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Partnerships Manager Africa
Full time @Bridge for Billions posted 2 days ago in Program & Project Management Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
Job Description
ABOUT US
As one of the largest entrepreneurship networks globally, Bridge for Billions creates, designs, and manages entrepreneurship programs with foundations, corporations, and public entities that have benefited more than 4,000 entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries. We exist to enable more early-stage entrepreneurs of all kinds to thrive, generating jobs and solutions for everyone, so our economies sustainably meet the needs of all.
Bridge for Billions, recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Ashoka, and Acumen, has worked with more than 100 organizations such as Novartis, VISA, and institutions such as the United Nations or IDB Lab in the development of large-scale entrepreneurship programs. In 10 years, Bridge has grown to a team of more than 60 people from nearly 20 nationalities, with headquarters in Madrid, where most of our team is based; an emerging LatAm HQ in Antigua, Guatemala, with a few team members; and a few people based in different places around the world.
JOB MISSION
We’re expanding into Africa in a big way and are looking for a Partnerships Manager to lead efforts in building the visibility, brand awareness, and strategic relationships needed to integrate Bridge for Billions into the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This role will be critical in positioning Bridge for Billions as a trusted and recognized leader in entrepreneurship support across Africa, ensuring our brand is embedded in key networks, events, and conversations. Equally, the Ecosystem Partnerships Manager will drive the identification of potential partners including Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs), potential funding organizations and programmatic collaborators, amplifying the reach and impact of our programs and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
ROLES & CONTRIBUTIONS
1. Develop Strategic Partnerships
- Identify and establish strategic partnerships with organizations, networks, and allies that can amplify Bridge for Billions’ impact and support its systemic change goals.
- Work closely with sales and ESO management teams to ensure a coordinated approach to ecosystem growth, partner engagement, and lead conversion.
- Integrate partnerships into the broader marketing and growth strategy, contributing to lead generation (Clients in priority, ESOs next) and brand positioning efforts.
- Provide regular reports of the performance of partnerships: lead generation, ecosystem engagement, and marketing performance to inform strategic decision-making.
- Create and maintain a well-structured, up-to-date and user friendly partners database that can be used over the whole organization.
- Identify partnership opportunities inside our existing community (eg via mentors, with clients).
- Be a key advisor and strategist for the team regarding ESO acquisition and be an ally in crafting the ESO acquisition strategies.
- Help evolve the value exchange with ESOs to increase their satisfaction and retention.
2. Build Awareness and Generate Leads
- Develop and implement targeted marketing strategies to attract and engage potential B2B clients and ESOs.
- Advise team on key events to attend, set up goals to achieve there, negotiate optimal conditions for attendance (tickets, speaking opportunities, booth…)
- Prepare and support Bridge representatives at events, set clear objectives, and pre-arrange meetings.
- Strategically organize partner meetings linked to demo-days of existing programs (Conecta or direct events).
- Get involved with key clients and explore how to make the most of joint partnerships.
- Manage local memberships: mapping new opportunities
- Qualify and nurture leads, ensuring a smooth handover to the sales team and ESO Manager for final conversion and relationship management.
3. Increase Bridge for Billions integration and engagement in the ecosystem
- Drive PR and communications efforts to position Bridge for Billions as a trusted thought leader in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Ensure the brand is integrated and recognized within key networks, securing memberships and affiliations that enhance credibility.
- Identify high-impact events and speaking opportunities for brand visibility, ensuring attendance is strategic and outcome-focused.
- Act as a key point of contact for ecosystem partners, ensuring clear communication and fostering long-term collaborations.
- Build consistent, culturally resonant messaging and content to strengthen relationships with African stakeholders. Compelling content and messaging that highlights the unique value proposition of Bridge for Billions, resonating with B2B clients, ESOs, and partners.
REQUIREMENTS
Hard Skills
- Experience in ecosystem management, partnership development, or relationship management, with a strong background in marketing and lead generation, preferably within the social impact or entrepreneurship sectors.
- Proven track record in building and managing strategic partnerships within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, including with ESOs, and related stakeholders
- Deep understanding of the African entrepreneurship landscape, including regional nuances, key stakeholders, and challenges faced by startups and ESOs.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a passion for advancing systemic change, entrepreneurship, social impact, and the mission of Bridge for Billions.
- Expertise in planning and leveraging events for networking, brand positioning, and lead generation in the African context.
Skills we look for all Bridge team members:
- Purpose Driven: This position aligns with your life’s purpose, the impact you wish to make, and the person you want to become.
- Values Aligned: You embody our core values of Courage, Grit, Empathy, and Gumption.
- Startup Mindset: You’re collaborative, entrepreneurial, and willing to take responsibility for your work outcomes, operating effectively even when working alone.
- Proactive & Empathetic: You take initiative, are results-driven, and empathetic in all your interactions with team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners.
- Emotionally Intelligent: You have a deep understanding of people’s needs and expectations and can build trust and engagement quickly.
- Passionate & Curious: You are passionate about your work and have a lifelong desire to learn.
- Resilient: You have a growth mindset and the resilience to overcome challenges, understanding that systemic change requires hard work.
- Effective Communicator: You have proven experience in resolving problems and communicating complex ideas clearly to diverse groups in a fast-paced environment.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
- Apply: Submit your application.
- Initial Chat: A brief 30-45 minute conversation to discuss your interest and understand the role.
- Business Case: You’ll receive a challenge to complete within a set time frame.
- Technical Interview: If your challenge is satisfactory, we’ll discuss it further and assess your technical skills.
- Mutual Interview: An open discussion where you can ask us any questions to ensure our company is the right fit for you.
- References: With your consent, we’ll contact two of your references for feedback.
- Offer: If all goes well, you’ll receive a job offer from us.
OFFER INFORMATION
- Compensation: Annual gross salary ranging from $22,000 – $28,000 (USD), depending on experience.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Starting Date: We’re eager to start as soon as we find the perfect fit.
- Position type: Full- Time.
- Type of contract: Full time Contractor to Bridge for Billions PBC, our headquarters in the US (paid holidays).
IMPACT & TEAM
- Our Vision: We’re set on reshaping the entrepreneurship landscape to be more just, inclusive, and effective.
- Make a Real Impact: Join us in aiding entrepreneurs worldwide. As a part of our team, you’ll be at the heart of a rapidly evolving social enterprise.
- Team Dynamics: We’re a passionate, international crew with a shared mission. See what our team members are saying on Glassdoor.
- Company Values: Our four pillars are Gumption, Courage, Grit, and Empathy.
- Referral Incentive: Receive a $200 bonus for successful team referrals ($100 upon hiring and an added $100 after their first 6 months).
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
- Annual Global Retreats: Join us in global company-wide retreats, geared toward alignment and leadership growth, facilitated by external professionals.
- Personal Growth: Take advantage of a dedicated learning budget, tailored for needs like backend bootcamps or leadership training sessions.
- Feedback-Centered Culture: Engage in monthly one-on-ones with your lead and partake in comprehensive quarterly reviews with your peers.
- Skill Sharing: We value cross-training. Team members are urged to share expertise through talks and in-house training.
WELLBEING & TIME OFF
- Vacation Days: You’ll have 23 vacation days, with the option to add more, in addition to chosen local public holidays.
FLEXIBILITY & WORK SET-UP
- Flexible Work Options: Enjoy a blend of flexible work hours and the option to work remotely.
About Bridge for Billions
Bridge for Billions is a social enterprise that co-designs and manages incubation programs for early-stage entrepreneurs with the goal of democratizing access to entrepreneurship and making it more inclusive. We work with partners around the world to customize each program to fit their needs, using a proprietary methodology and a team of experts and mentors. Bridge for Billions supports thousands of purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build inclusive, sustainable companies and create positive change. We are focused on creating entrepreneurship opportunities for all, accelerating growth, and offering entrepreneurship support worldwide.
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