Program Manager: Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion – Equity Bank
Job Purpose
To provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of Enterprise Development and Financial Inclusion (ED&FI) thematic programs—driving enterprise growth, job creation, financial inclusion, and livelihood improvements through effective capacity-building, partnerships, and resource management.
Roles & Responsibilities
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Program Design & Delivery: Support and lead the design, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of ED&FI programs and initiatives aligned with strategic objectives under assigned thematic areas.
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Strategic Growth & Financial Access: Drive enterprise growth, livelihood improvement, and financial inclusion by facilitating access to finance, market opportunities, digital solutions, and relevant enterprise support services for beneficiaries (including youth, women, and underserved segments).
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Partnership & Ecosystem Management: Build and manage strategic partnerships with donors, government agencies, financial institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to strengthen program delivery, sustainability, and visibility.
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Performance, Risk & Compliance Management: Manage program performance, budgets, work plans, risk mitigation, compliance requirements, and reporting to ensure quality, efficiency, and target achievement.
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Team Leadership & Capacity Building: Lead, coach, and develop high-performing program teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.
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Monitoring, Evaluation & Knowledge Management: Oversee monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL), knowledge management, and impact measurement processes to support evidence-based decision-making, reporting, and impact storytelling.
Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Development Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or a related business field (a PhD in a relevant field is an added advantage).
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Mandatory Certification in ILO Start & Improve Your Business (SIYB) (additional professional certifications in Project Management, IFC Business Edge, UNCTAD Empretec, PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile are advantageous).
Skills, Experience & Competences
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Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in enterprise development, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, or related program management.
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Proven experience leading complex programs, multi-disciplinary teams, and budgets while delivering measurable business or financial inclusion outcomes.
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Demonstrated experience leveraging technology, digital platforms, and innovation to improve program effectiveness, scale, and enterprise competitiveness.
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Strong understanding of the MSME sector, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and economic development dynamics in Kenya and the East/Central Africa region.
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Demonstrated expertise in managing risks, governance processes, compliance, and stakeholder reporting within donor-funded, financial services, or development environments.