Programs & Projects Coordinator (Accelerator & Projects Lead)

About the role

SmartLab Limited is seeking a Programs & Projects Coordinator to lead its Accelerator & Projects Department. The role will oversee design, coordination and delivery of accelerator programmes, donor‑funded projects and strategic innovation initiatives across Tanzania and East Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end management of accelerator cohorts, including startup recruitment, onboarding, bootcamps, mentorship, investor readiness and demo days.
• Manage donor‑funded and corporate projects from inception to close‑out, creating workplans, budgets, risk registers and tracking KPIs.
• Coordinate with donors, development partners, corporate partners and ecosystem players, preparing updates and progress reports.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and reporting, producing periodic progress reports, financial narratives and impact briefs.
• Supervise program officers, consultants, interns and volunteers, handling recruitment, onboarding and performance management.
• Support business development by drafting concept notes, technical proposals and budgets for new accelerator cohorts.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, development studies, innovation, climate or related field (Master’s a plus).
• 3–6 years experience in program management within innovation hubs, accelerators or donor‑funded projects.
• Proven ability to coordinate multi‑stakeholder programmes and deliver results on time and within budget.

Required skills

• Agile project management methodology
• PRINCE2 framework
• PMP certification (or equivalent)