Join AECF as Chief of Staff & Associate Director Strategy
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for private sector development and a deep understanding of African markets? The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is looking for a Chief of Staff & Associate Director Strategy to join our dynamic team. This high-impact leadership role offers an incredible opportunity to shape the strategic direction of AECF and drive meaningful change across sub-Saharan Africa.
About the Role
The Chief of Staff & Associate Director Strategy will be a key strategic partner to the CEO, working closely with senior leadership to ensure that AECF’s vision, mission, and goals are achieved. This role requires a structured, analytical, and proactive professional who can drive high-level decision-making, oversee market analysis, and align strategic initiatives with AECF’s long-term objectives.
As a key member of the executive team, the incumbent will play a crucial role in bridging communication between senior leadership, employees, and key stakeholders while driving high-impact projects that contribute to the growth and success of AECF’s mission. The role reports directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
1. Thought Partnership & Strategic Support
- Provide data-driven insights and analysis to support high-stakes decision-making.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership, acting as a sounding board for strategic discussions.
- Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive intelligence to provide timely recommendations.
- Coordinate and facilitate key executive meetings, including ExCO meetings, town halls, and strategy reviews.
- Support the CEO’s participation in internal and external high-stakes engagements and stakeholder meetings.
- Drive efficiency and effectiveness across AECF’s operations by identifying areas for improvement and implementing change management initiatives.
2. Strategy Advisory & Planning
- Lead periodic reviews of AECF’s corporate strategy to ensure relevance and adaptability to emerging trends and lessons learned.
- Drive the execution of key strategic initiatives and special projects in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Work closely with the executive team to develop and implement strategic priorities that align with AECF’s overarching goals.
- Establish a structured approach to strategy execution, ensuring alignment with the organization’s values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Support the communication of strategic priorities to internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Foster a culture of innovation by developing clear processes for idea generation and implementation.
3. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a bridge between the CEO, leadership team, and both internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment.
- Prepare strategic briefing materials for the CEO’s meetings, ensuring effective positioning.
- Represent the CEO in high-level meetings and engagements, ensuring consistent messaging and organizational alignment.
Qualifications, Experience & Attributes
- Over 10 years of experience in strategy consulting, business intelligence, or international development.
- Proven track record of successfully serving as Chief of Staff or Strategy Lead in a mid-sized organization within the impact investing sector.
- Ability to take initiative and lead independently while fostering collaboration within cross-functional teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strategic focus.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with fluency in English; knowledge of French is a plus.
- Highly organized and analytical, with a talent for structured thinking.
- Ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders, team members, and stakeholders at all levels.
- Passionate about managing teams and driving outcomes that contribute to AECF’s mission.
- Self-reflective and aligned with AECF’s core values of innovation, collaboration, and valuing people.
Why Join AECF?
At Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, we are committed to empowering businesses and driving impactful change across Africa. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization dedicated to fostering innovation, promoting private sector development, and unlocking economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.
If you are a strategic leader who thrives in a high-energy, mission-driven environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
How to Apply
AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications will be considered based on merit, without discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Please note: AECF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, etc.).
To view the full job description and submit your application, visit https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org.
Your application must be received by March 19, 2025 to be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Location: Kenya
Department: People & HR, Operations
Posted on: March 5, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
