Managing Director -Proximate Fund at African Development Solutions (Adeso)

The Summary Role

• As the inaugural Managing Director (MD), you will shape and lead the Proximate Fund from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to turn a bold vision into an operational reality—designing the Fund’s strategy, launching pilot programs, mobilizing resources, and cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of funders, community leaders, and partners.
• The MD will operate at the intersection of philanthropy, systems-change, and proximate leadership. We’re seeking a builder-leader-operator—someone who thrives in ambiguity, navigates complex systems with clarity, and moves decisively from concept to execution. This person must be able to co-create bold strategies and lead the daily work of implementation, from designing financial tools to convening local partners and managing workflows.
• If you’ve launched or scaled impact-driven ventures and want to reimagine how funding flows in Africa, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting mark. It is ideal for a seasoned, entrepreneurial leader deeply connected to the African continent and ready to redefine philanthropy by affirming local vision and ownership.

You Might be the Right Fit If You…

• Thrive in building from a blank page and navigating complexity.
• Have launched or scaled a fund, venture, or organization rooted in social impact.
• Are energized by proximity, local ownership, and challenging the status quo.
• Possess a systems-change mindset and a bias toward execution.
• Move seamlessly between big-picture strategy and operational detail.
• Are equally comfortable building bold vision and leading day-to-day execution—from piloting tools to shaping investment strategy.
• Are passionate about and connected to communities across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Implementation
• Lead strategy consultants and country-level partners to map infrastructure and design pilots. Develop and iterate grant making tools aligned with Fund values.
• Co-develop and oversee grant and investment processes tailored to local realities.
• Ensure grantee compliance with donor requirements.
• Strategic Leadership
• Translate the Fund’s bold vision into clear, actionable strategies and operational plans.
• Position the Fund as a catalyst for systemic change in philanthropic capital allocation.
• Continuously align strategies with the needs of communities and the interests of global funders.
• Representation and Fundraising
• Co-lead a robust fundraising strategy with Adeso’s leadership.
• Represent the Fund at high-level philanthropic, donor, and development convenings.
• Cultivate relationships with global and African philanthropists, foundations, DFIs, and private-sector partners.
• Financial Management
• Lead, manage, and execute budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes—ensuring alignment with the Fund’s impact goals, sustainability priorities, and operational realities.
• Develop investment portfolios that align with the Fund’s mission.
• Design risk management frameworks to ensure responsible, community-aligned growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Build trusted partnerships with proximate leaders, CSOs, community networks, and ecosystem builders.
• Facilitate co-creation with local actors, centring equity and shared ownership in decision-making.
• Develop interdisciplinary advisory networks that support both financial and social outcomes.
• Governance and Compliance
• Establish governance mechanisms for the Proximate Fund and country-level pilots.
• Ensure adherence to Adeso governance frameworks and global regulatory standards.
• Embed accountability, transparency, and mutual trust in all operations.
• Team Leadership
• Recruit and lead a high-performing, entrepreneurial team that reflects the Fund’s mission.
• Foster a culture of trust, learning, iteration, and values-driven leadership.
• Mentor emerging African leaders and build internal capacity for long-term sustainability.

What Success Looks Like 

• A fully operational pilot structure is in place, with clear governance, staffing, and systems.
• A compelling implementation roadmap and budget have been launched and iterated.
• Early funders and champions are onboard and actively contributing to the Fund’s growth.
• The Fund is recognized as a pioneering model of trust-based, locally led philanthropy in Africa.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Proven entrepreneurial leadership in launching or scaling impact-driven ventures, funds, or platforms, preferably in the Global South.
• Strong operator’s mindset with experience building organizations or initiatives in complex environments.
• Extensive experience in philanthropy, development finance, or mission-aligned investing.
• Exceptional strategic planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Deep commitment to decolonization, local ownership, and systems transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize diverse funding—from UHNWIs and philanthropic foundations to DFIs and local donors.
• Outstanding communicator and storyteller with fluency in English (French and local African languages are a strong plus).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working across African countries and cultures with a high degree of cultural fluency.
• Non-traditional candidates, grassroots organizers, or founders of bold initiatives are encouraged to apply.
• Ready to Build Something That Lasts? 
• If you’re ready to lead and co-create a new chapter in African philanthropy—where communities are the architects of the future—join us.