Funding to Build Manager, Africa Acumen Academy at Acumen

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Design


Refine and Define Funding to Build strategic priorities in alignment with Green RISE Africa and Acumen Academy Objectives, with a clear focus on green job creation for young women and youth.
Design the overall program structure, annual calendar, and end-to-end process for each cycle.
Develop and oversee pipeline-building, outreach, and communications strategies for the full program timeline.
Lead the design and iteration of the Funding to Build application form.


Application, Selection & Grant Execution


Lead the end-to-end application and selection process, ensuring a clear, equitable, and well-managed applicant experience.
Design and oversee information sessions, evaluation frameworks, and selection panels, including the appointment and management of panelists.
Synthesize assessments and support panels with decision-ready recommendations on final awardees.
Lead due diligence for selected entrepreneurs, coordinating legal, financial, and compliance reviews.
Oversee grant agreement execution and readiness for disbursement in line with internal controls and governance standards.


Post-Disbursement & Impact Management


Lead structured onboarding for funded entrepreneurs.
Track financial, operational, and impact KPIs across the portfolio.
Monitor reporting compliance at key milestones.
Produce consolidated impact and learning reports.
Generate insights and recommendations to strengthen future funding cycles.


Qualifications & Skills


Minimum of 8 years of experience in program and/or grants management, impact investing, enterprise support, venture building or related fields.
Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end funding or selection processes.
Strong understanding of early-stage entrepreneurship, ideally within climate or sustainability sectors.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience translating data into insights.
Proven people management experience.
High attention to detail, integrity, and comfort operating within governance frameworks.