Head of Programme Job Opportunity in Kenya: Lead a Multi-Country Entrepreneurship Programme Supporting Over 1,600 Entrepreneurs Across Africa - Opportunities for Youth
Spread the loveGrowthAfrica is recruiting an experienced and visionary Head of Programme to lead one of its largest and most impactful entrepreneurship support initiatives operating across Kenya, Rwanda,. . .
Spread the loveGrowthAfrica is recruiting an experienced and visionary Head of Programme to lead one of its largest and most impactful entrepreneurship support initiatives operating across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana. This senior leadership position presents a unique opportunity for an accomplished programme management professional to oversee the strategic direction, implementation, quality assurance, partnerships, grants management, donor engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and operational delivery of a large-scale entrepreneurship programme designed to transform businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa. The programme focuses on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, innovation teams, and early-stage businesses, with a strong emphasis on empowering young women entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban communities. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the successful candidate will lead a diverse team of professionals while collaborating with partners, investors, mentors, technical experts, ecosystem stakeholders, and funders across four African countries. About GrowthAfricaGrowthAfrica is recognized as one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurship support organizations, working to accelerate business growth, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities across the continent. Through strategic partnerships, business acceleration programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and ecosystem development interventions, GrowthAfrica supports entrepreneurs in building resilient and scalable businesses capable of driving economic transformation. The Head of Programme role offers an opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team that works across multiple countries, sectors, and stakeholder groups to create lasting impact. About the ProgrammeThe flagship programme is designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation at scale across four African countries:KenyaRwandaUgandaGhanaThe initiative aims to provide support to:More than 1,600 aspiring entrepreneurs200 innovation teams80 early-stage businessesA key objective of the programme is to promote inclusive entrepreneurship by increasing support for young women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in rural and peri-urban communities where access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities may be limited. The programme brings together a wide range of ecosystem actors including:EntrepreneursInvestorsMentorsTechnical expertsDelivery partnersDonorsGovernment stakeholdersInnovation ecosystem organizationsThis collaborative approach is intended to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems while fostering sustainable business growth and economic development. Position SummaryThe Head of Programme will provide overall leadership and management of programme operations across all participating countries. The role carries responsibility for ensuring that programme objectives, deliverables, quality standards, budgets, donor requirements, and impact targets are successfully achieved. The successful candidate will serve as a strategic leader while also maintaining oversight of day-to-day programme implementation and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities1. Programme Leadership and Strategic DirectionThe Head of Programme will:Lead overall programme strategy and implementationEnsure successful programme delivery across four countriesDrive achievement of programme objectives and outcomesCoordinate activities across multiple stakeholders and partnersMaintain programme quality and performance standardsSupport continuous programme improvement and learning2. Team Leadership and ManagementThe role includes direct leadership of a team of 24 professionals. Responsibilities include:Building high-performing teamsManaging staff performanceProviding coaching and mentorshipSupporting professional developmentPromoting collaboration across countriesStrengthening team effectiveness and accountability3. Partnership ManagementThe successful candidate will build and maintain relationships with:Development partnersImplementing partnersEntrepreneur support organizationsInvestorsMentorsGovernment institutionsEcosystem stakeholdersStrong partnership management will be essential to achieving programme goals and expanding impact. 4. Donor Engagement and ComplianceThe Head of Programme will ensure compliance with donor requirements while maintaining strong relationships with funding partners. Responsibilities include:Donor reportingCompliance managementRisk managementGrant oversightPerformance monitoringStakeholder communication5. Budget and Grants ManagementFinancial oversight is a critical component of the role. Responsibilities include:Budget planning and monitoringResource allocationFinancial reportingGrant managementExpenditure trackingFinancial accountabilityThe successful candidate must demonstrate strong experience managing complex programme budgets and grant-funded initiatives. 6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)The position requires oversight of programme performance measurement and impact assessment. This includes:Monitoring programme outcomesMeasuring impact against targetsReviewing performance indicatorsSupporting evidence-based decision-makingFacilitating organizational learningEnsuring quality reportingWhy This Opportunity Is SignificantThis role offers the chance to lead one of GrowthAfrica’s flagship entrepreneurship programmes at a critical stage of growth and impact. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to:Lead at ScaleOversee a programme supporting thousands of entrepreneurs across multiple African markets. Shape Entrepreneurship EcosystemsContribute to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in East and West Africa. Drive Women’s Economic EmpowermentSupport initiatives focused on increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs operating in underserved communities. Work Across Multiple CountriesGain exposure to programme delivery and stakeholder engagement in:KenyaRwandaUgandaGhanaJoin a Leading OrganizationBecome part of one of Africa’s most respected entrepreneur support organizations. Influence Strategic GrowthPlay a key role in shaping programme strategy, partnerships, learning, and long-term impact. Who GrowthAfrica Is Looking ForThe ideal candidate will possess a combination of strategic leadership, programme management expertise, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement experience. Candidates should demonstrate:Leadership ExperienceSignificant experience managing complex programmes across AfricaExperience leading large and diverse teamsStrong people management skillsProgramme Management ExpertiseAdvanced programme planning and execution capabilitiesExperience overseeing multi-country initiativesStrong organizational and coordination skillsDonor-Funded Programme ExperienceUnderstanding of donor requirements and compliance frameworksExperience managing grant-funded programmesStrong reporting and accountability skillsPartnership Development SkillsExperience working with multiple stakeholder groupsAbility to manage complex partnershipsExcellent relationship-building capabilitiesSector KnowledgeUnderstanding of:Entrepreneurship developmentInnovation ecosystemsSME growth and supportBusiness accelerationEconomic development initiativesStrategic and Operational BalanceThe successful candidate should be able to:Think strategicallyMake informed decisionsExecute effectivelyDeliver measurable resultsThis Opportunity Is Ideal For Professionals Who:Enjoy leading teams and managing large programmesThrive in dynamic and complex environmentsAre passionate about entrepreneurship developmentEnjoy working with diverse stakeholdersAre motivated by measurable impactWant to contribute to stronger entrepreneurial ecosystemsBelieve in empowering women entrepreneursAre committed to sustainable economic development across AfricaJob LocationNairobi, KenyaApplication DeadlineDeadline: 25 June 2026 at 23:59Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to be considered for this exciting leadership opportunity. Clickherefor more and to applyFinal ThoughtsThe Head of Programme position at GrowthAfrica represents a rare opportunity to lead a transformative entrepreneurship initiative operating across four African countries. With responsibility for strategy, delivery, partnerships, grants, donor engagement, and team leadership, this role is ideal for an experienced programme leader seeking to create meaningful impact at scale. Professionals with a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, women’s economic empowerment, and ecosystem development are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline. Clickherefor more global job opportunitiesDiscover more from Opportunities for YouthSubscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.