Director of Programmes

Deadline: 31 August, 2024
Location: Berlin, Germany; travel is expected
Duration: initially 12 months

About the Westerwelle Foundation:

The Westerwelle Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on empowering entrepreneurs in emerging markets through startup hubs and support programmes. The foundation was established in 2013 by the former German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and entrepreneur Ralph Dommermuth.

Through the startup hubs and programmes, the Westerwelle Foundation assists young entrepreneurs who contribute to social, economic, and ecological development in their communities. Activities include managing co-working spaces, mentorship, workshops, networking events, and financial support to foster business creation and growth.

Headquartered in Berlin, the Westerwelle Foundation has branches in Tunis (Tunisia), Kigali (Rwanda), Arusha (Tanzania), and soon in Mombasa (Kenya). Currently, the Westerwelle Foundation employs 24 staff, including 18 African nationals and 16 women.

Director of Programmes

Overview:

We are looking for an outstanding interim Director of Programmes to join the Westerwelle Foundation team. This pivotal role entails spearheading and coordinating our fundraising efforts, managing key relationships with partners and investors, and leading the implementation of our programmes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership in the design, delivery, reporting and auditing of all programme activities, ensuring alignment with our mission and strategic objectives. A strong track record in programme management, fundraising acumen, and the ability to foster and maintain meaningful partnerships are essential for success in this role. If you are passionate about driving impactful initiatives and making a difference, we invite you to apply.

The Director of Programmes is a member of the Westerwelle Foundation Management Team and reports directly to the Managing Director based in Berlin.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven leader looking to work in a fast-paced, exciting environment with lots of international touchpoints. If you are passionate about driving impactful initiatives and making a difference, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Lead global fundraising efforts for programmes within the Westerwelle Foundation, including tracking, analysing and steering pipeline of sales. Programmes refers to startup support projects that span the stages of ideation, incubation and acceleration for entrepreneurs in emerging markets (Africa, Asia, Latin America). These programmes deliver impact to entrepreneurs through training workshops, 1:1 mentorship and advisory, investor matchmaking, peer learning sessions and community events. We currently support around 20 programme cohorts and 500 participating entrepreneurs each year.
• Functionally manage the Programmes team in Berlin, Tunis, Arusha, Kigali, Mombasa, which usually consists of 1-2 Programme Managers and Coordinators in each local office.
• Provide individual support to Programme Managers for conceptualization, drafting and negotiation of key programmes and accounts
• Provide quality assurance across implementation of programmes within the Westerwelle Foundation, including in-person visits of local hubs to assess quality and support delivery of key programme activities. Handle regular reporting.
• Support Country Directors on HR topics within the programmes department
• Collaborate with the Director of Community & Marketing on impact tracking, visibility and events // collaborate with Global Finance Manager on procurement, payment and auditing
• Maintain and grow relationships with a global pool of mentors and investors

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 7 years’ experience or Masters degree with 5 years’ experience in Business administration, Economics, Marketing, International development, Entrepreneurship or a related field. Certifications in project management, business, or entrepreneurship are preferred.
• Experience in raising public grants and corporate sponsorship for NGOs and/or international development projects upwards of 1MEUR
• Experience in an entrepreneurship support organization is a plus
• Understanding of the startup and investment landscape in Europe and Africa
• Experience in managing international, cross-cultural teams
• Demonstrable experience in budget management, financial management and reporting, and resource allocation.
• Fluency in English is required; German is strong plus; knowledge of other languages is advantageous.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills, capable of driving team performance and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient in strategic planning and project management tools such as Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar.
• Excellent sales and marketing skills.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive program plans and events that align with strategic objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to design and implement KPIs and monitor program success.
• Ability to work independently, adhere to strict deadlines, and function effectively as a member of a global team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, and think, plan, and execute resourcefully.
• Experienced networker and clear communicator, comfortable being in front of a group.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and accountability, with a strong commitment to organizational values.
• Resilient and agile, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments.
• Passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, with a genuine interest in supporting startups and contributing to their growth.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds and across geographical boundaries.

What we offer:

• Competitive remuneration consisting of a base salary and a performance-based bonus
• Remote work option (typically 3 days from home)
• Generous vacation time (30 day per annum)
• Committed global team and impact-oriented workplace
• Opportunity to travel on a regular basis
• High degree of autonomy and ability to shape strategic direction of the Foundation

How to Apply: Please apply and submit your resume using the link below. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can contribute to the success of Westerwelle Foundation.