Key Responsibilities
1. Program Implementation and Delivery
Lead the coordination and implementation of programs and activities within the Innovation and Incubation Center.
Coordinate key program activities including mobilization, onboarding, induction, mentorship, coaching, pitching, showcases, graduation and other activities as required.
Ensure planned activities, milestones and deliverables are achieved within agreed timelines and quality standards.
Coordinate implementation teams and follow up on outstanding actions to support effective program delivery.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF 2.0) Implementation and Coordination
Lead the implementation and coordination of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) 2.0 across the different entrepreneurship pathways.
Coordinate scholar engagement, entrepreneurship activities, mentorship, pitching, funding-related processes and post-funding support.
Track scholar participation and progression throughout the program.
Coordinate program documentation and reporting related to SEF 2.0.
3. Coaching, Mentorship and Pathway Alignment
Provide coaching and mentorship to scholars, students, entrepreneurs and startups to support their growth and progress.
Support participants to strengthen their ventures, clarify their goals and navigate their entrepreneurship journey.
Review curricula and learning content to ensure that it is appropriate for the different entrepreneurship pathways and participant stages.
Work with trainers, mentors and facilitators to identify and address curriculum gaps or areas requiring adjustment.
4. Program Operations, Monitoring and Reporting
Coordinate the operational aspects of program delivery, including meetings, workshops, events, communication, resources and follow-up.
Track program activities, participation, milestones, outputs and outcomes.
Maintain relevant program data, records and documentation.
Coordinate the preparation of program reports, activity updates, case studies, presentations and other required documentation.
Identify operational challenges and support timely resolution.
5.Team Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement and Linkages
Coordinate mentors, trainers, consultants, staff and other stakeholders involved in program implementation.
Work collaboratively with the Director and Partnerships & Linkages Lead on stakeholder and partner engagement related to Center programs.
Support communication, follow-up and implementation of agreed stakeholder and partner commitments.
Support identification of partnership needs and opportunities arising from program implementation.
6. Strategic Support and Continuous Improvement
Support the Director in coordinating the Center’s activities and following up on agreed priorities and actions.
Provide practical support in addressing program implementation and operational challenges.
Use participant feedback, monitoring findings, program experience and lessons learned to inform improvements.
Recommend and support practical improvements that strengthen program quality, participant experience and operational efficiency.
Represent the Center in meetings, forums, workshops and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the Director.
Qualifications and Experience for the role
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- At least 3 years of progressive experience in program coordination, entrepreneurship development, business advisory, mentorship, project management, or related roles, preferably within an educational, innovation, or development environment.
- Proven experience coordinating entrepreneurship and enterprise development programs, including planning, implementation, participant management, monitoring, reporting, and program close-out.
Competencies required for this role
- Strong experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting entrepreneurs and young people through structured entrepreneurship and business development programs.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple program activities, stakeholders, timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities effectively.
- Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, program documentation, and professional communication.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with digital data collection, monitoring and evaluation, program management, and collaboration tools.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify implementation challenges, interpret program data, and develop practical solutions that improve program outcomes.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment, innovation, and measurable program impact.
Salary Scale
The consolidated pay for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes other prevailing University benefits.
If you have the requisite qualifications and experience and desire to work as a team member in a modern, progressive, international, and multicultural institution where you can make a difference, please apply indicating in the subject line of the email address PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEAD . Interested applicants must provide a cover letter and a current CV, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, names and addresses of three referees (two of whom must be your current and previous employer), current salary and benefits, telephone and e-mail contacts by 20th November 2026 to:
Director Human Resource,
United States International University – Africa,
P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: jobs-dvcasa@usiu.ac.ke
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.