The posting
ABOUT US
Bridge for Billions is one of the largest global entrepreneurship networks, creating and managing entrepreneurship programs with foundations, corporations, and public entities. We have supported over 5,000 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 Coca-Cola, Novartis, VISA, and institutions such as the United Nations or IDB Lab in the development of large-scale entrepreneurship programs. In 8 years, Bridge has grown to a team of more than 50 people from nearly 25 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
The Senior Programme Manager will lead the design and implementation of a large-scale, multi-year entrepreneurship and innovation programme in Tanzania, acting as Bridge for Billions’ local programme owner and primary point of contact for the client. They will be responsible for translating the programme blueprint and methodology into effective on-the-ground day-to-day delivery, mobilising and managing university, ecosystem and programme partners, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders across the Tanzanian entrepreneurship ecosystem.
We are looking for someone who can independently run a complex entrepreneurship program, manage a high-value corporate relationship, lead multiple stakeholders and workstreams, use data to identify when delivery is off track, and act early to protect program quality.
Success in this role means very few surprises: you know how the program is performing, understand where risks are emerging, take action early and come to leadership with recommendations rather than simply escalating problems.
ROLES & CONTRIBUTIONS
1. Program Management & Delivery — 45%
- Own the program end-to-end, from detailed planning and launch through implementation, Demo Day and close-out.
- Translate contractual commitments and program objectives into a clear implementation plan with milestones, owners, dependencies and timelines.
- Lead day-to-day programme delivery and coordinate all activities across the programme cycle
- Lead entrepreneur scouting, selection, onboarding, incubation, mentorship and key program events.
- Monitor entrepreneur progression throughout the program and identify participation, performance or drop-off risks early.
- Ensure program activities are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
- Manage the program budget and resource plan in collaboration with the Programs Director and Finance team.
- Coordinate consultants, Program Associates and other delivery resources supporting the program.
- Maintain a clear view of what is on track, at risk and off track, and drive corrective action where needed.
- Coordinate dependencies across Bridge teams including Product, Marketing, Finance, MEL and Partnerships.
- Ensure the Programs Director can maintain strategic oversight without needing to manage day-to-day program execution.
2. Client & Strategic Stakeholder Management — 15%
- Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison between Bridge for Billions and the project funder.
- Build a strong, trusted relationship with the project funder and ensure consistent alignment around program priorities, progress and expectations.
- Lead regular program review meetings and prepare clear, decision-useful updates for the client.
- Actively listen to and integrate client feedback while protecting program quality and agreed outcomes.
- Communicate challenges and underperformance transparently while bringing clear recovery plans and recommendations.
- Produce high-quality progress reports, presentations and impact narratives for the project funder and other relevant stakeholders.
- Manage expectations across multiple stakeholders and know what can be resolved independently versus what requires leadership involvement.
- Support conversations around program continuity, future cohorts and opportunities to deepen the partnership.
3. Entrepreneur, Mentor & Program Performance — 15%
- Track entrepreneur engagement, progression and completion using program dashboards and agreed KPIs.
- Ensure program data is accurate, current and useful for decision-making.
- Identify entrepreneurs requiring additional intervention and coordinate appropriate support.
- Recruit, onboard and engage high-quality mentors and experts relevant to participating entrepreneurs.
- Monitor mentor engagement and the quality of mentor–entrepreneur relationships.
- Gather entrepreneur and mentor feedback throughout the program and translate it into improvements.
- Work closely with MEL colleagues to ensure outcomes and impact are captured credibly.
- Ensure program reporting reflects actual performance rather than simply activities delivered.
4. Tanzania Ecosystem & Partnership Engagement — 20%
- Build and maintain strong relationships across Tanzania's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
- Engage ESOs, innovation hubs, investors, financial institutions, universities, corporates, public institutions and other relevant actors.
- Identify partnerships that can create tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs, including market access, mentorship, finance, expertise and visibility.
- Build and maintain a strong network of mentors, experts and ecosystem allies around the program.
- Represent Bridge for Billions at relevant ecosystem events and strengthen our visibility and credibility in Tanzania.
- Identify opportunities to connect Tanzanian entrepreneurs and partners to Bridge's wider African and global ecosystem.
5. Knowledge Management & Continuous Improvement — 5%
- Capture key lessons throughout the program rather than waiting until close-out.
- Lead regular retrospectives and translate learning into concrete improvements.
- Document what is working, what is not working and why.
- Bring Tanzanian ecosystem insights into future program design.
- Develop recommendations for future cohorts and potential program scale.
- Ensure systems, relationships and ways of working are stronger at the end of the program than they were at the beginning.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Hard Skills we look for in this particular role:
- Educational Background: Degree in business, project/program management, entrepreneurship, international development, innovation or a related field.
- Professional Experience: At least 5 of relevant professional experience, including significant responsibility for independently managing complex programs or projects.
- Senior Program Management: Demonstrated experience owning programs end-to-end, including planning, budgets, timelines, risk management, stakeholder management, reporting and delivery.
- Entrepreneurship Experience: Strong experience working with entrepreneurs, startups, accelerators, incubators or entrepreneurship support programs.
- Tanzania Ecosystem Experience: Strong understanding of the Tanzanian entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and established relationships with relevant ecosystem actors.
- Corporate/Client Management: Demonstrated experience managing senior external stakeholders, ideally corporate, foundation, donor or institutional partners.
- Data & Performance Management: Strong ability to use data, dashboards and KPIs to understand program health and make management decisions.
- Financial Management: Experience managing program budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
- Team Leadership: Experience coordinating or managing teams, consultants and cross-functional contributors.
- Tech Proficiency: Comfortable working with tools such as Notion, Slack, Google Workspace and spreadsheets, with the ability to quickly learn new platforms and systems.
Soft Skills we look for in this particular role:
- Excellent written and spoken English and Swahili.
- Strong communication skills and ability to communicate complex issues simply and clearly.
- Excellent judgment and ability to make decisions independently.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable managing several priorities and stakeholders at the same time.
- Able to identify what matters most when everything feels urgent.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented — you don't wait for someone else to notice a problem.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and adapting when circumstances change.
- Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across different types of stakeholders.
- A genuine interest in entrepreneurship and the Tanzanian innovation ecosystem.
- Willingness to both think strategically and roll up your sleeves when delivery requires it.
Skills we look for in all Bridge team members:
- Purpose alignment: This position is not just “a job” but aligns with your purpose, the impact you want to make in this world, and who you want to become.
- Values Alignment: You embody our 4 team values: Courage, Grit, Empathy, and Gumption.
- You have a start-up mindset — highly collaborative with an entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. You’re not afraid to be responsible for the outcomes of your work and work independently when required.
- You take the initiative, you’re results-driven, and you show empathy in all your interactions with team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners.
- You have a powerful emotional intelligence that allows you to quickly understand people’s needs and expectations and develop trust, engagement, and commitment in your relationships.
- Passion for your work and lifelong learning.
- Growth mindset and resilience to overcome challenges, and understanding that systemic change requires hard work.
- Definable experience in problem resolution, and communicating complex ideas in coherent terms to a cross-function group in a rapidly scaling environment
OFFER AND LOCATION
Transparent salaries and fair compensation structure, mid-range for the social sector:
- Compensation: Annual salary ranging from USD 23,000- USD 28,000 depending on experience.
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Type of contract: Full-time permanent position (Contractor to Bridge for Billions PBC, our headquarters in the US), with an initial trial period of 6 months. Continuity after the trial will be confirmed based on performance.
- Health Insurance bonus of $60/month added to your salary.
- Benefits: 23 vacation days + public holidays, flexible working, MacBook, global retreats and paid travel to global events, referral bonuses, feedback-driven culture.
- This is a remote-first role: The position may require frequent travel within Tanzania and minimal travel to other countries of operations (such as Kenya or Spain once a year). Please note that while the role is primarily remote, the travel requirements are integral to the position and contribute to a dynamic and collaborative work experience.
- Start date: As soon as we find the right person.
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.
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.
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.
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.
