Senior Program Manager, Investment Readiness & Grant Programs

ph3Senior Program Manager, Investment Readiness Grant Programs /h3 pbLocation /b: Amsterdam (preferred)br/bOrganisation /b: VC4A – Venture Capital for Africabr/bReports to /b: Head of Acceleration /p pVC4A is a leading ecosystem builder supporting high-growth startups across emerging markets. Through investment readiness training, venture showcases, mentorship, and investor engagement, VC4A helps entrepreneurs connect with the capital, knowledge, and networks required to scale. /p pVC4A works with founders, investors, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders to unlock early-stage capital and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa and other emerging markets. /p h3Role Overview /h3 pVC4A is seeking a Senior Program Manager to support the delivery of startup support programs focused on investment readiness and the deployment of catalytic grant funding to early-stage companies. /p pThe role combines project management, startup finance, and ecosystem engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with founders to strengthen their investment readiness while also supporting the deployment, monitoring, and reporting of grant funding provided to startups. /p pThe position is ideally based in Amsterdam, with regular travel and engagement across Africa’s startup ecosystem. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 h31. Investment Readiness Program Management /h3 pLead the design and delivery of programs that prepare startups to raise capital from angel investors, venture capital funds, and other early-stage investors. /p pResponsibilities include: /p ul liManaging investment readiness training programs for startups seeking Seed and Series A investment. /li liCoordinating curriculum delivery across topics such as:ul lifinancial modelling /li listartup valuations /li lifundraising strategy /li lideal structuring /li liinvestor communications /li /ul /li liCoordinating both internal and external stakeholders as well as mentors, trainers, and ecosystem partners involved in the program. /li liManaging program timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements. /li liProviding feedback to founders on pitch decks, fundraising strategies, and financial models. /li liPreparing startups for investor engagement opportunities such as demo days or venture showcases. /li /ul h32. Grant Deployment Startup Support /h3 pSupport the deployment of grant funding designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups. /p pResponsibilities include: /p ul liManaging the selection and onboarding of startups receiving grant funding. /li liAnalysis of startup financials and operational plans to ensure program fit. /li liIn-person due diligence of shortlisted startups. /li liCoordinating reporting and documentation required by funding partners. /li liFacilitating technical assistance support offered by the program, including stakeholder co-ordination. /li liMonitoring startup progress against agreed milestones and deliverables. /li /ul h3b3. Financial Analysis Investment Preparation /b /h3 pSupport founders in strengthening their financial management and fundraising readiness. /p pResponsibilities include: /p ul liReviewing startup financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow). /li liAssessing unit economics, burn rate, runway, and capital requirements. /li liSupporting founders in developing credible financial projections and fundraising strategies. /li liHelping translate financial data into clear investor narratives. /li /ul h34. Stakeholder Ecosystem Engagement /h3 pCoordinate engagement with investors, ecosystem partners, and program stakeholders. /p pResponsibilities include: /p ul liEngaging angel investors, venture capital funds, and ecosystem partners. /li liFacilitating introductions between founders and investors where appropriate. /li liParticipating in ecosystem events and initiatives relevant to startup investment. /li /ul h35. Program Operations Tools /h3 pEnsure smooth program delivery through effective operational systems. /p pResponsibilities include: /p ul liManaging program workflows and founder engagement using tools such as Notion.br/Maintaining structured databases of startup progress, milestones, and program outcomes.br/Supporting internal coordination across distributed teams. /li /ul h3Required Experience /h3 pCandidates should demonstrate a strong combination of startup ecosystem experience, financial analysis skills, and project management capability. /p ul li3+ years experience working in startup ecosystems, accelerators, venture capital, or investment readiness programs. /li liStrong understanding of startup fundraising mechanics and early-stage investment. /li liExperience reviewing startup financial models, pitch decks, and fundraising strategies. /li liStrong ability to analyse financial statements and assess startup financial performance. h3Technical Skills /h3 ul liFinancial modelling and startup financial analysis /li liFinancial statement analysis /li liStartup valuation fundamentals /li liProject and program management /li liNotion for program coordination and workflow management /li liStrong written and presentation skills /li /ul h3Preferred Experience /h3 ul liWorking within the African startup ecosystem /li liWith early-stage venture investing or startup finance /li liImplementing donor-funded entrepreneurship programs /li liSupporting startups through investment readiness or accelerator programs /li liIn-person due diligence of African startups and SMEs /li /ul h3Location /h3 pPreferred candidates are based in Amsterdam. The role requires regular travel and engagement with founders and partners across Africa and Europe. /p /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr