Project Manager - Startup Pakistan

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are Education & ECD, Health & Nutrition, Rural Development, Work & Enterprise, Civil Society, Agriculture & Food Security and Climate Change & Resilience.

The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan (AKF(P)) is seeking high caliber professional for the following position to be based in Islamabad, Pakistan and frequent travel to project areas/sites.

“Project Manager, Startup Pakistan”

The incumbent will report to the Programme Advisor - Rural Development, Civil Society & Habitat AKF(P). Project Manager will be responsible for overall project oversight, coordination, and timely execution of activities, ensuring achievement of agreed deliverables and availability of credible information and quality periodic reports. The incumbent(s) will be the focal person and act as a communication hub and link between implementing partners and donors.   

Project Manager will work collaboratively with core functions within AKF(P) and with Accelerate Prosperity, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme. The role involves overseeing activities as per the approved workplan, in line with donor and AKF guidelines/policies and in cognition of respective regulatory frameworks.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Project Oversight & Compliance:

• Provide oversight and develop pertinent project management tools and mechanisms to track progress against key targets and sectoral objectives on innovative solutions, digital and green opportunities ICT, green construction, health, and education sectors.
• Lead donor engagement, including periodic, dynamic and timely communication with donor focal point, responding to contractual requirements to a high-quality standard, coordinating donor review and approvals. This will span from programmatic and financial reporting to procurement processes, compliance with Environment and Social Framework, Safeguarding policy.
• Coordinate yearly work plan development against approved targets, in consultation with AKF(P) critical functions and project teams
• As needed, provide proactive support for troubleshooting and the development of adaptation strategies, ensuring effective actions to mitigate impacts on the project timeline and deliverables
• Coordinate the convening of the Project Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee, engaging with the donor and partners at the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications and Ignite. The Project Manager will ensure facilitation and timely follow up of action items.
• Coordinate and organise donor missions in collaboration with AKF(P) admin and security leads and programme teams
• Support the development and roll out of visibility and communication actions to showcase the project and its impact, in coordination with AKF(P) Communications department, as well as represent the project at external events.
• Provide technical backstopping to the project teams on key areas such as engagement with government stakeholders, gender mainstreaming, start-up ecosystem development activities as well as technical assistance and investment provided to start-ups

Risk and Compliance:

• Oversee compliance risk monitoring, including building capacity of project teams on applicable compliance, coordinating spot check verifications with a specific emphasis on the project’s financing activities
• Coordinate due diligence of banking partners and risk assessments, as required by KfW procedures and the project specific risk framework.
• Ensure adequate upward risk communication to senior management, in coordination with Programme Advisor - Rural Development, Civil Society & Habitat AKF(P)
• Lead and streamline procurement processes across the project teams, including coordinating applicable chains of approvals from tender document development to contracting, in compliance with KfW procurement rules.
• Lead international procurements for the project, in alignment with specific project requirements
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL):conduct periodic monitoring along with follow-up reporting.
• Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as business revenues, financing secured, jobs created, and startup profitability, ensuring they align with project goals.
• Oversee the timely formulation of periodic reports.
• Develop a clear monitoring and evaluation framework with specific indicators to track progress and measure success over time.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Master's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, or a related field. An M.Phil degree is a plus.
• Experience: 7+ years in a project oversight role within a startup and financing ecosystem, ideally including experience in project management, accelerator programs, venture capital environment, and access to finance initiatives.
• Skills: Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, business development, and scaling strategies. Excellent communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Network: A well-established network within the startup and investment community is highly desirable.
• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with the ability to inspire and motivate founders.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Start-up and SME ecosystem in Pakistan.
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, programme management, field work, communication, strategy, programme design, and teamwork.
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.
• Computer literate, excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of management.
• Experience of 5 or more years of managing projects funded by KfW will be an asset.
• Experience and expertise in project oversight, particularly in the context of supporting and financing start-ups.

AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding Policy and expects all staff, volunteers and representatives to share this commitment. Background checks and approved vetting procedure will be required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is October 28, 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.