JOB PURPOSE:
Spearhead the strategic implementation and expansion of the Financial Inclusion Fund’s SBDC Pilot Program, fostering meaningful assistance for high-potential entrepreneurs in Basin Gish, Myers, and Mombasa counties while developing a scalable framework to enable nationwide scaling across Kenya.
Oversee and execute key duties encompassing strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership to ensure organizational efficiency and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align business objectives, foster innovation, and streamline processes. Monitor performance metrics, analyze data trends, and implement corrective actions as needed to sustain high productivity and quality standards. Serve as a liaison between senior management, departments, and external stakeholders to facilitate seamless communication and project execution. Responsible for allocating resources effectively, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, mentor staff, identify training needs, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the team.
Furnish strategic leadership and ensure meticulous oversight to drive the effective execution and expansion of the SBDC Pilot Program within Basin Gish, Myers, and Mombasa counties.
Develop and oversee strategic partnerships with the Financial Inclusion Fund, Livelihood Impact Fund (IF), governmental entities, development collaborators, and other critical institutional stakeholders.
Oversee the implementation of the program, guaranteeing the punctual achievement of milestones, the delivery of high-quality outputs, strict adherence to budgetary constraints, and full compliance with both donor and institutional mandates.
Oversee and mentor the Project Manager as well as the entire program team, cultivating an environment characterized by high performance and a results-oriented mindset.
Lead program monitoring, evaluation, and learning initiatives to enhance evidence generation and inform strategic decisions for national scale-up.
Deliverables, reports, communications, and stakeholder engagement activities must meet stringent quality standards and maintain uncompromised integrity throughout their development and execution.
At the forefront of engagement, champion the program across prestigious platforms, key policy discussions, and high-impact strategic alliances, establishing the SBDC model as the preeminent framework for MSME development in Kenya.
Facilitate the acquisition of resources and identify strategic growth avenues to ensure the program’s sustainability and expansion beyond its pilot phase.
Identify, assess, and mitigate strategic, operational, and financial risks to safeguard successful program execution and sustain long-term impact.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a similar role. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard software and tools, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include managing projects, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
The successful candidate must possess and be able to provide proof of the following qualifications, competencies, and abilities:
With over fifteen years of senior leadership expertise, you will have managed expansive, multifaceted development or donor-funded initiatives, demonstrating a track record of success in complex program oversight.
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline, including International Development, Public Administration, or Economic Development, is required.
With over seven years of proven expertise, you will have led the development and oversight of collaborative initiatives involving government entities, donor organizations, the private sector, and civil society stakeholders.
Demonstrates strong proficiency in program leadership, encompassing financial management, contract supervision, and team leadership.
Proficiency in ensuring adherence to donor requirements within program compliance, reporting frameworks, and results-based management systems is essential.
Demonstrates flexibility to undertake travel as necessary to support program implementation and foster stakeholder relationships.
Submit your application through the designated method specified for this role.
If you meet the qualifications outlined for this role and are eager to apply, we encourage you to submit your application. Kindly include a cover letter along with your most current resume, ensuring to reference “Project Director” in the subject line, and send it to the Hiring Team at careerssbs@strathmore.edu.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
15 years
