Founders Factory Africa (FFA) exists to create a thriving African startup economy that drives prosperity across Africa. We are venture builders dedicated to solving some of Africa’s biggest challenges and capitalizing on its incredible potential by leveraging market and tech opportunities. We seek to build an ecosystem that supports authentic innovation, and our goal is to be the best growth engine for entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. We believe by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, we will unlock employment opportunities and drive inclusive growth across the continent.
Since 2019, we have supported 60+ African ventures with investment capital alongside hands-on support backed by 50+, full-time, experts covering engineering, product development, growth, corporate partnerships, and investment.
We have begun to leverage this experience and expertise to create an internal impact-driven venture that will directly create youth and gender-focused employment opportunities through tech-enabled learning known as the Founders Factory Academy. We are looking for a passionate and experienced program coordinator to support our Academy business support program, driving its success through exceptional execution and project management expertise.
About The Role
As the Business Support Program Coordinator, you will take charge of coordinating all activities related to the Academy’s business support program. Your primary responsibility is to ensure the seamless execution of the program, providing critical support to the Business Support Lead. You will be instrumental in managing logistics, stakeholder relationships, and ensuring a smooth learning experience for all participants. Additionally, you will play a key role in scaling and digitizing the program, extending its reach to new regions, and incorporating new technologies.
This is a full-time position in Johannesburg, South Africa. We operate a hybrid model where you will be required to be in the office at least 3 times a week.
Responsibilities
Support the business support lead in managing the sourcing funnel, by collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to develop posters, create the application form and any relevant media artefacts such as participant testimonials.
Provide operational coordination towards the business support operations function of the Academy, ensuring smooth program logistics, stakeholder management, and a frictionless learning experience for all participants. This includes overseeing workshop locations, event logistics, stakeholder engagement, material preparation, and logistical troubleshooting.
Support the Business Support Lead in planning and executing the Business Support Accelerator program
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including internal teams, partners, coaches, and learners, ensuring the seamless delivery of the program
Manage the end-to-end program communication with participants. This includes sending welcome emails, creating calendar invites, making phone calls, and developing automated communication systems
Assist the Business Support Lead in continuous improvement of the program e.g. by working with the tech team to set up relevant tech tools to simplify and automate processes, review participant data and use it to inform program improvements etc
Gather, record, and share participant feedback and performance data and support the Business Support Lead in developing M&E reports as needed.
The ideal candidate is or possesses
Dynamic experience highly preferred, with demonstrated ability to operate well in complex and fast-changing environments
Preference for candidates that have worked in an entrepreneur incubator or in an organisation that works with young people
Familiarity with the lean startup approach and design thinking principles is strongly preferred
Ability to work independently, entrepreneurially, and innovatively
Previous experience in planning and executing entrepreneurship programs
Has an entrepreneurial mindset and drive
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
Great computer proficiency (working knowledge of word processing, PowerPoint, Excel.)
Demonstrate proactive approach to problem-solving
Ability to work independently, entrepreneurially, and innovatively
Excellent written/verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively across different levels, with local and international teams and stakeholders
A passion for education in Africa, with a keen interest or experience as an entrepreneur
Experience working with diverse groups and populations is a plus
Candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:
At least 3 years of relevant experience in a program management role
Experience running entrepreneurship programs and a desire to continuously upskill to stay up to date with the changing entrepreneurial landscape/needs
Has an understanding of Design Thinking and Entrepreneurial practices and can facilitate & engage entrepreneurs if needed
Undergraduate or honours graduate degree in a related discipline
Strong collaboration and project management skills are a must
An interest in empowering young people is a must
Experience working in South Africa
Comfortable with field work
Ability to travel for long periods of time when required e.g. 2-4 weeks
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
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