14/08/2026
📢 WE’RE HIRING: PROGRAMME LEAD – SME DEVELOPMENT
Background: Orange Corners South Africa Trust
Orange Corners South Africa Trust is dedicated to accelerating youth-owned businesses within the sustainable green economy through entrepreneurship development, expert coaching, strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaboration. As part of the global Orange Corners network, the programme is implemented across more than 20 countries, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
Purpose of the Role
The Programme Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operational delivery of the Orange Corners SME Development Programme. Working closely with the Programme Director, the role ensures the programme is effectively coordinated and delivered, providing an high-quality experience for participating SMEs, coaches and partners while driving continuous improvement across programme operations.
đź“Ť Johannesburg | Hybrid
đź•’ Part-time | 2 days per week
đź“… Start date: 1 November 2026
Key Responsibilities
Programme Delivery
• Maintain regular coordination with the Programme Director to ensure alignment on programme delivery, participant progress, priorities and operational decisions.
• Establish regular feedback loops with the Programme Director, proactively identifying risks, opportunities and areas requiring support.
• Lead the operational delivery of the annual SME Development Programme.
• Manage SME recruitment, selection, onboarding and diagnostic assessments.
• Coordinate coaches, trainers and service providers to ensure effective delivery.
• Monitor implementation against agreed milestones, proactively managing risks and resolving operational issues.
• Ensure all programme activities are delivered to a high standard and aligned with programme objectives.
Stakeholder and Participant Management
• Act as the primary ambassador for Orange Corners to participating entrepreneurs, fostering a positive, engaging and supportive programme experience.
• Build trust and strong relationships with entrepreneurs, maintaining high levels of motivation, participation and commitment throughout the programme.
• Create an inclusive and inspiring participant & alumni community that reflects the
Orange Corners brand and values.
• Proactively identify and respond to participant needs to ensure entrepreneurs feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with coaches, service providers, partners and other stakeholders.
• Support partnership activities by coordinating meetings, communications and programme information.
Operations and Administration
• Coordinate workshops, coaching sessions, networking events and programme logistics, including venues, catering, attendance, name tags, materials and participant communications.
• Maintain programme records, databases, email correspondence and digital filing systems.
• Coordinate suppliers and monitor programme expenditure in line with approved budgets.
Monitoring and Reporting
• Monitor programme performance and participant progress against agreed objectives and KPIs.
• Prepare quarterly SME progress reports and bi-annual alumni reports.
• Collect programme data and participant feedback to measure impact and inform continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation to support donor and stakeholder reporting.
Systems and Continuous Improvement
• Improve programme systems, processes and administrative efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to enhance programme delivery and the participant experience.
• Take ownership of operational challenges and implement practical solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
• Diploma in Project Management, Social Development, Development Studies, Business Management or a related field.
• A bachelor's degree will be advantageous.
Experience
• At least three years' experience in programme, project or SME development coordination.
• Experience working with entrepreneurs, enterprise development programmes or the non-profit sector will be advantageous.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders, workshops and service providers.
Key Competencies
• Excellent planning, coordination and organisational skills.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High attention to detail and strong administrative capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators
• High entrepreneur satisfaction, engagement and programme completion rates.
• Successful delivery of the annual programme plan and milestones.
• Effective recruitment, onboarding and retention of SME participants.
• Timely delivery of workshops, coaching sessions and programme activities.
• Accurate programme administration and reporting.
• Adherence to budgets
• Quarterly SME and bi-annual alumni reports submitted on time.
• High participant engagement and satisfaction.
• Continuous improvement of programme systems and processes.
• Strong stakeholder and service provider relationships.
📧 Apply by emailing: [[email protected]]
⏳ Applications close: 11 September 2026
