Programs Manager - Capability Building & Business Programs

Job Purpose

Roles, Responsibilities, Duties

• Lead the creation and implementation of capability building frameworks that support startups, SMEs, and established businesses within the MiZa ecosystem.
• Design, develop, and manage business support programmes including incubators, accelerators, residencies, leadership development, funding readiness, and business growth initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government entities, academic institutions, investors, industry bodies, accelerators, and business networks to expand programme reach and impact.
• Foster collaboration between tenants and ecosystem stakeholders by creating opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation projects.
• Support businesses in market expansion, investment readiness, and development of exportable products and services.
• Work closely with internal operational and technical teams to ensure programmes are strategically aligned, effectively executed, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Monitor programme performance, track KPIs, evaluate impact, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive execution of programmes while ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Introduce talent development and leadership initiatives that strengthen skills pipelines and future workforce capabilities within the ecosystem.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Economic Development, Public Policy, or related field.

Experience and Competencies

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in programme management, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship support, or business capability development.
• Experience working with startups, SMEs, accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, or economic development entities.
• Proven track record in managing cross-functional programmes and stakeholder engagement initiatives.