Work with Systemic Innovation
We grow selectively - a small senior core and a curated network of collaborators. We look for people comfortable working at the intersection of systems, policy and delivery, who operate with independence, rigour and judgement
Our Work
We work globally with governments, development agencies and private-sector organisations on system-level reform - innovation strategy, policy design, data platforms and institutional capability. The throughline is helping partners move from analysis to implementation in complex, high-stakes environments.
Our Culture
We operate as a senior, delivery-oriented practice. The work involves ambiguity, incomplete information and institutional complexity - often with governments, funders and executive teams. We value sound judgement, intellectual honesty and the ability to work without heavy supervision. Titles matter less than how you think, write and engage with complexity. We expect people to take ownership, contribute meaningfully and work at pace, while holding high analytical and ethical standards. We work remotely, meeting in person periodically for programme work and team time.
Your Experience
We look for unconventional but coherent trajectories — policy, research, entrepreneurship, strategy or institutional reform. What matters most is the ability to reason clearly, write well and translate insight into action. We value people who work independently, communicate precisely and take responsibility for outcomes in complex environments.
Roles
We recruit on a rolling basis for specific roles and senior collaborators, depending on programme needs.
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We believe lasting change happens when the right minds come together. We actively collaborate with independent experts, organisations, and thought leaders to co-create impactful work.
You may be an independent contractor applying deep expertise to systemic challenges, an organisation with aligned values seeking meaningful collaboration, or a connector who sees the bigger picture and opens new pathways. You may also be a thought partner who brings ideas that stretch our thinking and sharpen our practice.
If that resonates, let’s explore how we can work together.
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We offer paid internships for individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to live projects while developing skills in applied systems change.
Interns work closely with senior team members and collaborators across strategy, research, analysis, and delivery. You will gain hands-on experience in how systemic change work is actually done - from structuring problems and engaging stakeholders to delivering outputs that matter.
This is a demanding, high-learning environment suited to people who are curious, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity.
What We’re Looking For
Ability to work across multiple, complex issues simultaneously.
Comfortable operating independently and navigating ambiguity.
Agile, adaptable, and proactive in fast-changing environments.
Strong ownership mindset - focused on getting things done, well.
Collaborative, service-oriented, and ethical in how you work.
Desirable: experience with systems change, applied innovation, entrepreneurship (including entrepreneur-in-residence roles), multi-stakeholder convening (especially in Africa), or policy- and government-facing research.
How to Apply
Email contact@systemicinnovation.work with a CV and short note on why the role interests you and what you'd bring. We review on a rolling basis and respond where there's a strong fit. We retain application materials for 12 months to consider you for future roles and don't share them outside Systemic Innovation. You can ask us to delete your data at any time.