Project Director - Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

Apply Now!

ABOUT US

As one of the largest entrepreneurship networks globally, Bridge for Billions creates, designs, and manages entrepreneurship programs with foundations, corporations, and public entities that have benefited more than 4,000 entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries. We exist to enable more early-stage entrepreneurs of all kinds to thrive, generating jobs and solutions for everyone, so our economies sustainably meet the needs of all.

Bridge for Billions, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Ashoka, and Acumen, has worked with more than 100 organizations such as Coca-Cola, Novartis, VISA, and institutions such as the United Nations or IDB Lab in the development of large-scale entrepreneurship programs. In 10 years, Bridge has grown to a team of more than 60 people from nearly 20 nationalities, with headquarters in Madrid, where most of our team is based; an emerging LatAm HQ in Antigua, Guatemala, with a few team members; and a few people based in different places around the world.

JOB MISSION

We’re expanding into Africa in a big way and looking for a Program Director to lead our first multi country ecosystem building projects there.. This role involves partnering with international donors and up to 30 Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) across Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa to launch annual incubation programs for over 2000 entrepreneurs. This strategic expansion into Africa will require shaping the implementation strategy, building a talented team, and establishing our new hub in Nairobi.


ROLES & CONTRIBUTIONS


1. Project Leader:

  • Define and communicate project goals, objectives, and KPIs.
  • Develop detailed project plans with timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
  • Lead project execution, ensuring timely, within scope, and on-budget completion.
  • Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues.
  • Collaborate with PR & Marketing to position Bridge for Billions and the project in the region.
  • Allocate resources efficiently and manage the project budget.
  • Build partnerships across the region and onboard additional donors and funders for project growth and sustainability.
  • Act as the main point of contact for stakeholders, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Maintain high-quality standards in all project deliverables and conduct regular reviews.

  • Implement M&E frameworks to track progress and use data-driven insights for continuous improvement.

2. Donor and Stakeholder management:

  • Act as the main contact for project donors, ensuring strong relationships and collaboration.
  • Prepare and deliver regular financial and narrative reports to meet donor requirements.
  • Host regular check-ins to keep donors informed about project progress.
  • Manage the project budget, ensuring accurate expense reporting and alignment with donor expectations.

  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with all key stakeholders, integrating their input into the project strategy.

3. People Leader:

  • Recruit, onboard, and mentor Program Managers and the project team
  • Foster a motivated and high-performing team environment using an ‘Inspire & Support’ leadership model.
  • Set clear performance goals for the team and provide support as needed ensuring they thrive not only within the project but within Bridge for Billions as a whole
  • Ensure a well-distributed and balanced workload across the team.

  • Develop personal growth plans for each team member based on their professional goals.

4. Co-lead the Programs Department of the company:

  • Work with the Head of Programs and other Program Directors on resource allocation strategies.
  • Make data-driven decisions together with other program directors to lead the department.
  • Initiate and set goals for programs based on the organization’s strategic objectives.
  • Document key processes and ensure knowledge is stored and shared.
  • Lead changes proactively and operationalize improvements for team use.

  • Share and implement best practices and scalable leadership techniques.


REQUIREMENTS


Hard Skills
  • Project Management & Development: 7+ years managing complex projects, with at least 3 years in entrepreneurship or social innovation projects. Proficient in project management, planning, execution, and risk management. Experience with M&E frameworks and data-driven continuous improvement.
  • Financial Management & Budgeting: Proven skills in budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and managing financial reports. Experience aligning financial management with donor requirements.
  • Technical & Analytical Skills: Proficient with digital tools like Trello, Slack, Google Drive, and online incubation platforms.

  • Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and lead diverse teams. Strong skills in coaching, setting goals, managing performance, and inspiring growth. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Skills we look for all Bridge team members:
  • Purpose Driven: This position aligns with your life's purpose, the impact you wish to make, and the person you want to become.
  • Values Aligned: You embody our core values of Courage, Grit, Empathy, and Gumption.
  • Startup Mindset: You're collaborative, entrepreneurial, and willing to take responsibility for your work outcomes, operating effectively even when working alone.
  • Proactive & Empathetic: You take initiative, are results-driven, and empathetic in all your interactions with team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners.
  • Emotionally Intelligent: You have a deep understanding of people’s needs and expectations and can build trust and engagement quickly.
  • Passionate & Curious: You are passionate about your work and have a lifelong desire to learn.
  • Resilient: You have a growth mindset and the resilience to overcome challenges, understanding that systemic change requires hard work.
  • Effective Communicator: You have proven experience in resolving problems and communicating complex ideas clearly to diverse groups in a fast-paced environment.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

  1. Apply: Submit your application.
  2. Initial Chat: A brief 30-45 minute conversation to discuss your interest and understand the role.
  3. Business Case: You'll receive a challenge to complete within a set time frame.
  4. Technical Interview: If your challenge is satisfactory, we'll discuss it further and assess your technical skills.
  5. Mutual Interview: An open discussion where you can ask us any questions to ensure our company is the right fit for you.
  6. References: With your consent, we'll contact two of your references for feedback.
  7. Offer: If all goes well, you'll receive a job offer from us.

OFFER INFORMATION

  • Compensation: Annual gross salary ranging from $30,000 - $36,000 (USD), depending on experience.
  • Location: Nairobi, Kenya. 
  • Starting Date: We're eager to start as soon as we find the perfect fit.
  • Position type: Full- Time.
  • Type of contract: Full time Contractor to Bridge for Billions PBC, our headquarters in the US (paid holidays)​. 

IMPACT & TEAM

  • Our Vision: We're set on reshaping the entrepreneurship landscape to be more just, inclusive, and effective.
  • Make a Real Impact: Join us in aiding entrepreneurs worldwide. As a part of our team, you'll be at the heart of a rapidly evolving social enterprise.
  • Team Dynamics: We're a passionate, international crew with a shared mission. See what our team members are saying on Glassdoor.
  • Company Values: Our four pillars are Gumption, Courage, Grit, and Empathy.
  • Referral Incentive: Receive a $200 bonus for successful team referrals ($100 upon hiring and an added $100 after their first 6 months).

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

  • Annual Global Retreats: Join us in global company-wide retreats, geared toward alignment and leadership growth, facilitated by external professionals.
  • Personal Growth: Take advantage of a dedicated learning budget, tailored for needs like backend bootcamps or leadership training sessions.
  • Feedback-Centered Culture: Engage in monthly one-on-ones with your lead and partake in comprehensive quarterly reviews with your peers.
  • Skill Sharing: We value cross-training. Team members are urged to share expertise through talks and in-house training.

WELLBEING & TIME OFF

  • Vacation Days: You'll have 23 vacation days, with the option to add more, in addition to chosen local public holidays.

FLEXIBILITY & WORK SET-UP

  • Flexible Work Options: Enjoy a blend of flexible work hours and the option to work remotely.


About Bridge for Billions

Bridge for Billions is a social enterprise that co-designs and manages incubation programs for early-stage entrepreneurs with the goal of democratizing access to entrepreneurship and making it more inclusive. We work with partners around the world to customize each program to fit their needs, using a proprietary methodology and a team of experts and mentors. Bridge for Billions supports thousands of purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build inclusive, sustainable companies and create positive change. We are focused on creating entrepreneurship opportunities for all, accelerating growth, and offering entrepreneurship support worldwide.  

Apply Now!