Senior Program Manager

Job Summary Position Overview ACE is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and results-oriented Senior Program Manager to lead the organization's strategic portfolio of programs and advisory services. This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving organizational growth, managing complex development programs, expanding strategic partnerships, and ensuring excellence in program delivery. The successful candidate will provide both strategic leadership and technical expertise , particularly in Private Sector Development (PSD), Business Development Services (BDS), MSME Development, Skills Development, TVET, Entrepreneurship, Value Chain Development, and Inclusive Economic Growth . Working closely with the CEO, clients, development partners, government institutions, and private sector stakeholders, the Program Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping ACE's technical leadership and market position. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Program Management Lead the strategic planning, design, implementation, and oversight of complex programs and consulting assignments. Develop program strategies, implementation plans, budgets, governance frameworks, and performance management systems. Ensure successful delivery of organizational programs while maintaining quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Identify strategic opportunities for organizational growth and innovation. Sector Leadership and Technical Expertise Provide technical leadership across ACE's core practice areas, including: Private Sector Development (PSD) Business Development Services (BDS) MSME and Enterprise Development Entrepreneurship Development Skills Development and TVET Value Chain Analysis and Development Market Systems Development (MSD) Local Economic Development (LED) Inclusive Economic Growth Investment Promotion and Public–Private Partnerships The Program Manager will: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise development and private sector competitiveness programs. Provide technical guidance on MSME development, entrepreneurship ecosystems, business advisory services, market access, and enterprise competitiveness. Lead value chain assessments, market systems analyses, competitiveness studies, and economic sector diagnostics. Develop interventions that improve productivity, market linkages, employment generation, and inclusive economic growth. Support workforce development and skills initiatives aligned with labor market needs. Provide technical leadership for donor-funded projects, consulting assignments, policy advisory services, and sector studies. Represent ACE as a recognized technical expert in engagements with clients, development partners, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Business Development and Client Engagement Lead business development initiatives that expand ACE's portfolio of consulting assignments and development programs. Identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. Lead the preparation of technical and financial proposals, concept notes, expressions of interest, and consulting bids. Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, donors, development agencies, and private sector organizations. Position ACE as a preferred technical partner in economic development and private sector programming. Leadership and Organizational Development Lead multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and excellence. Mentor technical staff and strengthen organizational capacity. Promote continuous learning, knowledge management, and quality improvement across the organization. Monitoring, Quality Assurance, and Governance Establish performance management and monitoring systems for programs and consulting assignments. Prepare strategic reports, executive dashboards, and client presentations. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, organizational policies, and international quality standards. Lead program reviews, evaluations, and organizational learning initiatives. Job Requirements Qualifications and Experience Education Master's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, Public Policy, Management, Entrepreneurship, International Development, Engineering, or a related discipline. Professional certification in Project Management (PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent) will be an added advantage. Professional Experience Applicants should possess 10–15 years of progressively responsible professional experience , including at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership position , with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: Private Sector Development (PSD) Business Development Services (BDS) MSME and Enterprise Development Entrepreneurship Development Skills Development and TVET Value Chain Analysis and Development Market Systems Development (MSD/M4P) Local Economic Development (LED) Investment Promotion Inclusive Economic Growth The ideal candidate will have: Demonstrated experience designing and managing donor-funded economic development programs. Strong technical expertise in enterprise competitiveness, market systems, value chain upgrading, and private sector engagement. Experience conducting market assessments, value chain analyses, business environment studies, and sector research. Proven success in proposal development, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and business development. Experience working with governments, development partners, UN agencies, international NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector organizations. Outstanding leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Core Competencies Strategic Leadership Private Sector Development MSME & Enterprise Development Business Development Services Skills Development & TVET Value Chain Development Market Systems Development Business Development & Proposal Writing Program & Portfolio Management Client & Partnership Management Financial & Resource Management Organizational Development Stakeholder Engagement Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Policy & Institutional Development Excellent Presentation and Communication Skills