About Us
Bridge for Billions is one of the largest global entrepreneurship networks. We create and manage entrepreneurship programs with foundations, corporations, and public entities. We exist to enable more early-stage entrepreneurs of all kinds to thrive, generating jobs and solutions for everyone, so our economies sustainably meet the needs of all.
Bridge for Billions is a social enterprise recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Ashoka, and Acumen. Over the past 8 years, we have supported more than 5,000 entrepreneurs in over 100 countries in collaboration with more than 100 partners, including Coca-Cola, Novartis, VISA, the United Nations, and IDB Lab.
Job Mission
We are expanding into Africa with an ambitious initiative and are seeking a Program Manager to lead our first multi-country ecosystem-building project on the continent. As the Ecosystem Program Manager, you will work closely with the Project Director to implement our inaugural Ecosystem Builders (Conecta Africa) project. This project is designed to create an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem by empowering Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) to run incubation programs across Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
- Location: Based in Nairobi, Kenya (Remote-first role, with 2 days per week in-person office days).
- Position Type: Full-time.
- Contract Type: Full-time Contractor to Bridge for Billions PBC
- Start Date: As soon as we find the right person.
Roles & Contributions
1. Incubation Management and Support (60%)
- Train and support incubation managers from the enrolled ESOs in effectively running incubation programs, including training on the Bridge platform and providing scouting support.
- Oversee the selection process for entrepreneurs and mentors for each program.
- Facilitate training workshops to support incubation progress following the Bridge for Billions methodology, as well as other community events with the ESOs for entrepreneurs and mentors.
- Collaborate with ESOs to plan and participate in Demo Days and ecosystem events where top entrepreneurs are showcased.
- Co-create progress and impact reports with the Project Director.
2. Strategic Project Oversight, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Activation (20%)
- Serve as the primary liaison for regional partners, including public agencies, foundations, and private entities, to facilitate various incubation initiatives for nascent ventures.
- Manage assigned programs by analyzing local ecosystem requirements to develop implementation strategies, including resource allocation, timeline design, and benchmarking, while adhering to project budgets.
- Actively listen to and integrate client feedback to ensure all program objectives and key performance indicators are effectively met.
- Orchestrate collaboration across internal departments, such as Product and Marketing, to guarantee seamless program execution.
- Deliver comprehensive reporting on program vitality, performance metrics, and success stories to donors, clients, and the wider Bridge for Billions team.
- Manage partner relations through diligent financial tracking, impact reporting, and the delivery of monthly progress presentations to program sponsors.
3. Knowledge Management and Program Success Tracking (10%)
- Actively gather insights and lessons learned from the program to share within the company and with clients.
- Monitor entrepreneurs' progress and feedback, providing solutions to any challenges they face.
4. Local Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management (10%)
- Identify and establish strategic partnerships with organizations, networks, and allies that can amplify Bridge for Billions' impact and support its systemic change goals.
- Identify and recruit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) to participate in the program.
- Manage ESO relationships to ensure value delivery and encourage long-term partnership.
- Foster a vibrant community among ESOs, local partners, and global counterparts.
- Engage with various funding, in-kind, and ecosystem partners (e.g., investors, financial institutions) to secure partnerships and synergies that strengthen the program's impact.
- In collaboration with the programs marketing team, develop content for social media, conduct interviews, share program updates, and create internal newsletters.
- Organize and implement sessions, activities, and initiatives to empower ESOs and enhance their capacity in managing and executing incubation programs.
- Represent and position Bridge for Billions at local events.
Skills & Experience Needed
Hard Skills:
- Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in business, project management, marketing & community building, or related disciplines. A PMP Certification is considered an added advantage.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in roles such as program management, project management, operations management, account management, or customer success. Experience in entrepreneurship or working with startup ecosystems is highly valued.
- African Ecosystem Experience: Significant experience working within the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a deep understanding of the local cultural, economic, and regulatory landscapes in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, and potentially other project countries such as Ghana and DRC. Established connections with local stakeholders, including ESOs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Proven experience in developing and implementing initiatives that support entrepreneurs, including the ability to tailor programs to the specific needs of local markets.
- Tech Proficiency: Proficiency with tech tools such as Notion, Slack, and Google Drive, with a strong aptitude for spreadsheets. An eagerness to learn and quickly adapt to new tools and technologies is essential.
- Community and Network Building: Passionate about entrepreneurship, community development, and fostering global connections. Skilled in building and nurturing communities and networks that support collaborative growth and innovation.
Soft Skills & Language:
- Languages: Fluent in English and a moderate level of French.
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills with a friendly, yet professional tone.
- Growth mindset, resilience to overcome challenges, and extraordinary attention to detail.
- Results-focused with a customer-success mindset and strong organizational/coordination skills.
- Problem-solver and self-starter, able to manage expectations from multiple stakeholders and help groups reach agreements.
- Comfortable with networking and interacting with people.
Core Values (Shared by all Bridge Team Members):
- Purpose Alignment: This position is not just “a job” but aligns with your purpose, the impact you want to make, and who you want to become.
- Values Alignment: You embody our 4 team values: Courage, Grit, Empathy, and Gumption.
- Highly collaborative with an entrepreneurial, "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude.
What We Offer
- Compensation: Annual salary ranging from USD $20,000 to USD $22,000 gross (depending on experience).
- Health Benefit: An additional Health Insurance bonus of USD $60/month added to your salary.
- Vacation Days: 23 vacation days, with the option to add more, in addition to chosen local public holidays.
- Work Setup & Tech: We will equip you with a new or second-hand Macbook. This is a remote-first role with a blend of flexible work hours.
- Travel Requirements: Frequent travel within Kenya and minimal travel to other countries of operations (integral to the position).
- Annual Global Retreats: Join us in global company-wide retreats, geared toward alignment and leadership growth, facilitated by external professionals.
- Personal Growth: Dedicated personal learning budget, tailored for needs like backend bootcamps or leadership training sessions.
- Referral Incentive: Receive a USD $200 bonus for successful team referrals (USD $100 upon hiring and an added USD $100 after their first 6 months).
- Feedback Culture: Monthly one-on-ones with your lead and comprehensive quarterly reviews with peers.
Recruitment Process
- Apply: Submit your application.
- Initial Chat: A brief 30-45 minute conversation to discuss your interest and understand the role.
- Business Case: You'll receive a challenge to complete within a set time frame.
- Technical Interview: If your challenge is satisfactory, we'll discuss it further and assess your technical skills.
- Mutual Interview: An open discussion where you can ask us any questions to ensure our company is the right fit.
- References: With your consent, we'll contact two of your references.
- Offer: Job offer.