Manager / Sr. Manager - Programs

Job role

Program Management & Leadership

• Own the full program lifecycle from planning and execution to evaluation, ensuring smooth, high - quality delivery of all program components.
• Validate the strategic direction to guide the program toward its goals.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work with internal teams (marketing, legal, support etc) to align program goals and execution plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders - partners, funders, investors, and domain experts.

Startup Engagement & Support

• Scout and evaluate potential start-ups, conducting due diligence for investment and selection decisions.
• Work closely with portfolio start-ups to understand their needs and help them achieve their goals.
• Facilitate access to mentorship, networking, and program resources.
• Track start-up progress to ensure they're making the most of what the program offers.

Operations & Execution

• Manage day-to-day program operations, handling multiple projects and engagements at once without compromising quality or timelines.
• Stay adaptable to the fast-changing nature of the start-up ecosystem.

Monitoring, Reporting & Review

• Set up reporting systems to track program performance and outcomes.
• Share regular updates and reports with leadership, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic reviews to identify areas for improvement.

Community Building

• Organize events, workshops, and networking sessions that bring together startups, mentors, and partners.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen the ecosystem and create lasting value for all stakeholders.

Innovation & Improvement

• Keep up with trends and best practices in startup incubation and the broader entrepreneurial landscape.
• Suggest and drive improvements to program design and delivery.

Must have skills

• Experience managing or selling a tech product and dealing with different stakeholders.
• Understanding of market dynamics, customer behaviour, costing and marketing, investment mechanisms, and startup dynamics.

Good to have skills

• Strong communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to evaluate startups from an investor lens, understanding of startup investment processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (a degree in a technology-related field is preferred). Master's degree is desirable.
• 5–7 years of overall experience, especially as a startup founder/ founding team or product management. Work experience in InclusionTech, FinTech, Rural and livelihoods focused startups is preferred.