Program Manager – Transforming Communities in Africa

Program Manager – Transforming Communities in Africa

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Operations

About Us

Wasoko (“people of the market” in Swahili) is revolutionizing access to essential goods and services, transforming communities across Africa. As East Africa’s premier digitized retail distribution platform, empowered by our in-house logistics network, we empower tens of thousands of informal retailers across seven countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia). They use Wasoko to order everyday essentials and access working capital financing.

The informal retailers of Africa serve as the primary, if not exclusive, channel for consumers purchasing over $600 billion worth of essential goods annually. Due to factors like fragmented infrastructure and diverse populations, traditional mass eCommerce struggles to meet the continent’s needs. Instead, the informal retail ecosystem holds the key to enabling digital commerce across Africa.

This is where Wasoko steps in. Leveraging our brand, scale, and logistics network, we’re positioned to create technology-driven solutions for serving over 1 billion African consumers through informal retailers. We’re crafting a digital-first operating system for informal retailers, starting with B2B distribution and expanding to include tools and services that maximize value for communities across the continent.

Role Overview

As a Program Manager at Wasoko, you’re a go-getter and problem solver, unafraid to venture beyond your comfort zone and tackle challenges head-on. In this role, you’ll spearhead the design and execution of strategic cross-functional programs and projects, supporting critical business objectives. You’ll collaborate with executives and department leaders on corporate planning and initiatives, contributing to our transformative mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data-Driven Problem Solving Leverage data to identify organizational challenges and proactively design and lead the execution of strategic programs.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive the design and execution of high-impact cross-functional initiatives.

3. Clear Project Management Organize transparent project plans detailing objectives, stakeholder roles, timelines, and communication methods.

4. Stakeholder Updates Proactively provide stakeholders with regular updates on project execution, delivered impact, and addressed roadblocks.

5. Agile Problem Solving Swiftly identify and recommend solutions to roadblocks hindering project success, escalating matters as needed.

6. Process Improvement Identify opportunities for improvement and offer actionable recommendations to enhance project outcomes.

7. Comprehensive Documentation Create project documentation, including playbooks, to facilitate stakeholder understanding and alignment.

8. Organizational Navigation Efficiently navigate the global and local organizational structure to drive progress.

9. Culture Promotion Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability across the organization.

Qualifications

– Stellar Strategic Thinking Excel in strategic and critical thinking.

– Data-Driven Approach Utilize advanced Excel / Google Sheets skills for data analysis.

– Effective Communication Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication abilities.

– Cross-Functional Leadership Proven success in managing complex cross-functional projects.

– Relevant Education Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

– Analytics Experience Prior involvement in analytics-driven projects or programs.

– Business Acumen Demonstrate business and financial acumen, providing cost/benefit analysis.

– Change Facilitation Ability to drive change beyond formal hierarchical structures.

– Language Proficiency Proficiency in French is a plus.

Please submit your application in English.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

Are you ready to make a difference with Wasoko? Here are some expert tips to boost your application:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in strategic thinking, cross-functional project management, and data analysis.
2. Showcase Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
3. Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Provide examples of how you’ve overcome challenges in previous roles.
4. Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your projects in terms of results achieved.
5. Research Wasoko: Understand our mission, values, and recent developments to align your application.
6. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Explain why you’re passionate about joining Wasoko and contributing to our transformative journey.
7. Highlight Collaboration: Illustrate your experience working collaboratively with diverse teams.

Join us in shaping the future of digital commerce across Africa. Your expertise can drive real impact and positive change. Apply today and be part of our revolutionary journey at Wasoko!