Jaclyn Carlsen

Technology (ICT) Policy Advisor at USAID

Jaclyn Carlsen is a professional working on understanding how technology can tackle intricate challenges in international development. Currently serving as an ICT Policy Advisor at USAID, she is involved in overseeing the design and execution of contracts and collaborating with various partners including missions, host country governments, and tech vendors. Her work includes involvement in health information systems projects in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea as part of USAID's Ebola Recovery efforts.

Jaclyn's keen interest lies in exploring how technology initiatives are embraced by different organizations and the roles played by governments, donors, tech vendors, NGOs, and others in driving change. She delves into understanding how these entities, each with distinct communication styles and incentives, can collaborate effectively, measure success, and navigate the trade-offs associated with such initiatives.

Before her current role, Jaclyn was associated with Vibes Media, where she engaged with radio stations, brands, and mobile network operators to facilitate interactive mobile communications platforms.

Her core competencies include market assessments, project implementation, technical assistance, ICT strategy development in frontier markets, proposal writing, and business development. Her domain expertise encompasses ICT for development, data-driven decision making, mobile data collection, ICT for engagement, and digital transactions like e-payments.

Jaclyn holds a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) in International Development from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. She also pursued studies in Learning and Organizational Change at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy.

With a diverse professional history including roles at USAID, DAI, The Millennium Villages Project, Rotary International, and Vibes Media, Jaclyn Carlsen brings a wealth of experience and insights to the field of international development and ICT policy.