About the role
About SmartLab
SmartLab Limited is a leading innovation hub and venture builder driving climate adaptation & resilience, entrepreneurship, talent development, and digital transformation across Tanzania and East Africa. SmartLab designs and implements accelerator programs, corporate innovation initiatives, learning schools, and donor-funded projects, working with startups, corporates, governments, and development partners.
Role Summary
The Programs & Projects Coordinator will lead the Accelerator & Projects Department, overseeing the design, coordination, and delivery of SmartLab’s accelerator programs, donor-funded projects, and strategic innovation initiatives.
This role combines program leadership, project management, stakeholder coordination, and execution excellence. The position is central to ensuring SmartLab delivers high-impact, well-governed, and scalable programs aligned with its mission and partners’ expectations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Accelerator & Program Leadership
Accelerator & Program Leadership Lead the end-to-end management of SmartLab accelerator programs (e.g. climate, resilience, fintech, agritech, innovation challenges). Coordinate startup recruitment, selection, onboarding, and cohort management. Oversee program delivery including:
- Bootcamps - Mentorship & coaching - Technical assistance - Investor readiness & demo days - Ensure programs align with SmartLab’s innovation methodology, donor frameworks, and market needs.
2. Project Management & Delivery
Manage donor-funded and corporate projects from inception to close-out.
Develop and maintain:
- Workplans & Gantt charts - Budgets & resource plans - Risk registers & mitigation strategies - Track milestones, outputs, outcomes, and KPIs across projects. - Ensure timely, high-quality delivery within scope, budget, and timelines.
3. Stakeholder & Partner Coordination
Act as the primary coordination point for:
- Donors & development partners - Corporate partners - Implementing partners & consultants - Mentors, trainers, and ecosystem players - Support relationship management with partners such as: - Climate & development organizations - Financial institutions - Innovation networks & hubs - Prepare partner updates, progress reports, and coordination meetings.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting (MEL)
Track program and project performance using defined KPIs and impact metrics.
Coordinate:
- Periodic progress reports - Donor narrative & financial reporting (with Finance team) - Learning briefs and case studies - Support data collection on impact, inclusion, climate outcomes, and sustainability.
5. Team & Resource Coordination
Supervise and coordinate:
- Program officers & associates - Consultants & facilitators - Interns & volunteers (as applicable) - Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for program teams. - Foster a high-performance, learning-oriented culture within the department.
6. Business & Strategy Support
Support proposal development and program design for new accelerator cohorts and projects.
Contribute to:
- Concept notes - Technical proposals - Budgets and implementation plans - Provide insights to leadership on program performance, risks, and opportunities for scale.
Key Deliverables & KPIs
- Successful delivery of accelerator cohorts and projects on time and within budget. - High partner and startup satisfaction scores. - Quality donor and partner reporting. - Measurable startup outcomes (traction, funding readiness, pilots, partnerships). - Strong internal coordination and documentation.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in project management, Business, Development Studies, Innovation, Climate, or related fields (Master’s degree is an advantage). - 3–6 years of experience in: - Program management - Innovation hubs, accelerators, or incubators - Development or donor-funded projects
- Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-stakeholder programs. - Strong understanding of: - Startup ecosystems - Climate innovation or entrepreneurship programs
- Project management frameworks (Agile, PRINCE2, PMP – an advantage)
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strong project coordination & execution skills - Excellent stakeholder management & communication - Budget tracking and reporting literacy - High attention to detail and organization - Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously - Problem-solving and adaptive leadership mindset - Comfort working in fast-paced, mission-driven environments
Desirable Attributes
- Experience in climate adaptation, resilience, sustainability, or green innovation. - Familiarity with donor environments (EU, UN agencies, foundations, DFIs). - Experience working with startups or SMEs. - Passion for innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and impact-driven work.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Programs run smoothly, professionally, and with clear impact. - Partners trust SmartLab as a reliable implementing and innovation partner. - Startups experience structured, high-quality accelerator journeys. - Leadership has real-time visibility into project progress and risks.
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