Regional Programme Manager at Volta Capital

LEAP is a non-for-profit social investment fund directing its lending towards youth from low and middle-income backgrounds in Sub-Saharan Africa that are currently unable to secure credit from conventional commercial banks and for whom bursaries and scholarships are not yet available. In addition to a bespoke social lending model, LEAP also offers student support, financial literacy and employer linkages to enhance the student’s route to employability and reduce the credit risk. At present, LEAP has been operational for one year and has 700 Fellows enrolled in its programme. It is now looking to expand its offering to over 4,000 Fellows over the coming years in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

Are you a mission driven leader passionate about taking a new social business from start-up to scale?

We are looking for someone who shares our vision of how finance and training can transform access to education for underserved youth, and who can build, lead and grow this social venture.

Position Description

We are looking to recruit a full-time Regional Programme Manager to lead the development and expansion of the LEAP Programme in East Africa. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a business development or management role in a business, start up, or social ventures, ideally in the higher education industry;Relevant experience in a finance-oriented business such as retail lending, microfinance and/or consumer credit is a plus;
• Target driven and results oriented individual with a track record in building small and growing organizations, as well as being able to deliver and exceed on strategic targets / KPIs;
• Natural relationship builder with proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with multiple stakeholders and executive level partners in Kenya, and ideally across multiple countries in East Africa;
• Self starter with positive ‘can-do’ attitude;
• Passion to have an impact in the higher education sector and / or in scaling a social enterprise, with a strong commitment to achieving LEAP’s blended purpose (i.e. social mission and financial sustainability);
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken English;
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
• Right to live and work in Kenya.

Responsibilities                                                                                  

• Lead the development and expansion of the LEAP programme in the region, including and beyond Kenya;
• Identify new market opportunities for LEAP, including new customer segments / partnerships / products and trends;
• Develop opportunities in target markets: generate leads and initiate contact with prospective partners and stakeholders across the region (e.g. government entities, financial institutions, universities, employers, etc….);
• Nurture and develop relationships with key market players. Understand their needs and devise effective engagement strategies;
• Manage activities strategically, in line with LEAP’s objectives, and work closely with LEAP management team (operations, credit, student support) to plan adequately and operationalise activities in new markets;
• Draw up strategic communication and recommendations for effective decision making to LEAP’s board of Trustees and funders;
• Act as a spokesperson for the LEAP programme. Represent LEAP externally and participate in industry-related events;
• Keep abreast of trends and changes in the Higher Education market in the region;