ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT & FINANCIAL LITERACY

The vital role of the Associate Director of Enterprise Development & Financial Literacy at Equity Group Foundation (EGF) centers on overseeing the Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion (ED&FI) pillar, a crucial element of Equity Group Holdings Plc’s social investment endeavors. Established in 2008, EGF is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and economic prospects of individuals in Africa through social and economic empowerment. Its primary focus includes capacity building and facilitating access to contemporary, inclusive financial services in several countries, such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and DRC. Reporting to the EGF Director of Operations, the Associate Director is tasked with providing leadership, supervision, and support to programs within the ED&FI pillar.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the conceptualization and execution of ED&FI programs, emphasizing empowerment of youth and women in entrepreneurship.
2. Strengthen relationships to enhance entrepreneurial and financial management skills for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
3. Design and implement programs to enhance MSMEs’ access to resources, finance, and sustainable earning potential.
4. Coordinate teams to provide comprehensive training integrated with interventions like access to markets, technology, and finance.
5. Establish partnerships for tailored technical assistance and advisory services for MSMEs.
6. Provide oversight and support for business mentorship and market-oriented technical advisory services.
7. Lead the expansion and scaling of youth entrepreneurship and innovation through relevant training initiatives.
8. Collaborate with industry experts and business leaders for impactful mentorship and guidance.
9. Work with the Education and Leadership, and Innovation pillars of EGF to engage ELP scholars in tech enterprise spaces.
10. Manage relationships with implementation partners, donors, innovation hubs, incubators, and accelerators.
11. Review quarterly program reports and ensure timely submission of donor reports.
12. Identify and document success stories of beneficiaries from ED&FI programs across all EGF operations.
13. Present pillar performance briefs during EGF leadership meetings.
14. Prepare, review, and submit quarterly reports to the EGF board.
15. Collaborate with the Communications Department to produce reports, stories, and materials communicating program impact.
16. Perform additional duties as agreed upon with the Director of Operations or Executive Chairman, EGF.

Key Critical Competencies:

1. Excellent relationship-building and networking skills (both internal & external).
2. Conflict resolution, strong negotiation, and persuasion.
3. Effective communication through writing, presentations, and facilitation.
4. Interpersonal sensitivity for interaction with others in a sensitive and effective manner.
5. Building capability – creating an environment for staff to learn, develop, and share knowledge.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
7. Working knowledge of data management systems.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in business studies/commerce/entrepreneurship/innovation (MBA, MCom, MSc), Trade, Economics, Business Development, Marketing, Communications, Development studies & related fields.
2. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is an added advantage.
3. Over 7 years of experience in designing, leading, executing, and supporting the evaluation of entrepreneurship and financial inclusion programs.
4. Project Management Certification/Training is highly desirable.
5. Commitment to results, business savvy, and leadership skills.
6. A consistent track record of superior performance.
7. Strong understanding of the business landscape in the East and Central Africa region (countries of operation), identifying potential opportunities and pathways for scale.
8. Familiarity with the technology entrepreneurship landscape.
9. Demonstrated ability to identify innovative solutions cutting across different sectors impacting entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and economic development.
10. Exposure to aligning social impact initiatives with broader economic strategies, demonstrating an understanding of how entrepreneurship contributes to economic growth.