The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a program within the Aspen Institute. ANDE is a global network of intermediary organizations that propel small business entrepreneurship in emerging markets with a strong focus on enhancing positive societal impact. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction and evidence of the role of SGBs in job creation, stimulating long-term economic growth, and producing environmental and social benefits. Ultimately, we believe that SGBs can help lift countries out of poverty.

Launched with 34 members in 2009, ANDE now has more than 270 members that collectively operate in more than 150 countries. Members of ANDE include both for profit and nonprofit investment funds, capacity development providers, research and academic institutions, development finance institutions, foundations and corporations from around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with a network of eight chapters across key developing economies in Africa, The Americas and Asia, the ANDE team works hard to support members globally and locally, while supporting strong ecosystems for entrepreneurial growth and impact. ANDE develops unique initiatives to address systemic challenges and seize opportunities that can only be approached through collective action.

ANDE’s West Africa Chapter is looking for a part time Program Associate, based in Lagos. The role will require a minimum commitment of 30 hours a week and it is a 6-month, time limited contract.

The Job Spec

If multi-tasking was an Olympic sport, you’d be a gold medal contender. Given a flip chart, some post-it notes, and a room full of passionate people – you can easily come up with and implement a plan that everyone is excited to be part of. You thrive in a start-up environment. You can pivot on a dime, and often can’t sleep until a problem is addressed.  You love the idea that your program management, organizational and networking skills could contribute to a better livelihood for entrepreneurs throughout West Africa.

Job Responsibilities

Day to day work involves a wide variety of tasks from membership communication to database updates and management, topic area research and event content development and delivery. Each day will be different, but this role will provide exposure to a wide variety of skills experience and topic areas throughout the small and growing business space in developing countries. Specific responsibilities include:

Leading and owning the full implementation scope of specific project initiatives, such as ANDE Gender and Climate Initiative, Learning Labs and training programs.
Project managing larger initiatives that may span various departments and offices. Helping to structure programming and working with implementation staff to ensure quality delivery of program and tracking allocations and budgets to ensure projects are within budget
Building and maintaining relationship with members, facilitating connections between the network and identifying new opportunities for members to highlight the value of ANDE membership
Owning the development of content, scheduling of, and logistics for meetings and networking events for members, as well as topic area webinars, providing guidance to junior staff as necessary to put on high quality events for the ecosystem
The work routine involves a mix of in-office hours, work from home and external events. Flexible hours and remote work to enable communications with our international staff and members in other time zones is often needed.
Managing other chapter administrative tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate for this role has the following desired skills/experience:

Has 3-5 years’ experience working in a similar role
Has experiences working in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and has good knowledge of ecosystem actors.
Is resourceful, proactive and excited to learn and take on new challenges
Is organized, goal-oriented and excels at handling multiple priorities at once
Excels at problem solving, and is an efficient process development guru
Familiar with leading online platforms or excited about the opportunity to learn new systems
Is a true team player and is excited about engaging with many cultures and learning about the sector
Thrives in a startup environment, where it is on you to make it work

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preference will be given to those with Master’s degree or have background in entrepreneurship, social impact, economics or business development
Can accommodate the possibility of travel in the region, should the opportunity arise
Is fluent in English. Ability to communicate in French at intermediate level is desirable.
Experience studying or working overseas highly preferred.
All applicants must have current authorization to work in Nigeria.

Our Values

The candidate will align with ANDE’s values. At ANDE we:

Are motivated by the urgency of the global challenges we are trying to address
Embrace diverse experiences and perspectives
Value community and collaborative action
Leverage limited resources for maximum impact
Work hard and have fun

How to Apply / Contact

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, salary expectations, and resume to Confidence Ibomeze at confidence.ibomeze@aspeninstitute.org and please cc’ Olatunji Ajani at olatunji.ajani@aspeninstitute.org, on or before 10th February, 2021

Applications without cover letter and salary expectations will not be considered. Please send your yearly gross salary (cost to company) expectation in Naira.