Programs and Operations Lead at United States International University - USIU Africa

Key Responsibilities

 Program Implementation and Delivery

• Lead the coordination and implementation of programs and activities within the Innovation and Incubation Center.
• Coordinate key program activities including mobilization, onboarding, induction, mentorship, coaching, pitching, showcases, graduation and other activities as required.
• Ensure planned activities, milestones and deliverables are achieved within agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Coordinate implementation teams and follow up on outstanding actions to support effective program delivery.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF 2.0) Implementation and Coordination

• Lead the implementation and coordination of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) 2.0 across the different entrepreneurship pathways.
• Coordinate scholar engagement, entrepreneurship activities, mentorship, pitching, funding-related processes and post-funding support.
• Track scholar participation and progression throughout the program.
• Coordinate program documentation and reporting related to SEF 2.0.

Coaching, Mentorship and Pathway Alignment

• Provide coaching and mentorship to scholars, students, entrepreneurs and startups to support their growth and progress.
• Support participants to strengthen their ventures, clarify their goals and navigate their entrepreneurship journey.
• Review curricula and learning content to ensure that it is appropriate for the different entrepreneurship pathways and participant stages.
• Work with trainers, mentors and facilitators to identify and address curriculum gaps or areas requiring adjustment.

Program Operations, Monitoring and Reporting

• Coordinate the operational aspects of program delivery, including meetings, workshops, events, communication, resources and follow-up.
• Track program activities, participation, milestones, outputs and outcomes.
• Maintain relevant program data, records and documentation.
• Coordinate the preparation of program reports, activity updates, case studies, presentations and other required documentation.
• Identify operational challenges and support timely resolution.

​​​​​​​Team Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement and Linkages

• Coordinate mentors, trainers, consultants, staff and other stakeholders involved in program implementation.
• Work collaboratively with the Director and Partnerships & Linkages Lead on stakeholder and partner engagement related to Center programs.
• Support communication, follow-up and implementation of agreed stakeholder and partner commitments.
• Support identification of partnership needs and opportunities arising from program implementation.

Strategic Support and Continuous Improvement

• Support the Director in coordinating the Center’s activities and following up on agreed priorities and actions.
• Provide practical support in addressing program implementation and operational challenges.
• Use participant feedback, monitoring findings, program experience and lessons learned to inform improvements.
• Recommend and support practical improvements that strengthen program quality, participant experience and operational efficiency.
• Represent the Center in meetings, forums, workshops and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the Director.

Qualifications and Experience for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in program coordination, entrepreneurship development, business advisory, mentorship, project management, or related roles, preferably within an educational, innovation, or development environment.
• Proven experience coordinating entrepreneurship and enterprise development programs, including planning, implementation, participant management, monitoring, reporting, and program close-out.

Competencies required for this role

• Strong experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting entrepreneurs and young people through structured entrepreneurship and business development programs.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple program activities, stakeholders, timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, program documentation, and professional communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with digital data collection, monitoring and evaluation, program management, and collaboration tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify implementation challenges, interpret program data, and develop practical solutions that improve program outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment, innovation, and measurable program impact.