Programs & Projects Coordinator (Accelerator & Projects Lead)

About Smart. Lab Smart. Lab Limited is a leading innovation hub and venture builder driving climate adaptation & resilience, entrepreneurship, talent development, and digital transformation across Tanzania and East Africa. Smart. Lab 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 Smart. Lab’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 Smart. Lab 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 Smart. Lab 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 Smart. Lab’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 Smart. Lab as a reliable implementing and innovation partner. Startups experience structured, high-quality accelerator journeys. Leadership has real-time visibility into project progress and risks.