Senior Programme Manager at African Management Institute (AMI)

The Senior Programme Manager Will Be Responsible For

• Managing stakeholders in multiple AMI partner programmes, including existing and customized/complex programmes. Ensure programme deliverables are met within strict timelines, partner expectations are managed, and stakeholder pain points, risks, and issues are proactively resolved.
• Developing and managing detailed project plans, and monitoring project scope throughout the life of the programme.
• Execute on agreed best practices for AMI partner project management, including documented project plans, clear agendas for partner and internal meetings, leading partner kickoffs, clarifying and documenting scope, producing high-quality and insightful reports in agreed templates, and managing strong partner relationships.
• Managing the budget post-internal kick-off by tracking and identifying shortfalls ahead of time, tracking time elements of the budget through AMI’s ERP system, managing external expenses, and liaising with accounting for invoicing.
• Arranging and leading regular internal project team meetings to track key deliverables, problem-solve, address bottlenecks, and update internal stakeholders on progress.
• Evaluating core learning outcomes and metrics within programmes, supporting the adaptation of design and delivery to ensure programme impact is realized.
• Collaborating with AMI’s Impact team to capture project outcomes, impact, lessons learned, and regularly update internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage all programme documentation, ensuring data is organized, formatted, and stored efficiently.
• Maintaining accurate programme data and analyzing feedback to ensure core metrics and targets are met.
• Managing all client/partner reporting requirements by creating, developing, and ensuring internal review of reports before submission.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams including product, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership teams to ensure alignment and smooth execution.
• Sharing learnings and insights during impact collaboration sessions to inform future best practices.
• Managing USAID grants, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and requirements, and maintaining meticulous records and reporting for USAID-funded projects.

Requirements
Skills and Experience:

• Experience in effectively managing and coordinating intricate development initiatives, particularly those related to product advancement and innovation.
• Proven track record in offering business development support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Familiarity with working in incubators, accelerators, or similar programs supporting entrepreneurship in Pan-African settings.
• Demonstrated capability to interact and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including senior internal and external individuals.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in creating strategic blueprints and resolving intricate challenges.
• Sound market analysis expertise and knowledge of local economic landscapes.
• Background in creating and implementing efficient Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems.
• Adept at utilizing data for enhancing project performance.
• Experience thriving in diverse cultural settings and adapting to Pan-African environments.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in business consulting, company training, enterprise development, or management education (essential).
• Proven programme management skills and experience, especially with grant-funded programmes (essential).
• Experience managing USAID grants (essential).
• Experience working in entrepreneurial or high-growth environments (essential).
• Postgraduate degree in finance, business administration, economics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Facilitation experience (preferred).

Skills And Attributes

• Good understanding of the entrepreneurial/SME landscape.
• Comfortable in English; French or other languages are a bonus.
• Experience in startup and high-growth companies.
• Excellent writing, reporting, and analytical skills.
• Consultancy approach with clients and the ability to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Extensive project management experience.
• Ability to understand AMI’s participants and implement learning experiences that enable the learner to achieve desired outcomes in a human-centered and goal-oriented way.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills.
• Commitment to AMI’s values of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Self-motivated and able to take full ownership of deliverables.
• Solid time management skills, managing competing priorities and outputs.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate with peers and internal stakeholders at AMI.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrates rock-solid integrity.
• Willingness to participate in field activities and travel.