Category: Education
Location:
As we scale our high-impact SME and skills development initiatives, we are building a curated pool of trusted consultants ready to step in for fixed-term engagements as our pipeline grows. We are looking for exceptional, experienced Programme Managers who are sharp, organised, and impact-driven, professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and know how to deliver on time and within budget.
?Location:Remote, but must be based in Africa; Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dakar, Lagos and Addis Ababa.
?Engagement:Fixed-term consultancy contracts, full or part time, based on pipeline & project demand.
Requirements
SME and Skills Development Expertise:You bring a minimum of 8 years of experience managing programmes focused on entrepreneurship, SME growth, youth employment, or workforce skills development in Africa. You understand that different business segments, from micro-enterprises to growing SMEs to large corporates, require distinctly different support approaches, and you can navigate those nuances with confidence. You are able to lead overarching programme designs from the front, drawing on your own expertise while collaborating effectively with AMI's internal technical experts to shape solutions that are both ambitious and deliverable.
monday.com Mastery:You are not just familiar with monday.com, you use it fluently. You have hands-on experience building and managing project boards, setting up KPI tracking systems, creating workflow automations, and using the platform to give stakeholders real-time visibility into programme progress. This is non-negotiable. You must be ready to manage projects on this platform from day one without a learning curve.
Stakeholder and Client Management:You have a strong and proven track record of managing senior, high-stakes relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape. This includes international development donors, private foundations, corporate partners, and cross-functional internal teams. You communicate with clarity and confidence at all levels, you manage expectations proactively, and you know how to keep relationships strong even when delivery gets complex.
Agile Problem Solving and Critical Thinking:You do not wait for perfect information before moving. You are comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments where priorities shift and no two projects look the same. You think critically, generate practical solutions quickly, and drive results without losing sight of quality or impact. You are equally at ease in the detail and in the big picture.
Please submit your application strictly in the format below. Applications that do not follow this format will not be considered.
Combined Cover Letter and CV (1 page cover letter + 2/3 page CV)— In your cover letter, tell us in your own words why you are the right fit for AMI and for this kind of work. We want to hear your voice. AI-generated cover letters will be immediately disqualified. Your CV should highlight your relevant SME and skills development project history and clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements above.
Rate Card (1 page, appended to your CV)— State your day rate clearly, including currency. Tiered rates based on engagement length or time commitment are acceptable, but all specifics must be explicitly stated.
Details
African Management Institute (AMI) is an organization focused on scaling high-impact SME and skills development initiatives across Africa. They work with entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, youth, and corporate partners to drive workforce skills development and economic growth. AMI manages programs in entrepreneurship, SME growth, and youth employment across multiple African cities including Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dakar, Lagos, and Addis Ababa. They partner with international development donors, private foundations, and corporate entities to deliver ambitious, customized support solutions tailored to different business segments.
