Local Program Coordinator at Ventures Platform

Job Description

Ventures Platform Foundation (VPF) in conjunction with the Digital Development Unit of the World Bank with support from the Rockefeller Foundation has launched a Click-On Kaduna Digital Entrepreneurship Program in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

The initiative aims to help increase employment for disadvantaged youth and women in Kaduna by catalyzing the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for the creation of economic opportunities. The ICT sector in Kaduna State is nascent yet vibrant with strong support from the Government. A core component of the Kaduna State Development Plan (KSDP) 2016-2020 is to position Kaduna as a destination for business investment to create jobs, especially among young people. ICT related industries such as mobile and web application development and computer assembly are considered one of the seven areas with significant potential for driving regional economic growth and job creation. Fostering social and economic inclusion of women is also considered crucial for achieving these objectives.

In partnership with the World Bank and the Kaduna State Government, Ventures Platform Foundation (VPF) will implement a digital entrepreneurship program that will provide training and mentorship to technology startup teams in Kaduna on cutting-edge digital entrepreneurship skills and lean startup methodologies. It will also aim to help build a foundation for a vibrant tech community in Kaduna. Emphasis will be placed on supporting female-led startups and teams that include female team members.

The VP team is looking to hire a Local Program Coordinator who, alongside the team, will be focused on interfacing with entrepreneurs and responsible for managing the operations, planning and development of startups under the program. This position requires a team player with leadership qualities, excellent project management skills, a professional and positive attitude, organization and dependability.

The incubation program will run for 6 months in Kaduna and in that time a total of 180 participants, of which at least 60 women, will be trained.

The duties of the Local Program Coordinator will be to;

• Manage the administration of the Incubation Program.
• Vet and support the selection of participants for the Incubation program.
• Manage logistics related to program personnel including facilitators, business advisors, mentors, and partners.
• Forge partnerships with other organizations for the provision of services for program participants.
• Assist in building strong relationships between the business community, government, and the program.
• Keep track and adhere to the Incubation program work plan and standards, applying discretion only where necessary.
• Ensure the smooth, efficient and effective execution of program work plan including all trainings, accountability sessions, events, and bootcamps.
• Work closely with the VP team to document the proceedings of all meetings and synchronize reports that will feed into the overall program report at the end of the program's life cycle.
• Work with the VP team in coordinating logistics for scheduled information sessions for the program.
• Identify needs and opportunities for improving the program

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• At least 5 years of experience in:
  • project management practice;
  • design, implementation and evaluation of social development programmes, including employment, gender and entrepreneurship frameworks;
  • interacting and collaborating with Government institutions, private sector and NGOs.
  • business incubation and acceleration programs is an added advantage.
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (masters in a related field is desirable).
• Knowledge of the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria.
• Considerable understanding of the culture in Northern Nigeria and the Kaduna ecosystem.
• Competence in training and capacity building.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity with a zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Ability to produce work within tight deadlines and under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team (strong task management and team leading competencies);
• Demonstrated cultural sensitiveness and sound judgment;
• Proven success in collaborating with a number of different stakeholders;
• Ability to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of programme structure and implementation modalities;
• Thorough understanding of key elements of results-based programme management;
• Strong capacity for data collection and analysis, as well as report writing;
• Sound knowledge and understanding of gender sensitivity and social inclusion in the local community; and
• Excellent spoken and written English required. Fluency in Hausa Language is desirable.

Application is open to the public and female candidates are greatly encouraged to apply. Candidate MUST be resident in Kaduna State.

Contract Duration: 9 Months