Head of Programs

Position Summary

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Programme Director to lead our Social Entrepreneurship vertical with specific focus on women's entrepreneurship and the intersection of gender and climate resilience. The ideal candidate will develop and implement comprehensive strategies that empower women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses while addressing climate challenges. This senior leadership role will drive programmatic excellence, foster strategic partnerships, and scale innovative solutions that transform communities through gender-inclusive climate entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Programme Development

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of innovative social entrepreneurship programmes that integrate gender equity and climate action
• Develop a strategic vision and roadmap for scaling women-led climate-resilient enterprises
• Identify emerging opportunities and design pilot interventions that can be tested, refined, and scaled
• Ensure programmes are aligned with organizational strategy while responding to evolving community needs
• Establish frameworks for measuring social, environmental, and economic impact of gender-focused entrepreneurship initiatives

Programme Implementation & Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of multiple programmes across the social entrepreneurship vertical
• Manage programme teams, consultants, and implementation partners to ensure high-quality delivery and impact
• Develop operational systems and processes that facilitate efficient programme execution
• Ensure timely achievement of programme milestones and objectives
• Lead periodic reviews and implement adaptive management strategies based on learnings

Knowledge Management & Thought Leadership

• Drive research initiatives that generate insights on gender-climate entrepreneurship models
• Develop knowledge products, case studies, and policy briefs that showcase successful approaches
• Represent the organization in forums, conferences, and policy discussions related to women's entrepreneurship and climate action
• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and participation in expert panels
• Facilitate learning and knowledge exchange within the organization and across the sector

Resource Mobilization & Partnership Development

• Lead fundraising efforts for the social entrepreneurship vertical by identifying opportunities and developing compelling proposals
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with donors, investors, government agencies, and implementation partners
• Develop innovative financing mechanisms that support women entrepreneurs in climate-resilient sectors
• Forge multi-stakeholder partnerships that strengthen the ecosystem for women-led green enterprises
• Mobilize resources for scaling successful models and approaches

Capacity Building & Ecosystem Development

• Design and implement capacity building frameworks for women entrepreneurs focused on climate solutions
• Develop mentorship and acceleration programmes that address gender-specific barriers in entrepreneurship
• Create networks and platforms that connect women entrepreneurs with markets, finance, and technical support
• Foster an enabling ecosystem for women's participation in green economy sectors
• Build internal team capacity on gender-responsive entrepreneurship development approaches

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Establish robust MEL frameworks for tracking programme outcomes and impact
• Implement gender-responsive monitoring systems that capture differentiated impacts
• Lead evaluation processes that generate evidence on effective approaches
• Facilitate learning cycles that inform programmatic adaptations and improvements
• Ensure documentation and dissemination of learnings across the organization

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Business Administration, International Development, Gender Studies, Environmental Management, or related fields
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience with at least 7 years in leadership roles related to entrepreneurship development, gender programming, or climate action
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing women's economic empowerment or entrepreneurship programmes
• Proven track record in managing large-scale development programmes with multiple stakeholders
• Experience working at the intersection of gender, climate, and entrepreneurship

Knowledge and Expertise

• Deep understanding of social entrepreneurship approaches and business development models
• Expert knowledge of gender issues in entrepreneurship and climate change contexts
• Strong grasp of climate finance mechanisms and green business models
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodologies
• Understanding of policy frameworks related to gender equality and climate action
• Knowledge of market systems development approaches

Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding strategic thinking and programme design capabilities
• Excellent team leadership and management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proven fundraising and proposal development expertise
• Ability to translate complex concepts into practical implementation strategies
• Proficiency in programme management and MEL frameworks

Personal Attributes

• Passionate commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability
• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset
• Collaborative approach to leadership and problem-solving
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse contexts
• Resilience and adaptability in complex environments
• Results-oriented with a focus on creating tangible impact

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