Inkomoko’s vision is an Africa with thriving communities where young people and refugees are engaged, communities have access to relevant innovations for self-determination, and where African solutions are unleashed to solve African problems. Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has provided business advisory and access to finance for thousands of entrepreneurs.
The Program Innovation Manager (Pilots) will lead cross-functional innovation projects, from design through pilot implementation, with a focus on digitalization and emerging client needs. This role is central to building inclusive and safe learning environments, continuously seeking feedback and insights to improve impact. The successful candidate will promote a culture of learning, cross-functional teamwork, and capacity building while practicing "radical candor."
Key Responsibilities
Project and Pilot Leadership
- Lead cross-functional innovation projects from design through pilot implementation, focusing on digitalization and emerging client needs.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and stakeholders effectively.
- Develop and test new tools and methodologies to improve client outcomes.
- Ensure consistent follow-through and cross-departmental support for the successful implementation of innovation projects.
- Support the integration of pilot outcomes and insights by working with relevant departments to review and adapt procedures.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Business Growth Services, Investments, MERL, IT, and other departments to ensure successful project execution.
- Align innovation initiatives with Inkomoko’s strategic goals and departmental priorities to promote outcomes-driven collaboration.
- Build relationships and influence across teams to foster ownership, alignment, and momentum for innovation projects.
- Provide flexible cross-functional support to Learning initiatives, including contributing to workshops, materials, and capacity-building.
Research & Evaluation
- Conduct exploratory research on client needs, external innovations, trends, and tools to inform potential pilots.
- Define success metrics and monitor pilot performance.
- Analyze results and data to generate insights and suggest improvements for project effectiveness.
- Conduct feedback loops and iterate based on findings.
Communication and Reporting
- Prepare reports summarizing pilot activities, results, and recommendations.
- Synthesize data and lessons learned into actionable insights to inform decision-making and future initiatives.
- Contribute to the development of templates, manuals, and systems that increase operational efficiency.
- Contribute to donor updates and the dissemination of learning.
Requirements
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for a professional who embodies Inkomoko’s core values and has a results-driven mindset. Key qualifications include:
- 5+ years of experience in project management and program innovation (Required).
- University degree (Master's or equivalent).
- Proven experience managing pilots in a fast-growing NGO or social enterprise.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with high attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize data and insights.
- Adaptability to dynamic environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in French, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Somali, or Swahili is desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
- Familiarity with design thinking, human-centered design (HCD), user research methodologies, or agile methodology.
- Experience collaborating in multicultural, multi-country teams.
- Knowledge of economic development and displaced populations is an asset.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and other data and design tools.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Inkomoko recruitment portal on Workable: Inkomoko Workable Application Link.
