Work with Systemic Innovation

We grow our team selectively. We look for people who are comfortable working at the intersection of systems, policy, and delivery - and who can operate with independence, rigour, and judgment.

Our Work

We work globally with governments, development agencies, and private-sector organisations on system-level reform. Our work focuses on innovation strategy, policy design, data platforms, and institutional capability - helping partners move from analysis to implementation in complex, high-stakes environments.

Our Culture

We operate as a senior, delivery-oriented practice. Our work involves ambiguity, incomplete information, and institutional complexity - often with governments, funders, and executive teams. We value sound judgment, 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 maintaining high analytical and ethical standards.

Your Experience

We look for people with unconventional but coherent trajectories - including experience in policy, research, entrepreneurship, strategy, or institutional reform. What matters most is your ability to reason clearly, write well, and translate insight into action. We value people who can 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 project needs.

  • An operations leader and systems thinker who thrives in dynamic environments and knows how to translate strategy into execution. Comparable to a Chief of Staff role, this position sits at the centre of our organisation - streamlining operations, supporting leadership, and enabling the team to tackle complex challenges with focus and agility.

    You will work closely with leadership at the intersection of big-picture strategy and day-to-day delivery. You will shape our internal systems, processes, and priorities - building structures that allow the organisation to scale its impact. From project alignment to continuous improvement, your role is to bring clarity, rhythm, and momentum to how we work.

    If you are energised by building internal systems that unlock external impact, supporting high-performing teams, and helping ambitious ideas land in practice, we would like to hear from you.

  • 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.

  • 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 us at contact@systemicinnovation.work

We review applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch where there is a strong fit.