Program Manager, Circular Economy

About the role

The Programme Manager will lead AECF’s circular economy investment portfolio, overseeing due diligence, financing structuring and donor reporting. Based in Nairobi, the role requires full‑time onsite presence and provides strategic leadership across multiple African markets.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end investment due diligence, assessing business models, financial viability and circular economy performance.
• Structure and recommend financing instruments such as results‑based grants, blended finance and risk‑sharing mechanisms.
• Present investment recommendations to the investment committee and manage the approval‑to‑disbursement process.
• Oversee active portfolio management, monitoring financial and operational performance, covenant compliance and results verification.
• Manage programme planning, budgeting, work‑plan development and donor reporting.
• Supervise programme team members and consultants, including technical circular‑economy specialists.
• Coordinate with donors, financial institutions, government agencies and development partners to strengthen financing ecosystems.

Required profile

• Post‑graduate qualification in Finance, Investment, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance or related field.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in investment, fund/portfolio management, private equity, venture capital or development finance in Africa.
• Proven experience conducting investment due diligence, structuring financing instruments and managing investment portfolios.
• At least three years’ experience in programme management or team leadership, including budget and plan management.
• Exposure to circular‑economy business models is preferred but not mandatory.

Required skills

• Strong investment and financial analysis skills, including due diligence and deal structuring.
• Portfolio management and results‑based financing expertise.
• Programme planning, budgeting and donor reporting capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder‑engagement abilities.