A

Senior Programme Manager

African Management Institute
Full-time
On-site
Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya

AMI is looking for a Senior Programme Manager to oversee the end-to-end quality project delivery of AMI partner programmes. This is a chance for an outstanding entrepreneurial leader to be part of Africa’s transformation, and to help shape, build, and scale one of its most innovative social businesses.

The Senior Programme Manager will be a part of the product team to implement partner-based programmes under the AMI Impact unit. You will be a key player in a dynamic, global team focused obsessively on results.

At AMI, we work hard, innovate constantly, and have fun in the process. This is a chance for someone with a passion for learning, leadership, and business growth to be part of Africa’s transformation. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with past experience managing grant-funded programmes, including report-writing related work, and specifically those with experience managing USAID grants.

The Senior Programme Manager must be a driven, organized, detail-oriented leader with great people and project-management skills and the ability to manage complex programmes.


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.




Benefits

Why join us

A high-impact, diverse and ambitious team with common values:
      - Be the best: We work really hard, are proud of what we do, and love delighting our clients with quality.
     - Own it: We step up to the task, never pass the buck and hold ourselves accountable for delivering results.
     - Push the limits: We ask why, embrace failure and try new things. We never settle.
     - Do what’s right: We act with integrity, confront dishonesty, treat people fairly and strive to contribute to the greater good
    - Always care: We don’t have ego – it’s always ‘team before me’. We are kind, we celebrate each other’s success, and we care enough to give honest feedback.
  • A dynamic office & team life:
          - Brand new offices in Westlands, Nairobi
         - Monthly team social events and bi-annual team buildings
         - Regular learning and coaching opportunities
         - A hybrid working model


Hiring process

A screening interview with Brenda, our Talent Acquisition Lead

An interview with your Direct manager.

A case study assessment

A final interview with the Head of your Department.