In July this year, Google announced an Office Lead role for Nigeria which required that the successful candidate will represent the company in all of their major business development and partnership opportunities and serving as the voice of the Nigerian user at Google.

This position to be located in Lagos, Nigeria was created to pursue technology-driven initiatives in West Africa that will have a meaningful impact on the continent’s development.

Google is dedicated to developing business and partnerships with a range of organizations as well as driving the localization of Google’s products to local markets. Presently, these positions are located in the countries of Rwanda, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania.

But since the announcement was made, we are yet to get any information on the Google Nigeria’s top management position. This makes me wonder…

- Is Google still interested in setting up an office in Nigeria?
- Or did Google not find a suitable candidate from Nigeria for the job?
- If so, will Google appoint a foreigner to act as country leader for Nigeria?
- Is the Nigerian government responsible for Google’s inactivity in Nigeria?
- Or has Google backed out on their plans to select a country leader for Nigeria?

Perhaps Google wants to allow more time for more candidates to apply for the top position, since the ideal candidate must meet the job’s requirements which include the following:

Requirements

• BA or BS degree (computer science preferred)
• A thorough understanding of the Nigerian information and technology communications ecosystem, including backbone infrastructure, last-mile access and local content
• Experience working with local telcos, ISPs and mobile operators
• Ability to recruit and manage a world-class team
• Demonstrable technical leadership
• Strong local relationships in the private and public sectors
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, and experience with negotiating and partner management

I’ll be keeping my ear to the ground for any developments on Google’s Office Lead role for Nigeria, and hope to provide news on Google’s official presence in Nigeria in the future.

See other Google job positions in Africa here