Junior Consultant – Fibre Optic Network Audit Project (Fixed-Term, 6 Months)

Location: Preference for Cambridge, UK (with potential travel in Africa)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 6 Months (extendable to 12 months)

Start Date: around 1 November 2025

Reporting to: Project Manager

Application Deadline: 15 October 2025

Level: Junior / Entry-Level

Compensation: Salary based on experience up to pro rata £50,000 per annum

About the Project

We are conducting an operational audit of fibre optic networks across multiple African countries on behalf of a major multinational client. The project involves engaging with network operators to accurately map selected existing routes, understand their capabilities and resources for operating services on those fibre routes, and determine the quality and reliability of the systems for our client. This is a high-impact, multi-country initiative involving both in-country work and remote collaboration.

To support this work, we are seeking a Junior Consultant to join the project team on a full-time, fixed-term basis. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating project activities, managing logistics, supporting communications, and assisting in the preparation of final reports.

This role would suit someone who wants to be entrepreneurial, work with and learn from a varied and experienced team of experts, and isn’t afraid of taking charge where needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Coordination & Logistics

o   Support scheduling and coordination of internal and external meetings (online and in-person)

o   Organise travel arrangements for team members where necessary

o   Track project milestones, deadlines, and action items

o   Maintain project documentation and shared workspaces (e.g. SharePoint, Google Drive, etc.)

• Stakeholder Engagement

o   Communicate professionally with network operators, the client, and other stakeholders to arrange interviews and data collection

o   Build strong working relationships and develop a breadth of knowledge about the networks and their operators

o   Support follow-ups on outstanding information or documentation

• Meeting Support

o   Attend meetings and workshops; take accurate and concise notes or minutes

o   Track action items and ensure timely follow-up with relevant team members

• Reporting & Documentation

o   Assist with compiling and formatting data and written contributions for project reports

o   Draft sections of deliverables under the supervision of senior team members

o   Help ensure consistency and quality across reports and presentations

• Team Support

o   Liaise with team members across different countries and time zones to facilitate collaboration

o   Provide administrative and organisational support as needed

You will work with a collaborative team who will provide insight and guidance on the subject matter as well as helping you to organise your work. Several team members will be based in other countries but it would be beneficial to be based near Cambridge, UK, to be able to work with our Project Manager based there.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Strong numeracy and ideally some familiarity with system modelling (e.g. in Excel)

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Project Management, Telecommunications, Business Administration, or related disciplines)

• Ability to read and speak French

• 0–2 years of professional experience, potentially in a consulting, international development, telecoms, or infrastructure-related project support role

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Ability to quickly learn skills in office software (such as Microsoft O365), potentially with GIS tools (such as QGIS or Google Earth), and with other collaboration tools (e.g. Sharepoint, Dropbox, Zoom, Teams, Trello, Asana)

Desirable Skills and Attributes

• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams or international projects

• Familiarity with African telecoms or infrastructure sectors (even at a general level)

• Familiarity with or strong interest in fibre network technology

• Portuguese language skills are a plus

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines

• Proactive and resourceful with a flexible, can-do attitude

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on a high-profile international infrastructure project

• Developing sector knowledge on African digital infrastructure

• Exposure to multi-country research and stakeholder engagement

• Flexible working arrangements

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals

• Travel opportunities across Africa, depending on project needs

• A collaborative and diverse working environment

• Opportunity to grow the role, identify new opportunities, and become part of a vital industry in a growing region.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter (1 page maximum) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to robert@digitalafrica.ai by 15 October 2025. Questions can be addressed to the same address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.