Jasiri Talent Investor Programme Lead
BACKGROUND
Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Rwanda (AGGPR) has embarked on a journey to develop responsible entrepreneurs across the African continent in the service of the common good.
Our Vision is an empowered, prosperous, productively engaged African citizenry thriving in ethical societies with dignity and hope.
Our Mission is to attack poverty by investing in, nurturing, and empowering responsible entrepreneurs and leaders who benefit society by helping to accelerate meaningful employment creation, while embodying the values and behaviours of ethical leadership.
Our Values are long-term commitment, spirit of humility and significance, excellence, responsible stewards, and diversity and inclusion.
Jasiri, one of AGGPR’s main programs, invests in, nurtures and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty through the creation of high-impact new businesses creating new markets on the African continent.
Jasiri Talent Investor is a one-year program for high-potential individuals who display exceptional entrepreneurial potential to form part of a community of high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs growing businesses from scratch. Participants are funded and guided through a process of team formation, idea generation, business validation and market entry. The program introduces Jasiri Fellows to equally ambitious co-founders, and supports them on an individual, team and business level through seasoned Facilitators and Coaches.
Jasiri Growth Accelerator invests in early stages, high-potential startups that may still be too risky for commercial funders to invest in. Early-stage ventures with potential for high growth and demonstrated product-market fit are provided with funding to support their growth and assisted with investor readiness.
Wavumbuzi – a Jasiri pipeline building program – is a free annual six-week online entrepreneurship challenge focused on developing the entrepreneurial mindset of secondary/high school learners throughout the country. The challenge is designed to equip students with competencies to be the next generation of global leaders, change-makers and innovative thinkers.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Jasiri Talent Investor Program Lead is a visionary strategist and operational catalyst, responsible for the strategic leadership and execution of the Talent Investor Program in East Africa. Central to this position is the implementation and optimisation of the full launchpad lifecycle, from ideation to venture launch, ensuring a seamless participant experience.
The Program Lead reports to the East Africa Regional Director and manages a team of venture builders, facilitators, and mentors, oversees budgets, and builds relationships with external stakeholders to support the program’s success and shape the entrepreneurial ecosystem in East Africa.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Contribution to Program Architecture
Contribute to the refinement of the Talent Investor program, ensuring it remains adaptive, rigorous, and aligned with Jasiri’s mission to catalyse market-creating innovation.
Program Excellence & Impact
Lead the seamless execution of all programme phases, including Jasiri Jumpstart, Residential Intensive and Venture Creation, culminating in the launch of strong ventures that address non-consumption markets and work towards achieving product-market fit.
Optimise the Jasiri launchpad by embedding milestone-driven progression and contextually relevant support.
Champion a culture of disciplined experimentation, enabling founders to validate, pivot, and commercialise ventures efficiently.
Ensure operational excellence and deliver a transformative participant experience.
Experimentation & Innovation
Foster an environment where iterative experimentation is encouraged, leveraging data-driven insights to refine program elements and accelerate venture outcomes.
Support the design and execution of pilot initiatives and new program pathways, integrating lessons from previous cohorts and emerging best practices.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead and inspire the program team, fostering a culture of high-performance, collaboration, results and continuous improvements.
Oversee the onboarding and development of the program team, ensuring they are equipped to contribute effectively to the achievement of program objectives.
Stakeholder and Relationship Management
Build and nurture relationships with fellows, facilitators, mentors, industry experts and key ecosystem stakeholders.
Serve as the primary contact for fellows, providing dedicated support and ensuring sustained engagement throughout the program.
Represent Jasiri in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, strengthening its presence and reputation through thought leadership and active participation.
Proactively build strategic partnerships with external organisations, investors, regulators and other ecosystem actors to accelerate venture progress and drive sustainable growth.
Financial Oversight and Strategic Growth
Manage program financials, including annual budgeting and resource allocation, in collaboration with the finance team to ensure responsible stewardship and alignment with strategic objectives.
Identify and pursue opportunities for the strategic growth and expansion of the Talent Investor, leveraging data-driven insights and market trends.
Collaborate with internal functions to continuously enhance program delivery, driving innovation and operational excellence.
REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Business, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
A certificate in facilitation techniques is an added value.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 - 8 years in entrepreneurship support and program management, with a proven ability to drive results in dynamic environments.
Demonstrated track record of supporting early-stage startups in Africa, including hands-on involvement in venture acceleration and founder development.
Proficiency in facilitation, group training, and emerging technologies to deliver impactful program outcomes.
Extensive experience in stakeholder management within startup ecosystems, including building and sustaining relationships with founders, coaches, investors and external partners to foster venture growth and program success.
Skills and Competencies:
Leadership and Mentorship: Strong ability to inspire and develop team members, promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Adaptability and Resilience: Thrive in fast-paced environments, quickly adapting to change and managing shifting priorities.
Project Management: Organised, with a strong focus on planning, coordinating resources, and delivering results within deadlines.
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners.
Strategic Thinking: Proactively contribute to program growth, finding opportunities to enhance and expand the program’s impact.