Job Description: Programmes Manager, AfriLabs

AfriLabs is seeking to hire a Programmes Manager responsible for managing a 3-year Programme for AfriLabs. The Programme Manager will be responsible for the overall integrity and coherence of the programme. Developing and maintaining the programme plans through effective programme and project management systems. Also be in charge of effectively managing the budget, timelines and all stakeholders involved in the funding, execution and
monitoring of the Programme.

Reports to: The Director of Programmes and the Executive Director, coordinates with internal
and external teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• • Planning and managing the programme and proactively monitoring its progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective action.
  • Defining the programme’s governance arrangements.
  • Ensuring effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the programme – focusing inwardly on the internal consistency of the programme, and outwardly on its coherence with infrastructure planning, engaging with the funder, AfriLabs community members, service providers and other external stakeholders.
  • Managing the programme’s budget on behalf of the Director of Programmes, monitoring expenditure and costs against the approved budget and deliverables as the programme progresses.
  • Facilitating the appointment of individuals to the project team, overseeing the hiring of additional consultants according to specialists tasks needed, working with partners, etc.
  • Ensuring the delivery of expected outcomes and impact is to the appropriate level of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the programme plan and programme governance arrangements.
  • Ensuring there is allocation of common resources and skills within the programme’s individual projects.
  • Managing communications with all stakeholders.
  • Managing both the dependencies and the interfaces between projects.
  • Managing risks to the programme’s successful outcome.
  • Initiating extra activities and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programme are identified or issues arise.
  • Reporting the progress of the programme at regular intervals to the board and funders.
  • Advising and supporting other AfriLabs related programmes that tie into main programme responsibility.
  • Identifying opportunities to expand projects with additional funding.

Qualifications and Experience

• • Bachelor degree in business, development or related field, other quantitative discipline
    relevant to the position.
  • Project Management Certification or viable grounded experience in project management.
  • Masters’ degree/MBA will be an added advantage.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience managing funded programmes in a non-profit or
    development organisation.
  • Experience working in the African innovation, technology and entrepreneurship space.
  • Proficiency in both English and French will be an added advantage.

Specialist Knowledge/Expertise to be Maintained on the Job

• • Effective leadership, team management, interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Sense of community amongst members of the project teams.
  • Good knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling programmes.
  • Good understanding of the procurement process including negotiation with third parties
  • Good knowledge of programme and project management methods.
  • Good knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
  • Sufficient seniority and credibility to advise project teams on their projects in relation to the programme.
  • Problem solving and risk mitigation.
  • Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Drive and Outlook as well as project management tools.
  • Effective stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of Programme Monitoring and Evaluation principles.
  • Excellent written and oral communication.

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (AfriLabs Secretariat). Travel will be expected occasionally.

Employment Terms: Full time role. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours can be arranged upon request. Overtime, as required.

Terms and Conditions: This is a locally recruited professional position by the AfriLabs Secretariat Nigerian entity and all benefits are denominated and paid in Nigerian Naira. AfriLabs’ remuneration package includes a salary paid monthly, leave provisions, insurance, pension and health benefits.

To Apply: Send CV and Cover letter to [email protected]

Application Deadline: 3rd March, 2020

Job Description for CFO/COO, AfriLabs
AfriLabs is seeking to hire a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer. The CFO/COO will be accountable for all aspects of the financial management, planning and analysis including reporting of funds, statutory reporting and maintaining efficient and effective financial and operating systems and processes. The position will also be responsible for overseeing all AfriLabs teams to ensure that they deliver their objectives and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.

Reports to: Reports to the Executive Director and the AfriLabs Board, coordinates with Board Treasurer, internal and external teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Oversee the work of the finance function as a whole to ensure compliance with regulatory and funders requirements; efficient and effective management of the finance function; accuracy and reliability of financial information; and the overall management of AfriLabs funding and expenditure. Oversee directly Finance Officer.
• Strategic Operations and Administration: Provide support to the Executive Director in the area of forward work planning, strategic financial management, budgetary analysis and reporting.
• Audit, Compliance and Internal Controls: Ensure all renditions, audits and statutory compliance are carried out on time, in line with AfriLabs regulations and compliance requirements and those of the countries in which it operates. Prepare compliance reports for the Board and the Executive Director as required. Assist in the protection of the organisation by ensuring it is legally protected and by ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
• Management Accounting: Set up and continue to improve effective management accounting systems and processes.
• Grants Accounting: In cooperation with the Programme Officers and grantees, as required, oversee treasuring of grants and financial reports for submission to granting agencies.
• Management of Information Technology (IT) Oversees, and ensures effective use of Information Technology systems to support fundraising and organisational processes, including document management, client (stakeholder) relationships management (CRM), event support, and grant management systems. Leverages Information Technology to support core business initiatives. Establishes and maintains budget/cost management for (IT).
• Leadership and Talent Management: Contributes to the Senior Management Team’s efforts to promote an organisational culture of collaboration, open and frequent communication, adaptation, alignment with a common vision, and celebration of success in achieving specific projects and broader organisational objectives.
• Human Resource Management: Work closely with Executive Director and Board, oversee select human resources activities including: recruitment, selection and hiring; payroll and benefits; staff support and engagement; and support for training and development. Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Communication: Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the Executive Director informed of all critical issues.
• Stakeholder Management: Supports the Executive Director in engaging stakeholders and occasionally representing AfriLabs at partner meetings and negotiations, stakeholder and speaking engagements, etc.
• Management: Works with the Executive Director to design, plan and implement organisation strategies, plans and procedures. Oversee daily operations of the organisation and various departments (Programmes, Finance, Operations, Member Services, Events, Communications, etc). Assists the Executive Director in fundraising activities, establishes policies that promotes AfriLabs’ vision and goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor degree from a recognized university in finance, accounting, business administration or other quantitative discipline relevant to the position. Master’s degree or MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 – 7 years of management and team leadership in a non-profit or development organisation.
• Experience working in the African innovation, technology and entrepreneurship space.
• Proficiency in both English and French will be an added advantage.

Specialist Knowledge /Expertise to be Maintained on the Job

• Strong working knowledge of financial, accounting, cash flow, donor, grant budgeting and investment management.
• Strong working knowledge of audit, consolidated financial reporting and compliance.
• Knowledge of International government grant processes, procedures and auditing requirements.
• Understanding of legal language in all types of business contracts and risk assessment.
• An understanding of the non-profit/development sector, including donor relations and management.
• Continuous knowledge in strategy and programme planning with the proven ability to develop and oversee programme plans, processes and controls to enhance efficiencies and mitigate risk.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written and capable of listening.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills with ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to prioritise workload and function effectively within and outside the office in a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work under pressure to complete multiple tasks, meet demands and deadlines with a positive, constructive attitude.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and respond as required.
• Demonstrate proven ability in organisational development, information technology, business transformation, fundraising, property management, project and asset management.
• Working knowledge of computerized management information systems.
• Adept with information communications technology (ICT) commonly used in office applications, with advanced knowledge of Google drive and Microsoft Office products, familiarity with relevant accounting softwares desirable. Highly numerate with an ability to create, manage, interpret, and present financial analysis, forecasting and resource management.

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (AfriLabs Secretariat). Travel will be expected occasionally.

Employment Terms: Full time role. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours can be arranged upon request. Overtime, as required.

Terms and Conditions: This is a locally recruited professional position by the AfriLabs Secretariat Nigerian entity and all benefits are denominated and paid in Nigerian Naira. AfriLabs’ remuneration package includes a salary paid monthly, leave provisions, insurance, pension and health benefits.

To Apply: Send CV and Cover letter to [email protected]

Application Deadline: 3rd March, 2020.

Job Description: Programme Coordinator, Catalyst

Introduction: Catalyst is a matching fund created to support the African startup ecosystem while addressing various gaps associated with funding for startups. Catalyst operates as a co-investment fund that will match investments from qualifying angel investors into African growth-stage companies. Funds from Catalyst will be released after startups have received investments from Angel investors that are part of an angel network registered with ABAN. To be eligible, startups are required to register on the Catalyst platform through hubs that are members of the AfriLabs network. The performance of participating startups after receiving investments will be reported and monitored via the Catalyst platform. 

This is a new program launched in 2020 by a consortium of AfriLabs and ABAN with anchor donor AFD,  the French Development Agency. The program will initially run for a 3-year period but is expected to continue also after this period.

Purpose of the role: The Catalyst Associate is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day activities of the program this includes overseeing operations, managing stakeholders and progress reporting. 

Reports to:  The Catalyst Leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Help develop, manage and optimize all operational processes and workflows. This involves the handling of a large number of legal documents and financial statements with sensitive information and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Work with AfriLabs and ABAN teams and external consultants to develop and operate the Catalyst platform which will be used to program manage applications and as a monitoring and reporting tool.
• Coordinate the onboarding of new investors and investor networks and hubs both on the Catalyst platform and offline and provide first-line support to all stakeholders. 
• Coordinate the activities of hubs in supporting startups post-investment, monitor startup quarterly tracking and report from hubs.
• Work with the AfriLabs and ABAN finance teams to monitor bank and financial transactions.
• Prepare reports for the steering committee and other stakeholders including management and donor(s).
• Prepare internal investment memo, present reliable ecosystem data. Lead in the project management, coordination monitoring and evaluation of Catalyst activities.
• Oversee set up and monitor the KYC, due diligence and compliance procedures of all Catalyst activities and stakeholders. 

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor degree in business, development or related field, other quantitative disciplines relevant to the position. Masters’ degree/MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of finance, accounting or investment experience.
• Outstanding analytical skills, structured and detail-oriented. Accuracy is key.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong knowledge of Excel.
• Project Management Certification or viable grounded experience in project management will be an added advantage. 
• Experience with GDPR and data privacy rules and regulation.
• Proficiency in English. French will be an added advantage. 

Specialist Knowledge/Expertise to be Maintained on the Job

• Effective presentation on new funders/investment recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, verbal and written, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with other project members. 
• Time management and organisational skills, meeting deadlines and ensuring all relevant tasks are completed.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and respond as required.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across hubs, investor networks and entrepreneurs.
• Ability to adapt and shift priorities as necessary.
• Be able to work under time-pressure. 
• Ability to produce well designed professional looking PowerPoint presentations 

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (AfriLabs Secretariat). Travel will be expected occasionally.

Employment Terms: Full-time role. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours can be arranged upon request. Overtime, as required.

Terms and Conditions: This is a locally recruited professional position at the AfriLabs Secretariat Nigerian entity and all benefits are denominated and paid in Nigerian Naira. AfriLabs’ remuneration package includes a salary paid monthly, leave provisions and insurances. 

To Apply: Send CV and Cover letter to [email protected]

Application Deadline:  3rd March, 2020.

We are looking for an exceptional professional (“Analyst”) with at least 5 years experience in the African innovation ecosystem, and a demonstrated track record in qualitative and quantitative research and needs assessment for a target group in the ecosystem. 

The Analyst will provide technical services related to the implementation of the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme (Needs Assessment) and provide a preliminary analysis and needs assessment report from data already collected and desk research already completed. Furthermore, the Analyst will lead a few virtual Entrepreneur and ESO focus groups to verify the accuracy of the preliminary report. Finally, the Analyst will produce a single coherent report that will be used by the curriculum and content team for the next phase of the project.

Scope of Work

1. Entrepreneurs Needs Assessment

• Analysis of Entrepreneurs data harvested through both qualitative and quantitative research 
• Regional Entrepreneur Focus Group: Analyst will
  • conduct virtual focus groups with entrepreneurs spread across all African regions
  • write focus group notes
• Entrepreneur Assessment Report.
  
  

   

   

   

   

   

   

1. ESO Needs Assessment

• Analysis of ESO data harvested through both qualitative and quantitative research  
• The Regional ESO Focus Group: Analyst will
  • conduct virtual focus groups with ESOs spread across all African regions
  • write focus group notes
  • write an ESO Assessment Report

• ESO Assessment Report

1. Investor Needs Assessment 

• Analysis of Investor data harvested through both qualitative and quantitative research
• Investor Assessment Report

1. Final Capacity Building programme (Needs) Assessment: The Analyst will combine the Entrepreneur, ESO and Investor needs assessment in a single coherent report that will be used by the curriculum and content team for the next phase of the project.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in working closely with African tech hubs and entrepreneurs
• Experience in conducting a Needs Assessment of African tech hubs/entrepreneurs

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in organisational development, capacity assessment or change management
• Demonstrated competencies in data collation, analysis, and presentation
• Experience in implementing continent-wide research projects
• Experience in organisational development, management, and operations
• Excellent oral communication and writing proficiency in English. French proficiency would be an added advantage
• Display of cultural, religious, racial, nationality, gender and age sensitivity, and adaptability.

• Demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter
• Efficient in meeting commitments and deadlines, and achieving results
• Shows persistence, creativity and is solution-oriented when faced with difficult problems or challenges
• Analyst should be based in Africa
• An active player in the African tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Preference will be given to members of the AfriLabs network
• Proper understanding of the ecosystem
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgement
• Ability to properly manage time and resources for completing work

• Work collaboratively with project staff and officials to achieve aims of the assignment;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate and deliver in a complex and multicultural environment.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Master’s degree/MBA will be an added advantage.

To Apply: Send your profile/CV and a 3-page proposal to: [email protected].

Deadline for Application: 31st  March, 2020.

Preferred Start Date: 6th April 2020.

Location: Remote.

Duration: 20 man-days spread across one to two months.

Download the Terms of Reference (TOR) to know more about the role and the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme (ACBP) here.