Programs Manager - Capability Building & Business Programs

Job Purpose

To lead the design, development, and execution of capability building and business growth programmes that strengthen MiZa’s position as a leading innovation district and collaborative business ecosystem. The role is responsible for creating impactful initiatives that support startups, SMEs, and established businesses through incubation, acceleration, leadership development, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem collaboration, enabling businesses to scale locally and internationally.

• Lead the creation and implementation of capability building frameworks that support startups, SMEs, and established businesses within the MiZa ecosystem.
• Design, develop, and manage business support programmes including incubators, accelerators, residencies, leadership development, funding readiness, and business growth initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government entities, academic institutions, investors, industry bodies, accelerators, and business networks to expand programme reach and impact.
• Foster collaboration between tenants and ecosystem stakeholders by creating opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation projects.
• Support businesses in market expansion, investment readiness, and development of exportable products and services.
• Work closely with internal operational and technical teams to ensure programmes are strategically aligned, effectively executed, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Monitor programme performance, track KPIs, evaluate impact, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive execution of programmes while ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Introduce talent development and leadership initiatives that strengthen skills pipelines and future workforce capabilities within the ecosystem.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Economic Development, Public Policy, or related field.

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in programme management, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship support, or business capability development.
• Experience working with startups, SMEs, accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, or economic development entities.
• Proven track record in managing cross-functional programmes and stakeholder engagement initiatives.