Ecosystem Lead - Jobtech Alliance

Job Posting Organization:
Prosper Global is a humanitarian organization that was established to address urgent needs and create conditions for lasting progress in communities facing conflict, climate change, and economic hardship. The organization was rebranded from Mercy Corps in 2026 to reflect its mission of enabling every community to prosper, thereby advancing humanity as a whole. Prosper Global operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on innovative solutions that leverage local knowledge and global resources. The organization is dedicated to building sustainable systems that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Job Overview:
The Ecosystem Lead for the Jobtech Alliance is a pivotal role that involves leading efforts to strengthen and shape the inclusive jobtech ecosystem across Africa. This position requires a strategic thinker who can develop and implement an ecosystem strategy aligned with the Jobtech Alliance’s systems change model. The Ecosystem Lead will be responsible for managing partnerships, community engagement, events, and campaigns that translate learning into collective action. The role also involves listening to startup founders and ecosystem actors to understand their needs and challenges, thereby fostering a network that facilitates collaboration and support among various stakeholders. The Ecosystem Lead will oversee the DAWN project in Nigeria, which focuses on enabling underserved young people, particularly women and marginalized groups, to access dignified work through jobtech startups. Success in this role is measured by the clarity of the ecosystem strategy, the effectiveness of community engagement, and the impact of campaigns on ecosystem behavior.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and continuously evolve the ecosystem strategy for the Jobtech Alliance, ensuring alignment with the needs of startup founders and ecosystem actors.
• Translate the ecosystem strategy into actionable annual priorities, KPIs, and plans in collaboration with the Program Director.
• Lead the DAWN project’s ecosystem outcomes in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with the project’s workplan and results framework.
• Conduct regular listening sessions with founders and ecosystem actors to gather insights and feedback, and share findings to inform strategy and partnerships.
• Build and maintain a robust community of stakeholders, including startup founders, investors, and policymakers, to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Design and implement collective action campaigns aimed at driving behavior change within the ecosystem.
• Manage the Community & Events Manager and Communications Manager, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Oversee the ecosystem intelligence platform, ensuring it meets the needs of the community and informs strategic decisions.
• Represent the Jobtech Alliance at key ecosystem forums and events, acting as a connector among various stakeholders. 1
• Track and report on the impact of ecosystem initiatives and campaigns, using data to refine approaches and strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in ecosystem building, partnerships, community engagement, or leadership roles within the startup space in Africa.
• Proven experience as a founder or senior entrepreneur in a startup is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing campaigns or initiatives that drive behavior change among stakeholders.
• Strong background in community building and event management within the startup ecosystem.
• Excellent communication skills, with a track record of developing compelling content and messages.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in business, social science, international development, or a related field is required. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered. Candidates should possess strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in ecosystem building, partnerships, and community engagement, with a minimum of 10 years in relevant roles. Experience in the startup sector, particularly within jobtech or platform businesses, is highly advantageous. Proven leadership experience, including team management and project oversight, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the regions of operation (such as Swahili or local Nigerian languages) would be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based on project-based funding. The role requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to areas with limited amenities or security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Team members are encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities.