Entrepreneurship Manager

We’re transforming Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries!

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training and research in mathematical sciences, and public engagement in STEM. Its mission is to empower talented young Africans to be creative leaders in Science and Technology. The first AIMS centre opened in Cape Town, South Africa in 2003; since 2011, AIMS has opened additional centres in Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Rwanda.

Each AIMS Centre provides expertly tailored academic and non-academic programs, training around 60 African students per master program each year and preparing them for leadership in the domains of academia, government and industry. The AIMS academic program relies on top international lecturers who teach in a 24-hour learning environment.

If you bring a collaborative spirit with a passion to effect change, consider this opportunity as the…

Entrepreneurship Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS!

Reporting to the Director of Programs Delivery and Reporting, the Entrepreneurship Manager for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will oversee the entrepreneurship and innovation components of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS. The role focuses on creating and executing strategies to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among AIMS students, offering them the necessary skills, resources, and networks to establish successful ventures. You will also collaborate closely with academic partners, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to ensure students are prepared to navigate the distinctive challenges of entrepreneurship in Africa, ultimately contributing to Africa’s economic transformation and shaping the future of Africa.

In this role, you will lead in developing and delivering entrepreneurship curricula, workshops, and boot camps tailored to students’ needs. You will organize hackathons, pitch competitions, and innovation challenges to identify promising entrepreneurial ideas among students and help them access incubation programs, mentorship, and seed funding. In addition, you will collaborate with academic and industry partners to design co-op programs, internships, and applied research projects, seamlessly integrating entrepreneurship training with work integrated learning experiences, and oversee the launch and scaling of entrepreneurship projects by students and alumni, providing them with the necessary support to succeed.

You will Identify and pursue funding opportunities to expand entrepreneurship programs, including grant writing and fundraising, and support students in their efforts to secure seed funding, venture capital, and other financial support for their entrepreneurial ventures.

This is a full-time contract opportunity based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Do you have what we need?

• Master’s degree in entrepreneurship, innovation, business administration, economics, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, business incubation, or innovation management in Africa. Being a former or current entrepreneur is desirable.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling entrepreneurship programs or initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, including knowledge of funding and investment landscapes.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academic institutions, and investors.
• Experience working with youth, particularly in leadership development and capacity building.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment with high autonomy and adaptability.
• Fluency in English is essential; Working knowledge of the French language is a plus.

Are you ready to be a part of the transformation?

Click on this link to apply. Applications will be accepted until October 21, 2024.

Should no feedback be received from AIMS within four weeks of the deadline, kindly accept that your application will not be further pursued. AIMS RIC reserves the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.

AIMS RIC is an equal-opportunity employer. Visit https://www.aimsric.org/ to learn more about AIMS.