Managing Director -Proximate Fund
2025-04-18T17:00:17+00:00
African Development Solutions (Adeso)
https://greatkenyanjobs.com/jsjobsdata/data/employer/comp_5810/logo/adeso.png
https://adesoafrica.org/
FULL_TIME
Nairobi
kenya
00100
Kenya
Business Management and Administration
Management
2025-04-30T17:00:00+00:00
Kenya
8
The Summary Role
As the inaugural Managing Director (MD), you will shape and lead the Proximate Fund from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to turn a bold vision into an operational reality—designing the Fund’s strategy, launching pilot programs, mobilizing resources, and cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of funders, community leaders, and partners.
The MD will operate at the intersection of philanthropy, systems-change, and proximate leadership. We’re seeking a builder-leader-operator—someone who thrives in ambiguity, navigates complex systems with clarity, and moves decisively from concept to execution. This person must be able to co-create bold strategies and lead the daily work of implementation, from designing financial tools to convening local partners and managing workflows.
If you’ve launched or scaled impact-driven ventures and want to reimagine how funding flows in Africa, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting mark. It is ideal for a seasoned, entrepreneurial leader deeply connected to the African continent and ready to redefine philanthropy by affirming local vision and ownership.
You Might be the Right Fit If You…
- Thrive in building from a blank page and navigating complexity.
- Have launched or scaled a fund, venture, or organization rooted in social impact.
- Are energized by proximity, local ownership, and challenging the status quo.
- Possess a systems-change mindset and a bias toward execution.
- Move seamlessly between big-picture strategy and operational detail.
- Are equally comfortable building bold vision and leading day-to-day execution—from piloting tools to shaping investment strategy.
- Are passionate about and connected to communities across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and Implementation
- Lead strategy consultants and country-level partners to map infrastructure and design pilots. Develop and iterate grant making tools aligned with Fund values.
- Co-develop and oversee grant and investment processes tailored to local realities.
- Ensure grantee compliance with donor requirements.
- Strategic Leadership
- Translate the Fund’s bold vision into clear, actionable strategies and operational plans.
- Position the Fund as a catalyst for systemic change in philanthropic capital allocation.
- Continuously align strategies with the needs of communities and the interests of global funders.
- Representation and Fundraising
- Co-lead a robust fundraising strategy with Adeso’s leadership.
- Represent the Fund at high-level philanthropic, donor, and development convenings.
- Cultivate relationships with global and African philanthropists, foundations, DFIs, and private-sector partners.
- Financial Management
- Lead, manage, and execute budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes—ensuring alignment with the Fund’s impact goals, sustainability priorities, and operational realities.
- Develop investment portfolios that align with the Fund’s mission.
- Design risk management frameworks to ensure responsible, community-aligned growth.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build trusted partnerships with proximate leaders, CSOs, community networks, and ecosystem builders.
- Facilitate co-creation with local actors, centring equity and shared ownership in decision-making.
- Develop interdisciplinary advisory networks that support both financial and social outcomes.
- Governance and Compliance
- Establish governance mechanisms for the Proximate Fund and country-level pilots.
- Ensure adherence to Adeso governance frameworks and global regulatory standards.
- Embed accountability, transparency, and mutual trust in all operations.
- Team Leadership
- Recruit and lead a high-performing, entrepreneurial team that reflects the Fund’s mission.
- Foster a culture of trust, learning, iteration, and values-driven leadership.
- Mentor emerging African leaders and build internal capacity for long-term sustainability.
What Success Looks Like
- A fully operational pilot structure is in place, with clear governance, staffing, and systems.
- A compelling implementation roadmap and budget have been launched and iterated.
- Early funders and champions are onboard and actively contributing to the Fund’s growth.
- The Fund is recognized as a pioneering model of trust-based, locally led philanthropy in Africa.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Proven entrepreneurial leadership in launching or scaling impact-driven ventures, funds, or platforms, preferably in the Global South.
- Strong operator’s mindset with experience building organizations or initiatives in complex environments.
- Extensive experience in philanthropy, development finance, or mission-aligned investing.
- Exceptional strategic planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Deep commitment to decolonization, local ownership, and systems transformation.
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize diverse funding—from UHNWIs and philanthropic foundations to DFIs and local donors.
- Outstanding communicator and storyteller with fluency in English (French and local African languages are a strong plus).
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
- Experience working across African countries and cultures with a high degree of cultural fluency.
- Non-traditional candidates, grassroots organizers, or founders of bold initiatives are encouraged to apply.
- Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
- If you’re ready to lead and co-create a new chapter in African philanthropy—where communities are the architects of the future—join us.
Design and Implementation Lead strategy consultants and country-level partners to map infrastructure and design pilots. Develop and iterate grant making tools aligned with Fund values. Co-develop and oversee grant and investment processes tailored to local realities. Ensure grantee compliance with donor requirements. Strategic Leadership Translate the Fund’s bold vision into clear, actionable strategies and operational plans. Position the Fund as a catalyst for systemic change in philanthropic capital allocation. Continuously align strategies with the needs of communities and the interests of global funders. Representation and Fundraising Co-lead a robust fundraising strategy with Adeso’s leadership. Represent the Fund at high-level philanthropic, donor, and development convenings. Cultivate relationships with global and African philanthropists, foundations, DFIs, and private-sector partners. Financial Management Lead, manage, and execute budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes—ensuring alignment with the Fund’s impact goals, sustainability priorities, and operational realities. Develop investment portfolios that align with the Fund’s mission. Design risk management frameworks to ensure responsible, community-aligned growth. Stakeholder Engagement Build trusted partnerships with proximate leaders, CSOs, community networks, and ecosystem builders. Facilitate co-creation with local actors, centring equity and shared ownership in decision-making. Develop interdisciplinary advisory networks that support both financial and social outcomes. Governance and Compliance Establish governance mechanisms for the Proximate Fund and country-level pilots. Ensure adherence to Adeso governance frameworks and global regulatory standards. Embed accountability, transparency, and mutual trust in all operations. Team Leadership Recruit and lead a high-performing, entrepreneurial team that reflects the Fund’s mission. Foster a culture of trust, learning, iteration, and values-driven leadership. Mentor emerging African leaders and build internal capacity for long-term sustainability.
JOB-6802852168ca0
Vacancy title:
Managing Director -Proximate Fund
[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Business Management and Administration, Category: Management]
Jobs at:
African Development Solutions (Adeso)
Deadline of this Job:
Wednesday, April 30 2025
Duty Station:
Nairobi | kenya | Kenya
Summary
Date Posted: Friday, April 18 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed
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JOB DETAILS:
The Summary Role
As the inaugural Managing Director (MD), you will shape and lead the Proximate Fund from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to turn a bold vision into an operational reality—designing the Fund’s strategy, launching pilot programs, mobilizing resources, and cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of funders, community leaders, and partners.
The MD will operate at the intersection of philanthropy, systems-change, and proximate leadership. We’re seeking a builder-leader-operator—someone who thrives in ambiguity, navigates complex systems with clarity, and moves decisively from concept to execution. This person must be able to co-create bold strategies and lead the daily work of implementation, from designing financial tools to convening local partners and managing workflows.
If you’ve launched or scaled impact-driven ventures and want to reimagine how funding flows in Africa, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting mark. It is ideal for a seasoned, entrepreneurial leader deeply connected to the African continent and ready to redefine philanthropy by affirming local vision and ownership.
You Might be the Right Fit If You…
- Thrive in building from a blank page and navigating complexity.
- Have launched or scaled a fund, venture, or organization rooted in social impact.
- Are energized by proximity, local ownership, and challenging the status quo.
- Possess a systems-change mindset and a bias toward execution.
- Move seamlessly between big-picture strategy and operational detail.
- Are equally comfortable building bold vision and leading day-to-day execution—from piloting tools to shaping investment strategy.
- Are passionate about and connected to communities across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and Implementation
- Lead strategy consultants and country-level partners to map infrastructure and design pilots. Develop and iterate grant making tools aligned with Fund values.
- Co-develop and oversee grant and investment processes tailored to local realities.
- Ensure grantee compliance with donor requirements.
- Strategic Leadership
- Translate the Fund’s bold vision into clear, actionable strategies and operational plans.
- Position the Fund as a catalyst for systemic change in philanthropic capital allocation.
- Continuously align strategies with the needs of communities and the interests of global funders.
- Representation and Fundraising
- Co-lead a robust fundraising strategy with Adeso’s leadership.
- Represent the Fund at high-level philanthropic, donor, and development convenings.
- Cultivate relationships with global and African philanthropists, foundations, DFIs, and private-sector partners.
- Financial Management
- Lead, manage, and execute budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes—ensuring alignment with the Fund’s impact goals, sustainability priorities, and operational realities.
- Develop investment portfolios that align with the Fund’s mission.
- Design risk management frameworks to ensure responsible, community-aligned growth.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build trusted partnerships with proximate leaders, CSOs, community networks, and ecosystem builders.
- Facilitate co-creation with local actors, centring equity and shared ownership in decision-making.
- Develop interdisciplinary advisory networks that support both financial and social outcomes.
- Governance and Compliance
- Establish governance mechanisms for the Proximate Fund and country-level pilots.
- Ensure adherence to Adeso governance frameworks and global regulatory standards.
- Embed accountability, transparency, and mutual trust in all operations.
- Team Leadership
- Recruit and lead a high-performing, entrepreneurial team that reflects the Fund’s mission.
- Foster a culture of trust, learning, iteration, and values-driven leadership.
- Mentor emerging African leaders and build internal capacity for long-term sustainability.
What Success Looks Like
- A fully operational pilot structure is in place, with clear governance, staffing, and systems.
- A compelling implementation roadmap and budget have been launched and iterated.
- Early funders and champions are onboard and actively contributing to the Fund’s growth.
- The Fund is recognized as a pioneering model of trust-based, locally led philanthropy in Africa.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Proven entrepreneurial leadership in launching or scaling impact-driven ventures, funds, or platforms, preferably in the Global South.
- Strong operator’s mindset with experience building organizations or initiatives in complex environments.
- Extensive experience in philanthropy, development finance, or mission-aligned investing.
- Exceptional strategic planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Deep commitment to decolonization, local ownership, and systems transformation.
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize diverse funding—from UHNWIs and philanthropic foundations to DFIs and local donors.
- Outstanding communicator and storyteller with fluency in English (French and local African languages are a strong plus).
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
- Experience working across African countries and cultures with a high degree of cultural fluency.
- Non-traditional candidates, grassroots organizers, or founders of bold initiatives are encouraged to apply.
- Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
- If you’re ready to lead and co-create a new chapter in African philanthropy—where communities are the architects of the future—join us.
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36
Level of Education: bachelor degree
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