Academy Program Lead at Founders Factory

About the Role

• As the Program Lead for the Academy in Nigeria and eventually West Africa, you will play a pivotal role in its successful execution. Reporting to the Program Implementation Manager, you will collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the seamless management of the program.
• Your responsibilities encompass sourcing for entrepreneurs in collaboration with the team, managing and delivering academy programs, developing and managing partners, and overseeing all operational aspects of the program.
• Additionally, you will be instrumental in ensuring streamlined end-to-end user experience for all participants, partners, and stakeholders.
• Your dedication to delivering successful programs will be a key factor in contributing to the long-term success of the Academy.

This is a full-time position in Nigeria and eventually West Africa. We operate a hybrid model where you will be required to be in the office at least 3 times a week.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Delivery:

• Lead the delivery of academy programs in Nigeria, ensuring adherence to set metrics and program goals.
• Own the end-to-end operations of delivering excellent learning programs, driving the roll-out of Academy programs.
• Develop comprehensive program project plans, outlining clear timelines and priorities.
• Take the lead in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to market, source, and screen quality leads for the program.
• Lead the program communication efforts with program participants, partners, and stakeholders in collaboration with the Academy team. This involves offering participant engagement and online assistance to both participants and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Impact team to conduct data collection and analysis, informing cohort impact, tracking participant progress, and identifying areas for improvement in the program.
• Manage budgets and coordinate all program logistics, from securing workshop locations and delivery materials to ensuring materials are ready.
• Generate program reports, including cohort, participant satisfaction and progress, learning outcomes, and employment outcomes reports.
• Co-facilitate program kick-offs to set the stage for successful engagements.

Program Design and Stakeholder Management:

• Develop and nurture partnerships and relationships that can support marketing the program, sourcing participants, and providing operational support, including securing pitch judges, facilitators, and thematic experts.
• Lead efforts to stay in touch with participants, track their progress, and communicate updates on their journey.
• Adjust engagement plans to offer consistent support throughout the program.
• Build relationships with internal and external teams, oversee implementation partners, and coordinate efforts.

Continuous Program Improvement and Collaboration:

• Continuously monitor engagement trends and collaborate with the design and Implementation teams to iteratively enhance program design and delivery based on valuable feedback.
• Implement continuous improvement by working closely with implementing partners to effectively translate program design into engaging learning journeys and participant engagement plans.

The ideal candidate is/ posesses…

• Dynamic experience highly preferred, with demonstrated ability to operate well in complex and fast-changing environments.
• Experience in an accelerator/incubator startup or in an organisation that works with young people.
• An understanding of the entrepreneurship ecosystem with previous experience planning and executing entrepreneurship programs.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and nurturing partnerships.
• Proven track record in effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, entrepreneurially, and innovatively. 
• Proven ability to mobilize resources in order to carry out the strategic objectives of an organisation.
• Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent organisational and analytical skills with the ability to multitask, prioritise, complete work accurately, meet deadlines and follow through.
• Demonstrate proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills .
• Ability to communicate effectively across different levels, with local and international teams and stakeholders.
• A passion for capacity building in Africa, with a keen interest or experience as an entrepreneur.
• Experience working with diverse groups and populations is a plus.

Minimum requirements:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a program management role.
• Experience running entrepreneurship programs and a desire to continuously up-skill to stay up-to-date with the changing start-up landscape/needs.
• Proven track record of overseeing end-to-end operations for the successful roll-out of learning programs.
• Has an understanding of design thinking and entrepreneurial practices 
• Undergraduate or honours graduate degree in a related disciplineStrong collaboration, stakeholder management, and project management skills, demonstrated expertise in cultivating and nurturing partnerships.
• An interest in empowering young people is a must.
• Experience working in Nigeria.
• Comfortable with field work.
• Ability to travel for long periods of time when required e.g. 2-4 weeks