AECF is hiring a Program Manager, Circular Economy to lead investment and programme activities supporting circular economy enterprises in Africa. Apply by October 6, 2026.
The Program Manager, Circular Economy role at the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) offers an opportunity to lead investment and programme activities supporting circular economy businesses in Africa.
The position focuses on investment due diligence, financing structures, portfolio management, programme coordination and enterprise development.
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The Role
Reporting to the Associate Director – Energy, the Program Manager will provide investment and programme leadership for AECF’s circular economy portfolio.
The role involves managing the investment pipeline and portfolio, leading due diligence and financing decisions, overseeing results verification and coordinating donor reporting.
The successful candidate will also work with sector, advisory and programme teams and engage financial institutions, government agencies, industry associations and development partners.
Key Responsibilities
The Program Manager will:
- Lead investment due diligence for prospective portfolio companies.
- Assess business models, financial viability, scalability, management capacity and risk.
- Structure financing instruments such as results-based repayable grants and blended finance.
- Present investment recommendations to the investment committee.
- Manage active portfolio performance and results verification.
- Lead programme planning, budgeting and reporting.
- Supervise programme team members and consultants.
- Coordinate donor work plans, deliverables and reporting.
- Oversee technical assistance and investment-readiness support.
- Support enterprises with areas including recycling, sustainable packaging, resource recovery and eco-design.
- Engage financial institutions, government agencies and development partners.
- Contribute to market research, investment cases and knowledge products.
- Support monitoring, evaluation and programme learning.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have a postgraduate qualification in Finance, Investment, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance or a related discipline.
Additional qualifications or background in areas such as Circular Economy, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences or Sustainable Manufacturing are advantageous but not mandatory.
Candidates should also have:
- At least 10 years of experience in investment, fund or portfolio management, private equity, venture capital, blended finance or development finance.
- Experience investing in or supporting private-sector enterprises in Africa.
- Strong experience in investment due diligence and financing structures.
- Experience managing an investment portfolio.
- At least 3 years of programme management or team leadership experience.
- Experience with budgeting and work-plan management.
- Strong investment and financial analysis skills.
- Understanding of blended finance, results-based financing and enterprise development.
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience with circular economy business models is preferred but is not required.
Circular Economy Experience
AECF identifies several relevant areas of circular economy activity, including:
- Plastics and packaging
- Electronic waste
- Recycling systems
- Resource recovery
- Eco-design
- Industrial symbiosis
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Repair and refurbishment
- Reverse logistics
Candidates without direct circular economy experience may still apply if they have strong investment credentials and can demonstrate the ability to build sector knowledge.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the Program Manager, Circular Economy position is October 6, 2026.
AECF states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the AECF recruitment portal.
Applicants should complete the online application and submit it before the October 6, 2026 deadline.
AECF states that it does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing or training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Program Manager, Circular Economy role?
It is an AECF position responsible for investment and programme leadership across its circular economy portfolio.
How much experience is required?
The vacancy requires at least 10 years of relevant investment, portfolio, private equity, venture capital, blended finance or development finance experience.
Is circular economy experience mandatory?
No. AECF says direct circular economy experience is preferred but not required for candidates with strong investment credentials.
What qualification is required?
A postgraduate qualification in Finance, Investment, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance or a related field is required.
When is the deadline?
Applications must be received by October 6, 2026.
Does AECF charge an application fee?
No. AECF states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
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