Programs & Projects Coordinator (Accelerator & Projects Lead) at 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.