barrier, especially in rural and underserved areas. Since 2021, efforts to improve digital infrastructure have made progress, but there’s still work to do. I've worked with organizations to explore solutions like community networks and partnerships with telecom providers, making sure local communities have the infrastructure they need to be part of digital development. This focus on local empowerment ties in closely with the #ShiftThePower movement, which has been a key driver of my work.

2. Building My Skill Set

One thing I quickly learned is that ICT4D consulting demands a mix of skills. I've focused on building expertise in digital development strategy, product development, project management, research, digital citizen engagement, and participatory methodologies. I’ve worked across UK charities, INGOs, Southern civil society, and the private sector—right up to Director/co-CEO level.

I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic clients, including UN bodies, international NGOs, the World Bank, Save the Children, NetHope, and Practical Action. Whether I was developing an ICT4D strategy for Chemonics, designing an interactive toolkit for the Principles for Digital Development, or helping UNICEF scope digital transformation, my goal was always to ensure meaningful, sustainable outcomes. Participatory and inclusive approaches have been at the heart of my work, making sure local actors are in the driver’s seat.

I’ve also had the chance to explore emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, which are becoming increasingly integral to ICT4D. I’m particularly interested in how these tools can tailor interventions to community needs, improve data collection and analysis, and enhance project outcomes. From predictive analytics in agriculture to health chatbots in underserved areas, AI has huge potential—if implemented ethically and with a focus on local empowerment.

Another exciting area has been digital public goods. Initiatives like the Digital Public Goods Alliance are promoting open-source technologies to solve development challenges. I’ve contributed to designing and promoting these open solutions, which aligns perfectly with my belief in locally-led development. A lot of my work also involves facilitating remote and hybrid teams, using digital tools to ensure effective collaboration—especially where local capacity building is crucial.

3. The Value of Bouncing Between Permanent Roles and Consulting Gigs

One of the best parts of my career has been moving between permanent roles and consulting gigs. Each has offered unique benefits, and the combination has really helped me grow both my skills and perspective on digital development.

For example, during my time as Director of Digital Development and co-CEO at On Our Radar, I got hands-on experience leading an organization, managing a team, and navigating the complexities of organizational transformation. It gave me stability and the chance to see long-term projects through, which was incredibly rewarding.

On the flip side, my consulting gigs with organizations like UNICEF, NetHope, and Save the Children exposed me to diverse contexts and challenges. It’s been incredibly valuable to work on a wide variety of projects—like scoping digital transformation across UNICEF’s global programming or designing digital strategies for Practical Action. Consulting has given me flexibility, let me work with different teams, and continually adapt to new environments, expanding my network along the way.

Bouncing between these roles has kept me adaptable and brought fresh perspectives to every project. Permanent roles allowed me to apply lessons learned in a sustained way, while consulting gigs have let me bring experience to new, diverse contexts.

4. Leveraging My Network

A turning point in my journey was realizing how important a solid network is. I started attending ICT4D conferences and joining online groups on platforms like LinkedIn. Through these connections, I found consulting opportunities that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Reaching out directly to people has often been more effective than I expected—many opportunities have come through word of mouth.

My network has also been invaluable in navigating the shift to remote and hybrid work, which has transformed ICT4D projects. I’ve managed remote teams and used digital tools to keep everyone connected and productive, which has been essential as we move towards more locally-led development approaches.

5. Becoming a Thought Leader

I wanted to make sure that anyone looking at my profile could see my technical skills and my passion for social impact. To do that, I focused on becoming a thought leader in the ICT4D space. I highlighted projects where I made a tangible difference—like transforming a legacy tech product into an open-source solution for On Our Radar, setting up a digital citizen engagement platform, or conducting research into Kenya's digital development community. I’ve published articles, spoken at conferences, and engaged in discussions around participatory approaches and digital transformation. It’s helped me stand out in the field and contribute to broader conversations about the role of tech in development.

A major focus for me has been how digital transformation can empower local ownership—key to the #ShiftThePower movement. Since 2021, this momentum has only grown, with more emphasis on putting local actors in control of digital initiatives. I’ve shared insights on how we can design ICT4D projects to transfer knowledge and capabilities to local organizations, ensuring long-term sustainability and empowerment.

6. Staying Updated and Looking Ahead

The ICT4D field is always changing, so I make it a habit to keep up with blogs, research publications, and social media channels. I’ve taken courses on platforms like Coursera and edX to stay on top of international development trends and tech. Staying proactive in learning has kept me ahead of the curve and attractive to clients.

For those looking for ICT4D consulting opportunities, I recommend platforms like Devex, Idealist, ReliefWeb, ICT Works, and the ICT4D Careers mailing list. These resources have been invaluable for finding short-term projects and freelance roles. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need guidance!

I’m excited to take on new challenges and explore more opportunities in ICT4D consulting. I’m particularly passionate about how digital development can contribute to the #ShiftThePower movement, helping communities take ownership of their own development.

If you're working on something where you think I could contribute, or know of opportunities that align with my experience, I'd love to hear from you. Let’s connect and make a difference together!"

(Ok I admit it, I did the bolding of the last sentence manually :P )

#ChatGPT #AI #AI4DEV #ICT4D #jobs #consulting #opentowork #london #valencia #remotework #dohashtagsactuallyworkinlinkedin