Summary
The Startup Incubator Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for Uncommon.org's Startup Incubator Programme under the Judith Neilson Foundation (JNF) Renewal Grant 2026–2029. As the organisation's flagship entrepreneurship initiative, the Incubator represents the final phase of Uncommon's Theory of Change, equipping emerging entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, mentorship, and resources needed to build sustainable, technology-enabled ventures.
The role will lead the establishment and growth of the Incubator from inception to implementation, overseeing programme design, founder recruitment, mentor engagement, seed funding processes, and alumni support. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, the Startup Incubator Manager will foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation, strengthens business capability, and contributes to Zimbabwe's growing startup landscape.
As the primary relationship holder with mentors, investors, ecosystem partners, and government stakeholders, the Manager will ensure the successful delivery of five founder cohorts and drive measurable outcomes aligned with Uncommon.org's mission of creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for underserved communities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Incubator Strategy and Programme Delivery
- Lead the establishment and implementation of the Startup Incubator, including programme design, operational systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Design, review, and facilitate the 16-week incubation curriculum covering business model development, MVP design, financial literacy, pitching, and go-to-market strategies.
- Oversee the planning and delivery of cohort activities, workshops, Demo Days, and founder engagement initiatives to ensure a high-quality participant experience.
2. Founder Recruitment and Venture Development
- Lead cohort recruitment and selection processes, including defining eligibility criteria, managing applications, and selecting founders aligned with programme objectives.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and strategic guidance to founders to strengthen venture viability, innovation, and investment readiness.
- Oversee founder support services, including stipend administration, laptop allocation, access to programme resources, and coordination of additional support mechanisms required for successful programme participation.
3. Incubator Ecosystem Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with mentors, investors, industry experts, accelerators, government institutions, and private sector partners.
- Represent Uncommon.org within Zimbabwe's entrepreneurship ecosystem and identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and resource mobilisation.
- Facilitate mentor engagement and coordinate expert contributions to enhance founders' learning and exposure.
4. Incubator Team Leadership and Operational Management
- Supervise, coach, and support the professional development of the Startup Incubator Coordinator.
- Manage the Incubator facility, digital platforms, equipment, and programme resources to ensure effective and efficient operations.
- Identify and address operational risks, escalating critical issues and implementing solutions to maintain programme continuity.
5. Incubator Programme Performance and Accountability
- Monitor programme performance and track key outcomes, including startup creation, founder progression, seed funding utilisation, and alumni outcomes.
- Lead programme reporting processes, including donor reports, narrative updates, and performance submissions in collaboration with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team.
- Develop and manage programme budgets, including seed capital allocations, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and donor requirements.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Technology, Economics, or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years' progressively responsible experience in startup support, entrepreneurship development, innovation programming, business incubation, or related areas.
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering structured incubation, acceleration, or enterprise development programmes.
- Proven track record of working with early-stage entrepreneurs and supporting venture growth within an African context.
- Experience managing programme budgets, grants, and operational resources.
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, or a related discipline (preferred).
- Previous experience establishing or managing an incubator, accelerator, innovation hub, or entrepreneurship programme (preferred).
- Existing networks within Zimbabwe's startup, investment, corporate, or entrepreneurial ecosystem (preferred).
- Experience working within donor-funded environments and preparing programme reports (preferred).
- Familiarity with seed funding mechanisms, impact investing, venture financing, or alternative funding models (preferred).
Performance Metrics (KPIs)
- Successful delivery of five founder cohorts across the grant period.
- Founder progression and venture viability outcomes tracked and reported against logframe targets.
- Seed funding allocated and utilised in compliance with organisational and donor requirements.
- Strategic partnerships with mentors, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders established and maintained.
- Timely submission of donor reports, narrative updates, and programme performance submissions.
- Incubator Coordinator performance supported through regular supervision and professional development.
90-Day Success Plan
By the end of 90 days, the Startup Incubator Manager will have:
- Completed a thorough review of the JNF grant requirements, programme design documentation, and existing operational systems.
- Finalised the 16-week incubation curriculum and all supporting programme materials for the first cohort.
- Launched cohort recruitment, completed the application and selection process, and onboarded the first cohort of founders.
- Established initial relationships with key mentors, ecosystem partners, and stakeholders.
- Submitted the first programme narrative and performance report in collaboration with the MEL team.
