The Role
Our Mission
We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.
Who We Are
500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments and corporations on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000+ companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 180+ team members are located in 27 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
Job Scope:
The Program Manager will be responsible for leading and executing all startup programs and activities on the ground in Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting to the Program Director, this role is critical to the success of various initiatives, including accelerators, founder-focused events, and ecosystem-building efforts.
This position requires a strong understanding of the startup journey and a passion for entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development. The Program Manager will work closely with founders, mentors, partners, and internal teams to ensure a seamless and impactful program experience.
Key focus areas include program design and execution, curriculum planning, startup and mentor engagement, stakeholder management, community-building activities, and data reporting. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments and brings a mix of structure, empathy, and adaptability to their work.
Essential Functions
- Oversee the initiative end-to-end, including but not limited to curriculum adaptation, program planning, budget management, marketing, and recruiting startups and mentors.
- Implement and ensure the successful delivery of the program, including optimizing startup engagement and measuring startup satisfaction.
- Partner and client management together with the rest of the team, as well as administrative duties.
- Keep track of program data and cohort information, and create reports to share with internal and external stakeholders.
- Take the lead on all program prep and execution, ensuring everything and everyone is where they need to be.
- Together with the other team members, drive community engagement by planning and executing social events for program founders and the local startup ecosystem.
- Continuously manage and generate brand awareness around 500 Global, the initiative, and our founders, including establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience in financial institutions, startups, VC, technology industries, or consultancy businesses, including 2 or more years managing accelerator programs.
- Experience in project management or program management.
- Existing relationships within the startup or investment ecosystem in Nairobi, Kenya, and the wider African regions.
- Mastery of project management tools to drive efficiency and execution.
- Fluent in English and one or more key regional languages.
Preferred Qualifications
- Entrepreneurial/founder experience.
- Experience working with startups, corporations, or government agencies, particularly in innovation-driven sectors.
- Strong background in data analysis and reporting.
This is a 1-year contract with the potential for extension.
500 Global does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
500 Global collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details. If you are a California Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.
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The Company
What We Do
500 Global is a venture capital firm with over $2.7B in Assets Under Management that invests early in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth.
500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 2,600 companies operating in 80 countries. Our portfolio includes 51 companies valued at over $1 billion and 140 companies valued at over $100 million.
Our 140+ plus team members are located in more than 15 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
