Jobs 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.

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The Senior Associate will support program delivery, facilitation, outreach, recruitment, and operations for the Climate-Focused Fellowship Program in East Africa.This role will work closely with Fellows, Acumen Academy’s West Africa teams, and external partners to ensure high-quality program execution from recruitment through graduation. The position reports directly to the East Africa Program Lead.The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly detail-oriented, and energized by working in a fast-paced environment while supporting meaningful learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities :

Program Delivery & Facilitatiom

• Support the training and facilitation of the Climate Fellowship Program
• Co-deliver fellowship seminars and learning experiences (online and in-person)
• Collaborate with Curriculum and Training teams to provide feedback and continuously improve the Fellowship experience

Outreach, Recruitment & Selection

• Lead and execute outreach and recruitment strategies for the Climate Fellowship
• Build and manage strong recruitment pipelines in collaboration with partners and ecosystem actors
• Coordinate the end-to-end Fellow selection process

Program Operations

• Manage fellowship logistics, timelines, communications, and documentation
• Coordinate all program activities from recruitment through to graduation
• Ensure efficient and high-quality program operations across all phases of delivery

Program Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data on fellowship activities, participation, and engagement
• Support the preparation of grant reports, impact reports, and other program documentation as needed
• Update and maintain program reporting tools

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in program delivery and management, preferably within leadership development or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs with strong attention to detail
• Experience working in fast-paced environments with multiple stakeholders
• Strong Excel and data management skills, including tracking and reporting on program data
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with internal teams and external partners
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage competing deadlines
• Experience designing, executing, and facilitating online and in-person events
• Familiarity with social entrepreneurs and the social impact ecosystem in East Africa
• Self-reflective and strongly aligned with Acumen’s values