Senior Program Manager – VEGA’s African SME Technical Assistance Facility (VAST)
Summary
VEGA is seeking a candidate with hands-on experience working with impact/venture capital in emerging markets
for its new VAST Senior Program Manager position. The candidate’s primary responsibilities will include
management and coordination of the launch and ramp up of the VAST initiative to mobilize strategic technical
assistance to help fill the talent gap limiting the growth and expansion of SMEs in Africa. The Senior Program
Manager will play a critical role in helping VEGA to mobilize donor/DFI/investor resources, screen/pre-qualify
partner impact/venture capital funds, and engage closely with participating VEGA Member NGOs. The ideal
candidate will demonstrate experience with the challenges faced by impact/venture capital fund managers in
addressing the growing demand for a “capital-plus” approach to SME growth. Reporting directly to the Managing
Director for Business Development, he/she will also be responsible for coordinating the operational aspects of the
program’s grant-making, technical assistance provider mobilization, monitoring/oversight, and impact reporting
functions.
This position offers the right individual the opportunity to become an integral part of a small but dynamic team of
professionals dedicated to advancing economic growth volunteerism as a means of combating poverty and
promoting prosperity in emerging markets.
Specific Responsibilities
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Outreach to donors/DFIs/Investors. In close coordination with VEGA’s Business Development team, the
position requires leadership in identifying, researching and preparing VAST marketing outreach to
potential donors/DFIs/investors. Mobilization of grant resources is critical for VAST to achieve a scale of
operations that will more fully tap into the VEGA Member NGOs’ network of highly skilled volunteer and
consultant experts in meeting partner fund SME TA needs.
Recruitment and screening of Partner Impact/Venture Funds. The position will be responsible for
recruiting potential partner funds that meet the established VAST criteria with respect to track record,
management integrity, commitment to SME growth and impact reporting, and cost recovery.. Coordinate
the negotiation of agreements and templates for grant applications to be used in financing SME TA
assignments.
Interface with VEGA Member NGOs. The position will work closely with the Managing Directors of
Business Development and Program Management and Compliance, respectively, to facilitate the active
involvement of interested Member NGOs. Coordinate the negotiation of agreements and fee schedules
which will be necessary for the ease and efficiency of VAST’s response to SME TA needs, as identified by
the participating fund managers. Coordinate the internal workings of VEGA’s clearinghouse role under
VAST.
Field Representative Oversight and Coordination. Until VAST achieves sufficient scale to warrant the
hiring of field representatives, the position will be responsible for occasional travel for
oversight/coordination with participating fund managers. As the program grows, the position will be
responsible for recruiting and direct supervisory responsibility for field representatives for East and West
Africa, including establishing agreements with ‘anchor’ support organizations.
Impact Monitoring and Reporting. The position will be responsible for ensuring that SME impact
indicators are clearly established with participating fund managers and aggregating the data contained in
fund manager reports so as to be responsive to donor/DFI/investor expectations. Prepare periodic stories
on volunteer impact and the value of impact/venture capital for SME growth on VEGA’s blogs and in
marketing materials required for expanding the VAST model in Africa and, potentially, in other emerging
markets as well. Coordinate and facilitate meetings with key partner organizations, update key contacts,
and maintain detailed notes from meetings.
Job Requirements
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Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in subject relevant to international development and finance, including
agriculture, business administration, financial management, economics, entrepreneurship and SME start-up
and growth;
At least 7 years of experience successfully managing international development programming, especially
experience in EG, and/or SME support, and/or designing, managing, and monitoring donor/DFI/investor
programs focused on emerging markets;
Experience working within a consortium of organizations a plus;
Knowledge of or experience with international volunteers and business development services;
Outstanding abilities to communicate both in oral and written communications;
Ability to work under pressures and tight deadlines with accuracy, professionalism, and a sense of humor
Experience living or working in Africa a plus.
Application Instructions
VEGA will conduct interviews on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please send a resume, a cover
letter with salary requirement to jobs@vegaalliance.org. Compensation Salary will be commensurate with the
candidate’s experience. VEGA offers an excellent benefits package.
VEGA is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.
About VEGA
The Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings together its
25 members to implement economic growth projects overseas. Our member organizations incorporate highly-skilled
volunteers into most or all of their programs. Our mission is to mobilize our Alliance’s 100,000 highly-skilled
volunteers to stimulate sustainable economic growth in emerging markets. We believe that increasing economic
growth is the best way to help people lift themselves out of poverty and improve their quality of life.
Our Core Values are:
 We believe economic growth that emphasizes innovation, local partnerships, and integrated solutions, is the
best way to promote prosperity.
 We believe in the power of volunteerism.
 We believe in the spirit of collaboration as an alliance of NGOs partnering with donors and corporate,
philanthropic, and community organizations.