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Home Jobs Nairobi Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Mastercard Foundation  · ICT / Telecommunication

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 16 June 2026
Posted June 6, 2026

You can make valuable contributions to our team by leveraging your expertise in this role. Your responsibilities will include executing key tasks that align with project objectives, ensuring adherence to established deadlines and quality standards. To qualify, applicants must possess the required skills and experience outlined in the job posting. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to drive successful outcomes and foster a productive work environment.

Spearhead the strategic design and implementation of the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development portfolio within the country strategy, meticulously ensuring alignment with national priorities and the Foundation’s overarching vision.

Develop and implement comprehensive Access to Finance initiative aimed at bolstering financial inclusion and fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on those led by youth and women.

Establish both immediate and future objectives for the portfolio, steering strategic initiatives, programmatic frameworks, and collaborative partnerships to ensure alignment with overarching goals.

We are responsible for managing the execution and outcomes of programs and partnerships focused on entrepreneurship, guaranteeing efficient delivery, seamless coordination, and ongoing enhancements.

Supply assistance to fellow strategic pillars regarding finance access and enterprise development matters.

Lead the development and execution of initiatives that align financial access, digital empowerment, business development services, and sector-specific entrepreneurship—such as agriculture and the green economy—with market demands.

Technology will be leveraged as a strategic driver to enhance and scale the entire portfolio effectively.

Oversee program risks proactively while formulating and implementing mitigation strategies to uphold long-term, sustainable impact.

Develop and oversee strategic partnerships with collaborators, governmental bodies, and entrepreneurial networks to enhance scalability and maximize influence.

Facilitate the sharing of ideas and continuous development by organizing and leading both internal and external gatherings, capturing and recording key insights, and engaging actively within professional networks and practice-based communities.

Drive initiatives that foster innovation, enhance agility, and emphasize results-oriented outcomes to facilitate meaningful partnerships and scalable solutions.

Empower and guide team members by fostering their growth, ensuring alignment with Foundation values while driving impactful results for young people.

Demonstrate leadership and oversee performance management for the Entrepreneurship team while fostering collaboration and growth within cross-functional teams.

Collaborate across international borders, various departments, and all levels of leadership to enhance the Foundation’s entrepreneurship portfolio.

WHO YOU ARE

A bachelor’s or master’s degree—or an equivalent qualification—in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a closely related discipline is required.

A minimum of fifteen years of experience in entrepreneurship and enterprise development, business development, or a related private-sector role is required, including at least seven years in a leadership and team management capacity.

Proven expertise and well-established networks and relationships in Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development, Business Development, or related fields across Kenya.

Those with extensive expertise in the nation’s employment dynamics, job growth initiatives, and innovation ecosystems can expect to excel in this role.

Demonstrates a strong history of engaging with and guiding thriving entrepreneurship initiatives.

With a proven track record in launching innovative projects, preference will be given to candidates who bring experience in enterprise or business development.

With a track record of successfully engaging and collaborating with senior government officials, pivotal partners, media representatives, business executives, and other influential figures, this role demands demonstrated expertise in high-level relationship building and stakeholder management.

Individuals must possess a background in entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship, demonstrating hands-on involvement in developing and executing innovative business initiatives.

Professionals should possess a well-established understanding of Kenya’s economic and political landscape, including key public sector priorities and the dynamic shifts occurring within the private sector.

In-depth experience with systems thinking, coupled with the capacity to effectively collaborate with stakeholders in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, and the skill to craft programs that target underlying challenges and urgent requirements.

Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of critical challenges, evolving dynamics, and obstacles in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development integration, alongside an in-depth familiarity with national policies, operational frameworks, and strategic priorities.

Strategic thinker with a forward-thinking mindset, adept at innovative problem-solving and capable of driving impactful change through persuasive communication and strong influencing abilities.

Demonstrated capability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including high-level executives and senior leadership.

Demonstrates exceptional organizational capabilities, coupled with refined prioritization skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Accomplished professionals with a proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams are sought for this role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities alongside strong skills in team management, fostering collaboration and driving collective success.

Able to thrive in ambiguous or complex situations, demonstrating both comfort and high effectiveness.

Capable of devising and advancing innovative ideas and methodologies.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

Experience Required

15 years

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