Programs and Operations Lead

United States International University - Africa is an independent, not-for-profit institution located in Nairobi, serving 6512 students from 69 nationalities and offering 24 degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral level.

The Programs and Operations Lead will be responsible for overseeing program implementation and delivery within the Innovation and Incubation Center, coordinating key activities such as mobilization, onboarding, mentorship, and pitching. They will specifically lead the implementation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) 2.0, managing scholar engagement, entrepreneurship activities, and funding processes. The role also includes providing coaching and mentorship to scholars and entrepreneurs, reviewing curricula, and coordinating operational aspects like meetings, events, and reporting. Additionally, the lead will coordinate implementation teams, engage with stakeholders, and support strategic improvements for program quality and efficiency.

1. Lead the coordination and implementation of programs and activities within the Innovation and Incubation Center.
2. Coordinate key program activities including mobilization, onboarding, induction, mentorship, coaching, pitching, showcases, and graduation.
3. Ensure planned activities, milestones, and deliverables are achieved within agreed timelines and quality standards.
4. Coordinate implementation teams and follow up on outstanding actions to support effective program delivery.
5. Lead the implementation and coordination of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) 2.0 across different entrepreneurship pathways.
6. Coordinate scholar engagement, entrepreneurship activities, mentorship, pitching, funding-related processes, and post-funding support.
7. Track scholar participation and progression throughout the program.
8. Coordinate program documentation and reporting related to SEF 2.
9. Provide coaching and mentorship to scholars, students, entrepreneurs, and startups to support their growth and progress.
10. Support participants to strengthen their ventures, clarify their goals, and navigate their entrepreneurship journey.
11. Review curricula and learning content to ensure appropriateness for different entrepreneurship pathways and participant stages.
12. Work with trainers, mentors, and facilitators to identify and address curriculum gaps or areas requiring adjustment.
13. Coordinate the operational aspects of program delivery, including meetings, workshops, events, communication, resources, and follow-up.
14. Track program activities, participation, milestones, outputs, and outcomes.
15. Maintain relevant program data, records, and documentation.
16. Coordinate the preparation of program reports, activity updates, case studies, and presentations.
17. Identify operational challenges and support timely resolution.
18. Coordinate mentors, trainers, consultants, staff, and other stakeholders involved in program implementation.
19. Work collaboratively with the Director and Partnerships & Linkages Lead on stakeholder and partner engagement.
20. Support communication, follow-up, and implementation of agreed stakeholder and partner commitments.
21. Support identification of partnership needs and opportunities arising from program implementation.
22. Support the Director in coordinating the Center’s activities and following up on agreed priorities and actions.
23. Provide practical support in addressing program implementation and operational challenges.
24. Use participant feedback, monitoring findings, program experience, and lessons learned to inform improvements.
25. Recommend and support practical improvements that strengthen program quality, participant experience, and operational efficiency.
26. Represent the Center in meetings, forums, workshops, and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the Director.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution.
2. At least 3 years of progressive experience in program coordination, entrepreneurship development, business advisory, mentorship, or project management, preferably within an educational, innovation, or development environment.
3. Proven experience coordinating entrepreneurship and enterprise development programs, including planning, implementation, participant management, monitoring, reporting, and program close-out.
4. Strong experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting entrepreneurs and young people through structured entrepreneurship and business development programs.
5. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple program activities, stakeholders, timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities effectively.
6. Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, program documentation, and professional communication.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with digital data collection, monitoring and evaluation, program management, and collaboration tools.
8. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify implementation challenges, interpret program data, and develop practical solutions.
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment, innovation, and measurable program impact.