Funding to Build Manager, Africa Acumen Academy — Acumen (Nairobi)

Funding to Build Manager, Africa Acumen Academy

Job Description

The Funding to Build Manager leads the strategic design and execution of grant-making initiatives for the Green RISE Africa program. This role focuses on creating pathways for green job creation among youth and women by managing the entire funding lifecycle—from application design and selection to grant disbursement and post-investment monitoring. The manager ensures that the selection process is equitable and rigorous, coordinating due diligence and compliance reviews to support early-stage entrepreneurs in the climate and sustainability sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Define strategic priorities for the Funding to Build program in alignment with green job creation objectives
• Design the annual program calendar, application frameworks, and end-to-end selection processes
• Lead the selection panel management and provide decision-ready recommendations on grant awardees
• Oversee due diligence for selected entrepreneurs, including legal, financial, and compliance reviews
• Manage grant agreement execution and ensure readiness for disbursement according to internal controls
• Track financial and operational KPIs across the funded portfolio to measure impact
• Produce consolidated learning and impact reports to strengthen future funding cycles
• Lead structured onboarding and ongoing support for funded entrepreneurs

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in grants management, impact investing, or venture building
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end funding cycles and selection processes
• Strong understanding of early-stage entrepreneurship within climate or sustainability sectors
• Proven people management and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate portfolio data into strategic insights
• Commitment to operating within strict governance and integrity frameworks

Method of Application

Apply via:  Acumen on job-boards.greenhouse.io