Program Manager Asia

About Seedstars Seedstars is a group headquartered in Switzerland / Geneva on a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging and frontier markets through technology and entrepreneurship. We operate 2 main activities to achieve our mission: (A) We work in partnership with development agencies, governments, corporate partners, and private donors to develop entrepreneurship ecosystems, create jobs, and fuel income growth. (B) We invest in high-growth technology companies in impactful sectors (fintech, ed-tech, agritech, health tech, etc) in emerging markets. About SAFEEM SAFEEM (Swiss Association For Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets) is a Geneva-based non-profit organization on a mission to support entrepreneurs in emerging markets through technology and entrepreneurship. SAFEEM is an independent organisation that operates in partnership with Seedstars, a global investment holding with a similar goal of impacting people's lives in emerging markets through technology and entrepreneurship. The organization works with Seedstars staff and has an Equivalency Determination (ED) certificate from NGOsource, proving its equivalence to a Certified Public Charity. SAFEEM has previously collaborated with various organizations such as UN Environment (UNEP), GIZ, European Union, Visa Foundation, and more to fuel economic growth and create jobs in emerging markets. About the Programs business Seedstars Programs consults multilateral and bilateral organisations, governments, and private sector foundations on customized interventions and financing solutions for small and growing businesses (SGBs) in emerging markets. Our goal is to create thriving entrepreneurship ecosystems and generate positive social and economic impact in the global south and developing economies.

We support our clients in: Developing entrepreneurship ecosystems (insights and advice on policy, finance, culture, support infrastructure, human capital, and markets) based on our proprietary Seedstars Index. Designing and co-creating customized interventions and implementing programs based on the segmentation of businesses and their specific needs. Setting up innovative development finance facilities and managing capital flows (VC & Equity program funds, Convertibles, Catalytic finance instruments, Impact linked finance, blended finance, result or revenue-based finance, loans, mezzanine, grants, etc.). Measuring and managing the impact of programmatic interventions. The majority of our projects are sustainable development goal (SDG) driven and tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges like climate action, gender equality, migration, and financial inclusion. About the Program SEED Inclusivity (Seedstars Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development Inclusivity) is a comprehensive entrepreneurship intervention that is designed to provide support to entrepreneurs with disabilities and disability-supporting businesses through capacity-building, access to financing pathways, ecosystem development, and engagement with key stakeholders in Asia. About the Position As a Program Manager you will be part of the team managing and coordinating entrepreneurship programs we run throughout Asia. Your main objectives will be to (1) make sure startups gain value out of the programs we provide (2) ensure partner satisfaction and coordination (3) Ensure that the programs are being delivered successfully and that we have the right teams in place. This is a fully remote opportunity starting in Q3, 2024, for a two-year program initially, with the possibility of an extension.

Preference is given to applicants based in India.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Responsibilities Full cycle Acceleration/ Incubation program delivery: From program design, implementation, to reporting. Managing partner relationships (KPI alignment, deliverable validation, feedback, etc.).

Project administration (contract finalisation, invoicing, budget tracking, reporting, etc.) Coordinating and training teams on delivery.

Communication with all stakeholders (internal, with startups, and with the partners and clients).

Tracking, monitoring and evaluation of program metrics and milestone completion.

Ensuring the program stays on budget and time.

Identify areas of improvement for the programs and share best practices.

Work hand-in-hand with the external mentors / experts to prepare their sessions and train and prepare them how to work with the entrepreneurs to provide the best possible value through their interactions.

Support and lead initiatives for community growth and engagement as well as investor relations.

Your profile

Your mindset

Passion for problem solving and striving for excellence.

Knack for coordination. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and fast-paced environment. Excellent team player with high levels of empathy. Your Experience

5+ years progressive experience in a leading development sector, or entrepreneurial support organisation in running entrepreneurship capacity building programs in collaboration with bilateral & multilateral organisations, private sector foundations and governments, or experience as a founder in the inclusivity and disability space. Strong understanding of disability issues, inclusive policies, digital technologies, and their role in economic and social development. Deep knowledge and experience with our target client groups and donors (bilateral & multilateral organizations, NGOs, private sector foundations, etc.)

Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills. Strong project management, organizational and time management skills. Nice to have

Deeply involved in and knowledgeable about the startup ecosystem in your country or region with a strong network.

You are either a local entrepreneur or innovation enthusiast.

Why our employees love working with us We are on a mission that is bigger than all of us: to impact people’s lives in emerging markets. You get many growth and learning opportunities early on, including impactful and skills-enhancing roles in innovative programs. Robust onboarding to translate our values and ways of working into successful outcomes. Excellent networking opportunities, including exposure to thought leaders and SMEs in the field of entrepreneurial support. An entrepreneurial culture where you’re surrounded by a vibrant and diverse team. Autonomy and flexibility with a flat hierarchy and a strong belief that responsible people should have the freedom to do their work when and how they want. We were awarded as one of the most democratic workplaces in the world due to our freedom-centered practices.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a diverse mix of nationalities and backgrounds represented in our company. We truly value diversity and believe that the cultural landscape of our organization should reflect the types of work that we engage in and the places that we do it. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and strongly encourage women, people from emerging markets, and those from historically underrepresented groups to apply to all of our roles at Seedstars. Powered by JazzHR

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