Job ID: 315757

Program Manager, Circular Economy

AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Apply by: 06 Oct 2026

Relevant Sectors

Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation

Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer

Trade, Finance, Economics, Cooperation, Global

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is seeking a Program Manager, Circular Economy, reporting to the Associate Director - Energy. The role holder provides full-time investment and programme leadership for AECF's circular economy portfolio, with primary responsibility for structuring, appraising and managing investments in private sector enterprises, and secondary responsibility for ensuring investment decisions are informed by sound circular economy principles. Leading a small team and working closely with the sector head, advisory and programme teams, the Programme Manager will manage the investment pipeline, portfolio, work plan, budget and donor reporting.

Key responsibilities:

Investment leadership and portfolio management: lead end-to-end due diligence on prospective portfolio companies; structure financing instruments (results-based repayable grants, blended finance, risk-sharing mechanisms); present recommendations to the investment committee and manage approval-to-disbursement; oversee portfolio monitoring, covenant compliance and results verification under the results-based financing mechanism.
Programme management and coordination: manage planning, budgeting, work planning and reporting; supervise programme team members and consultants; coordinate with donors on work plans, deliverables and reporting; monitor programme and portfolio risk.
Enterprise advisory and investment readiness: oversee technical assistance and investment readiness support covering cleaner production, eco-design, sustainable packaging, recycling, repair and refurbishment, reverse logistics, material recovery and resource efficiency; work with the ESG team.
Market development and knowledge management: engage financial institutions, industry associations, government agencies and development partners; contribute to market research, investment cases and knowledge products; oversee monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

Qualifications and experience:

Postgraduate qualification in Finance, Investment, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance or a related discipline; circular economy or environmental background an added advantage.
At least 10 years' experience in investment, fund/portfolio management, private equity, venture capital, blended finance or development finance, including investing in or supporting private sector enterprises in Africa.
Substantial experience in investment due diligence, structuring financing instruments and managing an investment portfolio.
At least 3 years' experience in programme management or team leadership, including budget and plan management.
Knowledge of circular economy business models preferred but not required; experience with donor-funded blended finance, results-based financing or challenge funds an added advantage.

AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Closing date: 06/10/2026

HOW TO APPLY:

Register and apply at https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org. Applications must be received by 6th October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.