Funding to Build Manager, Africa Acumen Academy at Acumen

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Design

• Refine and Define Funding to Build strategic priorities in alignment with Green RISE Africa and Acumen Academy Objectives, with a clear focus on green job creation for young women and youth.
• Design the overall program structure, annual calendar, and end-to-end process for each cycle.
• Develop and oversee pipeline-building, outreach, and communications strategies for the full program timeline.
• Lead the design and iteration of the Funding to Build application form.

Application, Selection & Grant Execution

• Lead the end-to-end application and selection process, ensuring a clear, equitable, and well-managed applicant experience.
• Design and oversee information sessions, evaluation frameworks, and selection panels, including the appointment and management of panelists.
• Synthesize assessments and support panels with decision-ready recommendations on final awardees.
• Lead due diligence for selected entrepreneurs, coordinating legal, financial, and compliance reviews.
• Oversee grant agreement execution and readiness for disbursement in line with internal controls and governance standards.

Post-Disbursement & Impact Management

• Lead structured onboarding for funded entrepreneurs.
• Track financial, operational, and impact KPIs across the portfolio.
• Monitor reporting compliance at key milestones.
• Produce consolidated impact and learning reports.
• Generate insights and recommendations to strengthen future funding cycles.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in program and/or grants management, impact investing, enterprise support, venture building or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end funding or selection processes.
• Strong understanding of early-stage entrepreneurship, ideally within climate or sustainability sectors.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience translating data into insights.
• Proven people management experience.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and comfort operating within governance frameworks.