Job Summary:
The Partnerships Associate will assist in overseeing Chance Kenya’s network of partner educational institutions (PEI’s). This position entails overseeing critical elements of partnership management to uphold the integrity and long-term viability of our ISA investments. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to collaborate effectively with external stakeholders, interpret data to identify growth prospects, and actively advance the department’s strategic objectives while working autonomously.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Lead and collaborate across teams to drive project milestones, optimize workflows, and deliver measurable outcomes. Monitor progress, assess performance metrics, and implement strategic adjustments to enhance efficiency and productivity. Serve as a key liaison between departments, fostering clear communication and resolving cross-functional challenges. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, internal policies, and quality benchmarks while upholding accountability for results.
Responsible for cultivating and overseeing strategic partnerships, this role involves identifying potential collaborators, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Key duties include maintaining strong relationships with existing partners, monitoring performance metrics, and resolving any issues that may arise. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with internal teams to integrate partner activities into broader business strategies, as well as conducting market research to assess partnership opportunities. Strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and proficiency in contract negotiations are essential for success.
Assist the Partnership Manager in cultivating and maintaining robust, enduring relationships with existing partners while addressing their requirements and uncovering fresh opportunities.
Collaborate in the creation, standardization, and oversight of partnership agreements and contracts.
Collaborate on ongoing assessments of current partnerships to verify their consistency with Chance’s vision and strategic objectives.
Craft comprehensive engagement strategies tailored to each Private Equity Investment (PEI), specifying routine monthly and quarterly interactions, conducting detailed performance evaluations, and identifying targeted improvement measures.
Monitor partnership agreements to verify that Performance Excellence Indicators (PEI’s) adhere to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), comply with reporting timelines, and fulfill system usage criteria.
We deliver comprehensive data analysis, reporting solutions, and strategic guidance to empower informed decision-making across the organization. This role involves developing and maintaining robust reporting frameworks, extracting actionable insights from complex datasets, and translating data trends into actionable recommendations for leadership. Key responsibilities include designing dashboards, automating report generation, ensuring data accuracy, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align reporting initiatives with business objectives. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization tools and SQL, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
Oversee the continuous maintenance and refinement of the partner dashboard and tracking system, guaranteeing flawless accuracy and adherence to established monthly reporting guidelines.
Leverage data-driven insights to pinpoint emerging trends, uncover opportunities for enhancing processes, and expand collaborative partnerships within the department.
Prepare clear, well-organized, and actionable reports on partnership pipeline, progress against targets, and key performance indicators for internal stakeholders.
Ongoing support will be provided to PEI staff regarding system usage, escalations, and updates.
Lead the annual audit process for all assigned PEIs, ensuring full compliance with partnership agreements, reporting, and payment plans.
Provides support for disbursement processes and portfolio management activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial transactions while maintaining compliance with established policies and procedures. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and optimize investment performance. Analyzes portfolio data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and enhance decision-making for senior leadership. Maintains meticulous records, prepares detailed reports, and communicates findings to stakeholders to facilitate informed financial strategies. Requires proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
Collaborate closely with Finance, SAM, Communications & Community, Repayments, and Data teams to ensure the prompt and precise disbursement of funds to partners.
Ensure compliance with commitment fee requirements for all cohorts within the PEI prior to processing any disbursements, verifying that the cohorts are active and currently in session.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in a similar role is necessary, along with a strong understanding of industry standards and best practices. Proficiency in relevant software and tools is also required. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Project Management, International Development, Marketing, or a related discipline is required.
Proficiency in partnerships, business development, data analysis, or project management roles, with a minimum of two to three years of hands-on experience is required. Prior involvement in the education sector, financial services, or impact investing domains would be particularly beneficial.
Proven capacity for sophisticated analytical reasoning and effective problem-solving, demonstrated through consistent resolution of operational challenges ranging from routine to moderately complex in scope.
Proven ability to cultivate strong interpersonal connections and communicate effectively, enabling the establishment of trust with varied stakeholders and the clear articulation of information in both written and oral formats.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in utilizing Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
A highly proactive and independent professional, adept at handling diverse responsibilities, tracking advancement against established objectives, and consistently delivering within set deadlines.
Competitive benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with a robust retirement savings plan featuring company contributions. Eligible employees also enjoy paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities to support career growth. Additional perks may include wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts on company products or services.
Employees are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave per year, in addition to national holidays.
Professional development support includes access to training initiatives, educational programs, and financial assistance for advanced studies.
Comprehensive medical insurance and wellness programs are provided, along with a range of health-related benefits to support employees’ physical and financial well-being.
We offer a nurturing work environment within a mission-focused organization that fosters both personal and professional development through structured, ongoing growth opportunities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 3 years
