Amref Health Africa, founded in 1957, is the largest African-based international health development organization. The organization currently implements more than 180 programs and reaches over 40 million people across 35 African countries. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref operates offices in several African countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Senegal, Zambia, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, with additional advocacy and fundraising offices in Europe and North America.
Amref Health Africa works toward achieving “Lasting health change in Africa” through community-led and people-centered health systems while addressing social determinants of health.
Job Purpose
The Venture Development Lead is responsible for identifying, developing, and scaling social enterprises within Amref Ethiopia to create sustainable solutions that address social challenges while generating revenue and impact. The role focuses on designing and implementing innovative ventures that diversify income and support the organization’s mission.
The position works closely with the Strategy and Transformation Lead and the Country Director to identify opportunities, develop business models, launch ventures, and manage enterprise operations. The role also promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the organization.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Venture Identification, Feasibility & Development
- Conduct market research and sector analysis to identify viable products, services, and venture opportunities aligned with Amref’s mission.
- Develop feasibility studies, business cases, and comprehensive business plans for selected ventures.
- Design strong business models including pricing strategies, revenue streams, and operational frameworks.
- Establish venture selection criteria and guide decisions on ventures to be piloted or incubated.
- Ensure ventures are sustainable, scalable, and deliver measurable social and health impact.
- Apply market validation, lean startup, and human-centered design methodologies.
- Lead the venture development lifecycle from concept generation to pilot readiness.
2. Venture Implementation, Portfolio Management & Scaling
- Lead the implementation and launch of pilot ventures within defined timelines and targets.
- Monitor and evaluate venture performance, impact, and scalability.
- Develop portfolio management systems including KPIs, impact indicators, and financial tracking tools.
- Conduct regular portfolio reviews and implement improvements where necessary.
- Provide technical advisory support to ventures on growth strategies and market expansion.
- Integrate successful ventures into Amref’s broader operational systems.
- Identify and manage venture risks with effective mitigation strategies.
3. Investment Mobilization, Partnerships & Compliance
- Build strategic partnerships with investors, donors, private sector partners, and innovation ecosystems.
- Lead fundraising initiatives to secure financial and strategic support for ventures.
- Prepare ventures for investment through financial modeling, governance strengthening, and investor readiness.
- Develop investment documentation including due diligence reports and investment memos.
- Support development of financing models such as equity, grants, debt, and blended finance.
- Ensure ventures comply with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
- Represent Amref Ventures in innovation platforms, investment forums, and strategic partnerships.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, International Development, or a related field.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, venture capital, social entrepreneurship, consulting, or related fields.
- Experience launching or scaling social enterprises or startups is an advantage.
- Strong experience in market research, feasibility studies, and competitive analysis.
- Solid financial skills including budgeting, forecasting, revenue modeling, and cost analysis.
- Experience in fundraising, investment mobilization, and financial management is desirable.
- Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to social enterprises and NGOs is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to utilize IT tools and digital systems to improve efficiency and processes.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, and coordination skills.
- Good understanding of international development and NGO operations.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Alignment with Amref Health Africa’s core values and mission.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position.
Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
Amref Health Africa does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and has not authorized any recruitment agents. All official communication will be sent from an @amref.org email address.
Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults and promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment.